Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you to identify the top cybersecurity threats in your office, you might mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. However, what if I told you that your office printer—yes, the one quietly humming in the corner—could be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Many businesses are unaware of the security risks these devices pose until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they called the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, directing them to print out a sheet on printer security. That amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices—all because businesses underestimated this seemingly harmless piece of office equipment.

Why Target Printers?

Printers are a treasure trove of sensitive data. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client information, yet most businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.

Here's what can happen when a hacker gains access to your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data: Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers come equipped with built-in hard drives that store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or even reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream: Most printers are shipped with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses neglect to change these, making it alarmingly easy for cybercriminals to take control.
• They're an open door to your network: Printers connect to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as an entry point for installing malware or ransomware or stealing data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted: If your print jobs aren't encrypted, hackers can intercept documents before they reach the printer. This means confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records could be exposed.
• They can spy on your business: Many modern printers have built-in storage and scan-to-email features. If a hacker compromises your device, they can remotely access scanned documents, emails, and stored files.
• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates. However, most businesses fail to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• Data mining from discarded printers: Improperly disposed printers can serve as a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. Printers must have their storage wiped clean to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks, here's what you should do right away:

• Change The Default Password: If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them immediately. Opt for a strong, unique password similar to what you'd use for your email or bank account.
• Update Your Printer's Firmware: Manufacturers release security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle this for you.
• Encrypt Print Jobs: Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to prevent hackers from intercepting print jobs.
• Restrict Who Can Print: Implement access controls so only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs, and consider adding a guest option.
• Regularly Clear Stored Data: Some printers allow you to manually delete stored print jobs. If yours has a hard drive, ensure it's encrypted, and if you replace a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
• Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall: Just like computers, printers should be safeguarded by a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor Printer Activity: If your IT team isn't already tracking printer logs, now is the time to start. Unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents should raise alarms.

Printers Aren't Just Office Equipment - They're Security Risks

Many businesses overlook printer security because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often neglected, making them easy targets.

If you're securing your computers but ignoring your printers, you're leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.

Want to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE Discovery Call - we'll check for vulnerabilities and make sure your printers (and your entire network) aren't leaving your business exposed.

Click here or give us a call at (760) 266-5444 to schedule your FREE Discovery Call today!