Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

If I were to ask you to list the major 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 operating in the corner, could be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network? It may sound absurd, but hackers are particularly interested in printers. Many businesses fail to recognize the security risks they present until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of 50,000 devices tested, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, prompting them to print a notice about printer security. That amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because businesses underestimated this seemingly innocuous piece of equipment.

Why Target Printers?

Printers are a treasure trove of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client data. Despite this, many 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 built-in hard drives that can hold years' worth of documents, including payroll files, contracts, and employee records. If a hacker gains access, they can steal or even reprint those documents without your knowledge.

- Default passwords are a hacker's dream: Most printers come with default admin credentials 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 an entry point for installing malware or ransomware or for stealing data from other devices.

- Print jobs can be intercepted: If your print jobs are not 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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, 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 stored on discarded printers can be exploited for sensitive information, leading to potential security breaches. It's crucial to wipe the storage clean 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 is still using 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 issue security patches for a reason. Access your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle this task.
• Encrypt Print Jobs: Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to thwart 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 can also offer 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 is 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 is not 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 red flags.

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

Many businesses overlook printer security because they view printers as mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often neglected, making them easy targets. If you're safeguarding 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 610-433-1000 to schedule your FREE Consult today!