Is Your Printer the Biggest Security Threat in Your Office?
If I asked you to name the top cybersecurity risks in your business, you might say phishing, malware, or weak passwords. But what if I told you the real threat might be sitting quietly in the corner of your office… your printer?
It may sound unlikely, but printers are a growing target for hackers—and many businesses have no idea just how vulnerable these devices really are.
Why Are Hackers Targeting Printers?
Because they’re loaded with sensitive data and often left unsecured. In fact, in a 2020 “Printer Hack Experiment” by Cybernews, researchers successfully hijacked 56% of 50,000 internet-connected printers, sending them a message on how easily they were compromised.
Here’s what makes printers such an attractive target for cybercriminals:
🛑 Printers Store Sensitive Information
Printers often retain digital copies of documents you print, scan, or fax—think payroll files, contracts, and client records—all of which can be accessed or reprinted by hackers.
🛑 Default Passwords Are Still Active
Many businesses never update the default admin login like admin/admin or 123456. That’s a hacker’s dream.
🛑 Open Access to Your Network
Once a hacker accesses your printer, they can leverage it as a gateway to deploy malware or steal data from other devices.
🛑 Unencrypted Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
Without encryption, print jobs can be hijacked in transit, exposing confidential documents.
🛑 Built-In Spy Capabilities
Modern printers have scan-to-email, storage, and remote features. Once compromised, hackers can watch your workflows, accessing emails, scans, and more.
🛑 Outdated Firmware = Vulnerabilities
Many businesses never update printer firmware, leaving them open to well-known exploits.
🛑 Improper Disposal = Data Breach Risk
Printers with internal hard drives can contain years of sensitive data. If not wiped before disposal, that data is still accessible to bad actors.
7 Ways to Secure Your Printers
If your printers aren’t locked down, here’s how to fix that—starting today:
✅ 1. Change Default Passwords
Use a strong, unique password for admin access, just like you would with sensitive accounts.
✅ 2. Update Firmware Regularly
Install manufacturer patches to fix vulnerabilities and stay protected.
✅ 3. Encrypt All Print Jobs
Use Secure Print or end-to-end encryption to stop data from being intercepted in transit.
✅ 4. Set Print Permissions
Limit access to authorized users only. For sensitive jobs, require PIN codes.
✅ 5. Clear Stored Data
Delete stored jobs regularly. Before recycling or discarding a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive.
✅ 6. Put Printers Behind a Firewall
Treat your printers like any other endpoint device. Isolate and protect them with a firewall.
✅ 7. Monitor Print Activity
Enable printer logs and have your IT team review them for signs of suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
Printers Aren’t Just Tools—They’re Cyber Targets
Hackers know businesses overlook printers, which makes them one of the easiest entry points into your network.
If you’ve invested in protecting your computers and e-mail, don’t leave the back door wide open through unsecured office printers.
Want to Know If Your Printers Are Secure?
Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment. We’ll examine your current environment, identify vulnerabilities, and help secure every device connected to your network—including printers.
