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 absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Unfortunately, many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they 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 successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses neglecting 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 gains access to your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data - Every time a document is printed, scanned, or copied, your printer retains a digital version. Many printers possess built-in hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll records, contracts, and employee information. 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 equipped with default admin logins such as "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses never 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 an entry point for installing malware or ransomware, or for stealing data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted - If print jobs are not 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 come with 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 left on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's crucial to wipe or destroy the hard drive of any replaced printer to prevent data breaches and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand printers can be hacked, 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 issue 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 - Activate Secure Print and implement 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 supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs. You can also offer a guest printing 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 when replacing 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 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 they see printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often overlooked, 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 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 (210) 582-5814 to schedule your FREE Discovery Call today!