Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the major 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, might be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers, and many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they present until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they referred to as 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. This resulted in nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses overlooking 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.

When a hacker gains access to your printer, several things can occur:

• Printers store sensitive data - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers include built-in hard drives that can store years of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Many printers come with default admin logins such as "admin/admin" or "123456." Numerous businesses fail 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 stealing data 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 at risk.
• They can spy on your business - Many modern printers come with 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, many businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe clean or destroy the hard drive of any replaced printers 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 actions 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 end-to-end encryption to prevent hackers from 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. You can also add a guest option.
• Regularly Clear Stored Data - Some printers allow manual deletion of 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 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 red flags.

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 are aware that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.

If you are safeguarding your computers while 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 (949) 396-1100 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!