Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If you were to list 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 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." They tested 50,000 devices and successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet on printer security. This amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because companies underestimated this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.

Why Target Printers?

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

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

• Printers store sensitive data - Every print, scan, or copy creates a digital record. Many printers have built-in hard drives that retain years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses these, they can steal or even reprint 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 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 entry points for malware, ransomware, or data theft from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted - Without encryption, hackers can intercept documents before they reach the printer. This could expose confidential contracts, legal documents, and medical records.
• They can spy on your business - Modern printers often come with built-in storage and scan-to-email features. If compromised, hackers can remotely access scanned documents, emails, and stored files.
• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates. However, many businesses fail to update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on discarded printers can be mined for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal issues.

How to Protect Your Printers from Hackers

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

• Change the default password - If your printer still uses default login credentials, change them right away. Use a strong, unique password similar to those you use for email or banking.
• Update your printer's firmware - Manufacturers release security patches for a reason. Access your printer settings to check for updates, or have your IT team do 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 to ensure 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 delete stored print jobs manually. If your printer 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 protected 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 out for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents.

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

Many businesses fail to take printer security seriously because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals recognize that companies often overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you're safeguarding 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 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 303-415-2702 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!