May 19, 2025
If you were to identify the most significant 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 have a keen interest in printers. Many businesses are unaware of the substantial security risks these devices pose until it's too late. In 2020, Cybernews conducted what they termed the "Printer Hack Experiment." They compromised 56% of a sample of 50,000 printers, directing them to print a warning about printer security. This amounts to nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all due to businesses underestimating this seemingly innocuous piece of office equipment.
Why Target Printers?
Printers are rich sources of sensitive information. They handle everything from payroll documents and contracts to confidential client data. Yet, many businesses leave them vulnerable to attacks.
When a hacker gains access to your printer, the following can occur:
- Printers store sensitive data: Each 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 gains access, they can steal or 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 an entry point for installing malware or ransomware or stealing data from other devices.
- Print jobs can be intercepted: If your print jobs aren't encrypted, 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 have 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- Outdated firmware leaves the door wide open: Like any device, printers require security updates.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, most businesses neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
- Data mining from discarded printers: Improperly disposed printers can provide cybercriminals with a wealth of sensitive information. Residual data on discarded printers can be exploited, leading to potential security breaches. It is crucial to wipe the storage clean before disposal to avoid vulnerabilities and legal liabilities.
How To Protect Your Printers From Hackers
Now that you understand that printers can be hacked, here's what you should do immediately:
- Change The Default Password: If your printer still uses the 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 provide security patches for a reason. Log into your printer settings and check for updates, or ask your IT team to do this for you.
- 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, and consider adding 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 mere office equipment. However, cybercriminals recognize that these devices are often overlooked, making them prime targets.
If you're securing your computers but neglecting your printers, you're leaving a significant gap in your cybersecurity defenses.
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