Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the most significant cybersecurity threats in your office, you'd likely mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. However, what if I informed you that your office printer - yes, the one quietly operating in the corner - could be one of the most substantial 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 these devices 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 on printer security. This amounted 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, most 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 come with built-in hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses this data, they can steal or even reprint those files without your knowledge.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers are shipped with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses fail 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 installing malware or ransomware or stealing 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 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 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them susceptible 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 mined for sensitive information, potentially leading to security breaches. Printers must have their storage wiped clean to prevent data breaches 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 the 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 release 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 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 when replacing a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
• Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall - Just like computers, printers should be protected 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 red flags.

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 ignoring your printers, you're creating 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 (951) 405-6873 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!