Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If you were to list the major 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's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they called 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 about printer security. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because companies underestimated 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 details. Despite this, many 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 are equipped with 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 even 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 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 for 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 have built-in storage and scan-to-email capabilities. 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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, leading to potential security breaches. It's crucial to wipe clean the storage of printers before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal issues.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks associated with printers, here are immediate steps you should take:

• Change The Default Password: If your printer still uses the default login credentials, change them right away. Use a strong, unique password, just as you would 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 do 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 to ensure only authorized employees can send print jobs. If your printer supports PIN codes, require them for sensitive print jobs. You might also consider 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 secured 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 alarms.

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

Many businesses underestimate printer security because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices often go 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 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 (541) 726-7775 to schedule your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call today!