Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the major cybersecurity threats in your workplace, you might mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. However, what if I told you that your office printer, the one quietly operating in the corner, could be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound far-fetched, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Many businesses fail to recognize the security risks associated with these devices until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they called the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of 50,000 devices sampled, they successfully hacked 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet about printer security. This amounted to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses overlooking this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.

Why Target Printers?

Printers are treasure troves of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client data. Yet, many businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.

Here's what can occur when a hacker accesses your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers feature built-in hard drives that can hold 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 come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses neglect to change these, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to take control.
• They're an open door to your network - Printers are connected to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as an entry point for installing malware or ransomware, or for stealing data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted - If your print jobs aren't encrypted, hackers can intercept documents before they even reach the printer. This could expose confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records.
• 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 provide cybercriminals with a wealth of sensitive information. Residual data on discarded printers can be exploited, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal to avoid data breaches and legal issues.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks associated with printers, here are immediate steps you should take:

• Change The Default Password - If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them right away. Opt for a strong, unique password similar to what you would use for your email or bank account.
• Update Your Printer's Firmware - Manufacturers issue security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings to check for updates, or have your IT team handle this.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to safeguard against hackers intercepting print jobs.
• Restrict Who Can Print - Implement access controls so that only authorized personnel can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs. You can also add 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 secured by a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor Printer Activity - If your IT team isn't already monitoring 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 underestimate printer security because they view it as just a printer. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.

If you are securing your computers but neglecting your printers, you are creating a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.

Want to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE 15-Minute 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 281-402-2620 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!