May 19, 2025
If I asked you to identify the biggest 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 humming in the corner—could be one of the most significant vulnerabilities in your entire network?
It might sound absurd, but hackers are particularly fond of printers. Many businesses are unaware of the security risks associated with these devices until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." They compromised 56% of 50,000 printers, directing them to print a sheet about printer security. This means nearly 28,000 devices were compromised simply because businesses overlooked this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.
Why Target Printers?
Printers are a treasure trove of sensitive data. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client information, yet many businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.
Here are some potential consequences of a hacker gaining 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 have built-in 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 even reprint those files without your knowledge.
- Default passwords are a hacker's dream: Most printers come with default admin logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." Many businesses fail 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 entry points 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 intercept 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 feature built-in storage and scan-to-email capabilities. 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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, most businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
- Data mining from discarded printers: Improperly disposed printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored 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 avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.
How to Protect Your Printers from Hackers
Now that you understand the risks, here's what you need to do right away:
- Change the default password: If your printer still uses 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 issue security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings to check for updates or have your IT team handle this.
- Encrypt print jobs: Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption to prevent 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 provide 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 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 protected by a firewall to prevent unauthorized access.
- Monitor printer activity: If your IT team isn't already tracking printer logs, now is the time to start. Unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or unauthorized users printing sensitive documents should raise red flags.
Printers Aren't Just Office Equipment - They're Security Risks
Many businesses fail to take printer security seriously because they view printers as just printers. However, cybercriminals are aware that these devices are often overlooked, making them easy targets. If you're safeguarding your computers but ignoring your printers, you're leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.
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