Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the most significant cybersecurity threats in your office, you'd likely 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 substantial 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 referred to as the "Printer Hack Experiment." From a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a message about printer security. This equates to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses underestimating 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 if a hacker gains access to your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers come equipped with hard drives that can store years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or even reprint those files without your awareness.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers are shipped with default admin logins such as "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses fail 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 lack encryption, hackers can intercept documents before they even 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 capabilities. 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It is essential to wipe the storage clean of printers before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal repercussions.

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 is still using the default login credentials, change them right away. Use 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. Access your printer settings to check for updates, or have your IT team handle this.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to prevent hackers from intercepting print jobs.
• Restrict Who Can Print - Implement access controls so that only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer has a PIN code feature, require it 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 is 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. Look for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents as warning signs.

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

Many businesses do not take printer security seriously because they view printers as mere office equipment. 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 leaving 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 (918) 770-9150 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!