When you think of the biggest cybersecurity threats in your office, what comes to mind? Phishing emails, ransomware, or maybe weak passwords? You’re not wrong—but there’s one major security risk most businesses overlook: the office printer.
Yes, that seemingly harmless printer in the corner could be a major entry point for cybercriminals. In fact, in a widely reported Printer Hack Experiment conducted by Cybernews in 2020, hackers successfully infiltrated 56% of 50,000 network-connected printers. That’s nearly 28,000 compromised devices—just because businesses failed to secure them properly.
Why Hackers Target Office Printers
Printers aren’t just peripheral hardware anymore. Today’s multifunction devices are connected to your network, store sensitive data, and handle confidential documents. Here’s why printers are increasingly becoming a target for cyberattacks:
1. Printers Store Sensitive Data
Every document printed, scanned, or copied often leaves a digital footprint. Many printers have built-in storage that retains documents such as payroll records, contracts, employee files, and more—potential gold for hackers.
2. Default Passwords Are a Common Weakness
Out of the box, printers come with default credentials like “admin/admin” or “123456”—and most businesses never change them. This makes unauthorized access a breeze for cybercriminals.
3. An Open Door to Your Network
Once compromised, a printer can act as a gateway into your internal network. Hackers can use it to deploy malware, ransomware, or gain access to other connected systems and sensitive data.
4. Unencrypted Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
If your printer isn’t using encryption, print jobs can be intercepted in transit—leaking confidential legal documents, financial records, or personal health information.
5. Remote Access = Remote Spying
Many modern printers support scan-to-email and remote access features. If breached, hackers can steal or spy on scanned documents and emails directly from the printer.
6. Outdated Firmware Leaves You Vulnerable
Like any smart device, printers need regular firmware updates to patch known vulnerabilities. Ignoring these updates leaves your printer wide open to exploitation.
7. Data Left on Discarded Printers
Disposing of old printers without wiping their storage is a serious security risk. Residual data can be recovered, exposing your business to data breaches and regulatory violations.
How to Secure Your Office Printers
Securing your printers is just as critical as securing your computers or servers. Here are 7 essential printer security tips to help you protect your network:
✅ 1. Change Default Printer Passwords
Immediately replace any factory-set usernames and passwords with strong, unique credentials. This is one of the easiest and most effective steps you can take.
✅ 2. Keep Firmware Up to Date
Regularly check for and apply firmware updates from the manufacturer. These updates patch critical vulnerabilities.
✅ 3. Encrypt All Print Jobs
Enable Secure Print features and use end-to-end encryption to prevent data interception during document transmission.
✅ 4. Restrict Printing Access
Implement user authentication and access controls. Require PIN codes or login credentials for sensitive print jobs.
✅ 5. Clear Stored Data Regularly
Delete stored print jobs manually and ensure any internal storage is encrypted. Before disposing of a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive completely.
✅ 6. Use a Firewall for Printer Protection
Place printers behind your business firewall and segment them from other devices to limit the blast radius of any attack.
✅ 7. Monitor Printer Logs and Activity
Track all printer usage. Unusual print volumes, unauthorized access, or off-hours activity should be immediately investigated.
Don’t Let Your Printer Be the Weakest Link
Most businesses underestimate how much data flows through their printers. But cybercriminals know exactly where to look—and unsecured printers are low-hanging fruit.
If your printers are connected but unprotected, you’re leaving a massive hole in your cybersecurity strategy.
🔍 Get a FREE Network Security Assessment
Want to find out if your printers (and other devices) are putting your business at risk? Schedule a Free Network Security Assessment today. We’ll scan for vulnerabilities, identify weak points, and help you lock down your network—starting with your printers.
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