Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If you were to identify the top cybersecurity threats in your office, 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 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 50,000 devices tested, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet on printer security. This amounts to 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 - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers have internal hard drives that can hold years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or reprint these files without your awareness.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin logins such as "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 an entry point for installing malware or ransomware or for stealing data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted - If your print jobs are not encrypted, hackers can intercept documents before they reach the printer. This could expose confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records.
• 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• 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 ensure that printers have their storage wiped clean to prevent vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

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 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 release 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 - Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to safeguard print jobs from interception by hackers.
• Restrict Who Can Print - Implement access controls to ensure that only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs, and consider providing 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 when replacing a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
• Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall - Just as you protect computers, printers should also be safeguarded by a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
• Monitor Printer Activity - If your IT team isn't already monitoring printer logs, now is the time to start. Unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents should be considered warning signs.

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

Many businesses underestimate printer security because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.

If you're securing 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 720-449-3379 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!