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 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 represent one of the largest vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Unfortunately, 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. 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 a treasure trove of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client details. 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 you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers come with built-in hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses these, 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 like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses neglect to change these, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to seize 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 your print jobs lack encryption, 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 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide-open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 fail to update their printers' firmware, making them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on these devices can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's crucial to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal to prevent data breaches and legal issues.

How to Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks associated with printers, here's what you should do right away:

• Change the Default Password - If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them immediately. Opt for 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 task.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to safeguard against hackers 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 manually delete stored print jobs. If your printer has a hard drive, ensure it's 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 block unauthorized access.
• Monitor Printer Activity - If your IT team isn't already tracking printer logs, it's time to begin. 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 fail to take printer security seriously because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals recognize that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.

If you're safeguarding 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 609-676-3597 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!