Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If you were to identify the most significant 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 humming in the corner, could be one of the largest 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 these devices pose—until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of 50,000 devices sampled, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet on printer security. This equated to 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 data. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client information. 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 - Each time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers have built-in hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or even reprint those 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 to install malware or ransomware or to steal 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 equipped 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 fail to update their printers' firmware, leaving them exposed 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, potentially leading to security breaches. It's crucial to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal to prevent vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you're aware printers can be hacked, 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 provide security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team assist you.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to thwart 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 may 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 - Similar to 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. 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, after all, it's just a printer. However, cybercriminals are aware that organizations often overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you're focusing on protecting your computers while 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 615-989-0000 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!