Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you to list the top 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 humming 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 compromised 56% of 50,000 printers, successfully directing them to print a sheet on printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because businesses 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, 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 time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer keeps a digital copy. Many printers have built-in hard drives that retain years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses this data, they can steal or 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 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 malware or ransomware installation, or for data theft from other devices.

- Print jobs can be intercepted: If your print jobs aren't 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 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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. It's crucial to wipe clean printer storage to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks, here's what you need to do right away:

• Change The Default Password: If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them immediately. Use a strong, unique password similar to what you would use for your email or bank account.
• Update Your Printer's Firmware: Manufacturers release security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings and check for updates, or have your IT team handle this.
• 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. 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 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 don't take printer security seriously because they view printers as just printers. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.

If you're focusing on securing your computers while 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 877-622-7911 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!