May 19, 2025
If I asked you to identify the most significant cybersecurity threats in your office, you would likely 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 largest vulnerabilities in your entire network? It may sound absurd, but hackers have a keen interest in printers, and many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they pose until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." They compromised 56% of 50,000 printers, successfully directing them to print a sheet on printer security. This equates to 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 information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client data. Yet, many businesses leave them unprotected. Here's what can occur when a hacker accesses your printer:
- Printers store sensitive data: Every time a document is printed, scanned, or copied, the printer retains a digital copy. Many have built-in hard drives that can hold years' worth of documents, including payroll files and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or reprint these 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 neglect to change these, making it 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 malware installation or data theft from other devices.
- Print jobs can be intercepted: If print jobs aren't encrypted, hackers can intercept documents before they reach the printer, exposing confidential contracts and medical records.
- They can spy on your business: Many modern printers have built-in storage and scan-to-email features. A compromised device can allow hackers to access scanned documents, emails, and stored files remotely.
- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Printers require security updates like any device. However, many businesses fail to update their printers' firmware, making them susceptible to known vulnerabilities.
- Data mining from discarded printers: Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data on discarded printers can lead to security breaches, necessitating that storage be wiped clean to avoid data breaches and legal liabilities.
How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers
Now that you understand that printers can be hacked, here are immediate steps you should take:
- Change The Default Password: If your printer still uses the default 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 provide security patches for a reason. Log into 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 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. Consider adding a guest option as well.
- Regularly Clear Stored Data: Some printers allow for manual deletion of stored print jobs. If yours has a hard drive, ensure it is encrypted, and wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposing of any printer.
- Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall: Just like computers, printers need firewall protection to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor Printer Activity: If your IT team isn't already tracking 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 underestimate printer security because they view them simply as printers. However, cybercriminals exploit this oversight, making printers easy targets. If you protect your computers but neglect your printers, you are leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.
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