Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you to identify the primary 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 are particularly fond of printers. Many businesses are unaware of 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 sheet on printer security. This means nearly 28,000 compromised devices—an oversight stemming from businesses treating this "innocuous" piece of office equipment lightly.

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 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 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 even reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Many printers come equipped with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Often, businesses neglect to change these, making it alarmingly 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 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 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 become a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can be mined for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe clean the storage of printers 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. 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 do this for you.
• 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 and consider adding 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 like computers, printers should be safeguarded 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. Look out for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents.

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

If you're securing your computers but neglecting 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 503-966-2538 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!