Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked 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—yes, the one quietly operating in the corner—could be one of the largest 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 termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they managed to compromise 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because companies underestimated this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.

Why Target Printers?

Printers are a treasure trove of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client data. Yet, most 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 are equipped with 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 credentials 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 connect to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as a gateway 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 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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 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 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 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. Use a strong, unique password similar to what you would use for your email or bank account.
• Update Your Printer's Firmware: Manufacturers provide security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings and 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 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 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. 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, after all, it's just a printer. However, cybercriminals are aware that organizations often overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you're securing your computers but neglecting 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 10-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 818-456-0626 to schedule your FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call today!