May 19, 2025
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 be one of the greatest vulnerabilities in your 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 a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet on printer security. That amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses underestimating this seemingly innocuous 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.
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 accesses these, they could steal or even reprint those files without your awareness.
- Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Many printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Numerous 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 malware, ransomware, or data theft from other devices.
- Print jobs can be intercepted - If your print jobs lack encryption, 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, making them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
- Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a treasure trove for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on discarded printers can be exploited 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 associated with printers, here's what you should do immediately:
- Change The Default Password - If your printer still uses 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 provide security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings and check for updates, or have your IT team handle 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 that 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 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 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
Most businesses underestimate printer security because, after all, it's just a printer. However, cybercriminals are aware 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.
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