If I asked you to name the top cybersecurity threats in your office, chances are you’d say phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But here’s one thing you probably didn’t expect: your office printer.
Yep. That humble machine humming quietly in the corner could be one of the biggest security risks in your business and most companies have no idea.
In fact, when Cybernews tested 50,000 internet-connected printers in their “Printer Hack Experiment,” they successfully compromised 56% of them. That’s nearly 28,000 printers hijacked simply because businesses didn’t secure them.
Why Are Hackers Targeting Printers?
Because printers are digital treasure chests packed with sensitive information and most of them are shockingly easy to break into. Here's how:
🔓 How Printers Expose Your Business
- Stored Data
Every time someone prints, scans, or copies, your printer may store a digital copy of that file. Contracts, payroll, HR documents, they’re all at risk if that data isn’t encrypted or properly cleared. - Default Passwords
Many printers still use factory default logins like “admin/admin” or “123456.” If no one’s changed it, a hacker could log in with minimal effort. - Open Door to Your Network
Printers are connected to your Wi-Fi or internal network. Once compromised, they can become launchpads for malware, ransomware, or broader network attacks. - Intercepted Print Jobs
If your print jobs aren’t encrypted, they can be intercepted mid-transmission—meaning confidential documents could be stolen before they ever reach the printer. - Remote Access & Surveillance
Modern printers often have features like scan-to-email or remote access. If breached, cybercriminals can view, resend, or steal scanned documents without you knowing. - Outdated Firmware
Most businesses forget to update their printers, leaving known vulnerabilities wide open for exploitation. - Discarded Devices = Data Risk
Old printers often retain residual data on their internal hard drives. If not wiped before disposal, that data can easily fall into the wrong hands—leading to potential legal and compliance issues.
🔐 How to Protect Your Printers from Cyberattacks
Here are some practical steps to take now:
- Change Default Credentials
Set a strong, unique password on every printer, treat it like you would a server or router. - Update the Firmware
Check the manufacturer’s site or printer settings for the latest software patches. These fix known vulnerabilities. - Enable Encryption
Use Secure Print or encryption features to protect data as it’s sent to the printer. - Restrict Print Access
Require PINs for sensitive jobs or limit access to certain users or departments. - Wipe Stored Data Regularly
Delete stored print jobs and make sure internal drives are encrypted. If replacing a printer, wipe or destroy the hard drive first. - Use a Firewall
Place your printer behind a firewall to protect it from outside threats. - Monitor Print Logs
Unusual print activity, remote access attempts, or large document volumes can all signal a potential breach.
Printers Aren’t Just Office Tools—They’re Potential Threat Vectors
Printers are often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies, but hackers know exactly how to exploit that. Don’t let your business be an easy target.
If your IT plan includes endpoint protection, email filtering, and network monitoring, but skips over your printers, you’ve got a blind spot.
Ready to Find Out If Your Office Is Secure?
Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment. We’ll check your network (including those forgotten printers) for vulnerabilities, outdated settings, and potential entry points—so you can rest easy knowing nothing is being overlooked.
