Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you 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 operating in the corner, could be one of the most considerable vulnerabilities in your entire network?

It may sound absurd, but hackers are particularly fond of printers. Many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they present until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they referred to as the "Printer Hack Experiment." From a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses underestimating 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 exposed 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 knowledge.
• 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 a gateway 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 come 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, most businesses fail to update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known threats.
• 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 issues.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you're aware that 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 right away. 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 handle this for 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 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 yours has a hard drive, ensure it's encrypted, and if you're 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. 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 underestimate printer security because they perceive them as mere printers. However, cybercriminals exploit the fact that businesses overlook these devices, making them easy targets.

If you're securing your computers but ignoring 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 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 859-245-0582 to schedule your FREE Discovery Call today!