If I were to ask you to identify the biggest 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 humming 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. CISA regularly publishes advisories about vulnerabilities in network-connected printers from major manufacturers, underscoring how seriously the federal government takes this threat. Many businesses are unaware of the security risks associated with these devices 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 sheet on printer security. This accounts for 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, many businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.
Here’s what can occur when 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 come equipped with hard drives that can hold years’ worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses these, they can steal or reprint those files without your knowledge. Default passwords are a hacker’s dream - Most printers are shipped with default admin logins such as “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 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 include 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. The NIST Special Publication 800-124 guidelines recommend treating all network-connected devices, including printers, as endpoints that require regular patching. However, most businesses neglect to update their printers’ firmware, leaving them susceptible to known exploits. Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can become a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on these devices can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It’s essential to wipe the storage of printers 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 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 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 replace 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, it’s 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
Many businesses fail to take printer security seriously because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals recognize that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets.
If you’re securing your computers but ignoring your printers, you’re leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.
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to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE Discovery Call - we’ll check for vulnerabilities and make sure your
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can printers pose a security risk in my office?
Printers can pose significant security risks as they store sensitive data, such as payroll documents and contracts. If compromised, hackers can access this information, potentially leading to data theft or unauthorized printing of confidential documents.
What steps can I take to secure my office printer?
To secure your office printer, change default passwords, regularly update the firmware, and ensure that print jobs are encrypted. Additionally, consider disabling unnecessary features, such as remote access or scan-to-email, which can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Are old printers more vulnerable to security threats?
Yes, older printers often lack the latest security features and may not receive firmware updates, making them more susceptible to attacks. It’s important to evaluate the security capabilities of your printers and replace outdated models with ones that offer robust security features.
How can One82 help my firm protect against printer security threats?
One82 can assist your firm in identifying potential vulnerabilities in your office printers and implementing a comprehensive security strategy. This includes regular assessments, firmware updates, and staff training to ensure your printers are secure and your sensitive data remains protected.
