Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to identify the top cybersecurity threats in your workplace, 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 remain unaware of the security risks posed by these devices until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." From a sample of 50,000 devices, they managed to compromise 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because companies underestimated this seemingly innocuous piece of 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 exposed to potential 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 store years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker accesses this information, 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 like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses neglect 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 a gateway 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 capture documents before they reach the printer. This could expose confidential contracts, legal documents, and even medical records.
• They can spy on your business - Many modern printers have built-in storage and scan-to-email features. If a hacker gains control of 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• Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open - Like any device, printers require security updates.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, many businesses fail to update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
• Data mining from discarded printers - Improperly disposed printers can be a treasure trove 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 prevent data breaches and legal issues.

How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers

Now that you understand the risks, 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 provide 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 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. 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 wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposing of a printer.
• Put Your Printer Behind A Firewall - Just like computers, printers should be secured by a firewall to block unauthorized access.
• Monitor Printer Activity - If your IT team isn't already tracking printer logs, now is the time to start. Look out for unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents.

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

Many businesses fail to take printer security seriously because, after all, it's just a printer. However, cybercriminals are aware 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.

Want to know if your office printers are secure? Start with a FREE Consult - 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 614-889-6555 to schedule your FREE Consult today!