May 19, 2025
If someone asked you to identify the top cybersecurity risks in your workplace, you'd likely mention phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But what if I revealed that the office printer — that quiet machine humming in the corner — could be one of your network's greatest vulnerabilities?
It may sound unbelievable, but hackers target printers passionately. Many companies underestimate the danger these devices pose — until they suffer a breach. In 2020, Cybernews conducted their "Printer Hack Experiment," breaching 56% of 50,000 sampled printers. Nearly 28,000 printers were exploited to print warnings about printer security, all because organizations overlooked this seemingly harmless office gadget.
Why Are Printers Such Prime Targets?
Because printers house a treasure trove of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll and contracts to confidential client data. Yet, many companies leave these devices unprotected.
When a cybercriminal infiltrates your printer, the consequences can be severe:
● Printers retain confidential data — Each print, scan, or copy creates a digital record. Many printers contain built-in hard drives storing years of documents such as payroll records, contracts, and employee information. If hacked, attackers can steal or reproduce these files undetected.
● Default passwords invite attacks — Most printers come with generic admin credentials like "admin/admin" or "123456". Many companies neglect changing these, giving hackers effortless control.
● They're an open gateway to your network — Connected to WiFi and company infrastructure, compromised printers can serve as entry points for malware, ransomware, or data theft from your entire system.
● Print jobs can be intercepted — Without encryption, hackers can capture documents in transit, exposing sensitive contracts, legal papers, and medical records.
● They can spy on your operations — Modern printers feature storage and scan-to-email functions. If breached, attackers can remotely access scanned files, emails, and stored data.
● Outdated firmware is a major weakness — Printers need regular security updates. Most businesses ignore firmware upgrades, exposing their devices to known exploits.
● Data risks from discarded printers — Improperly discarded printers with residual data can be mined by criminals for confidential information, leading to breaches and liabilities. Always securely erase printer storage before disposal.
Essential Steps to Secure Your Office Printers from Hackers
Now that you understand the risks, take these immediate actions to protect your printers:
- Change Default Passwords — Replace factory credentials with strong, unique passwords as rigorously as you do for email or banking accounts.
- Update Firmware Regularly — Manufacturers release patches to fix vulnerabilities. Either check for updates yourself or have your IT specialist manage it.
- Enable Encryption for Print Jobs — Activate Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to stop unauthorized interception.
- Restrict Printing Permissions — Implement access controls so only authorized personnel can print. Use PIN codes for sensitive documents and provide limited guest options.
- Clear Stored Data Regularly — Delete stored print jobs manually when possible. Encrypt any printer hard drives and ensure wiping or destruction before disposing.
- Protect Printers With Firewalls — Shield your printers just like other devices by placing them behind a robust firewall.
- Monitor Printer Usage — Have your IT team track printer logs vigilantly. Watch for irregular activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized printing as warning signs.
Printers Are More Than Just Hardware — They're Potential Security Threats
Many companies overlook printer security because they see printers as harmless. But cybercriminals exploit this oversight, using printers as easy targets.
If you secure your computers but neglect printers, you're opening a major vulnerability in your cybersecurity shield.
Wonder if your office printers are truly secure? Get a FREE Discovery Call with us — we'll identify vulnerabilities and ensure your printers and entire network stay protected.
Click here or call us at (802) 331-1900 to schedule your complimentary Discovery Call today!
