Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I asked you to identify the major 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 significant 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." Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That accounts for nearly 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, most businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.

Here's what can occur if a hacker gains access to your printer:

• Printers store sensitive data - Every 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 reprint those files without your awareness.
• Default passwords are a hacker's dream - Most printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses neglect to change these, making it alarmingly easy for cybercriminals to take control.
• They're an open door to your network - Printers are connected 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 are not encrypted, 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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 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 exploited for sensitive information, resulting in potential security breaches. It's essential to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal 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 right away:

• Change The Default Password - If your printer is still using 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 release security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings and check for updates, or have your IT team handle this task.
• Encrypt Print Jobs - Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to safeguard against hackers 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 is 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 secured 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 out for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents as red flags.

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

Many businesses overlook printer security because they perceive printers as trivial. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices often go unprotected, making them easy targets.

If you are safeguarding 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 Call With Our CEO - 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 929-523-2921 to schedule your FREE Call With Our CEO today!