Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the major 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 most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Many organizations fail to recognize the security risks they pose until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." From a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet about printer security. That's almost 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses underestimating this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.

Why Target Printers?

Printers are treasure troves 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 a document is printed, scanned, or copied, the printer retains a digital copy. Many printers include built-in hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses the printer, they can steal or reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses do not change these, making it incredibly easy for cybercriminals to gain control.
• They're an open door to your network - Printers connect to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as a gateway for installing malware or ransomware or stealing data from other devices.
• Print jobs can be intercepted - If print jobs are not 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 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like all devices, printers require security updates. However, many businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them exposed 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. Printers must have their storage wiped clean to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks, here's what you should do right away:

• Change The Default Password - If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them immediately. 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. Access your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle it.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to safeguard against hackers 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 jobs. You can also include 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 is encrypted, and wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposing of a printer.
• 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 monitoring printer logs, now is the time to start. Look for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents as warning signs.

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

Many businesses overlook printer security because they see printers as just printers. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often neglected, making them easy targets.

If you are securing your computers but ignoring 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 10-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 973-439-0306 to schedule your FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call today!