Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the primary 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 represent one of the greatest vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers. Many businesses are unaware of the security risks associated with these devices until they experience a breach. 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 message about printer security. This equates to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because companies underestimated 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.

When a hacker gains access to your printer, several issues can arise:

• Printers store sensitive data - Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many models come equipped with built-in hard drives that save years' worth of documents, including payroll records, contracts, and employee information. If a hacker accesses these files, they can steal or reprint them without your awareness.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin credentials like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses fail 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 for 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 feature 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, many businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can yield a wealth of information for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe the storage clean to prevent data breaches and legal issues.

How to Protect Your Printers from Hackers

Now that you understand printers can be hacked, here are immediate steps you should take:

• Change the default password - If your printer still uses 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. Access your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle this.
• Encrypt print jobs - Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to thwart hackers from intercepting print jobs.
• Restrict who can print - Implement access controls so only authorized personnel 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 if you replace the printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
• Put your printer behind a firewall - 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, as these should raise alarms.

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 companies often overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you are 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 Consult - 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 630-895-8208 to schedule your FREE Consult today!