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 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 becomes a serious issue. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they called the "Printer Hack Experiment." From a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a sheet about printer security. This means 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 when a hacker accesses your printer:

- Printers store sensitive data: Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer retains a digital copy. Many printers have internal hard drives that can store years' worth of documents, including payroll files and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or reprint those files without your knowledge.

- Default passwords are a hacker's dream: Most printers come with default admin credentials 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 are connected to your WiFi and company network. If compromised, they can serve as a gateway to install malware or ransomware or to steal 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 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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 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 on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, potentially leading to security breaches. It's crucial to wipe clean storage before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.

How to Protect Your Printers from Hackers

Now that you understand the risks of printer hacking, here are immediate steps you should take:

• Change the Default Password: If your printer still uses the 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 issue 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: 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 secured 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 alarms.

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

Many businesses underestimate printer security because, after all, it's just a printer. However, cybercriminals recognize that these devices are often overlooked, making them prime targets.

If you're safeguarding your computers while neglecting 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 Initial Consultation - 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 312-564-5446 to schedule your FREE Initial Consultation today!