The Hidden Security Risks of Printers: What You Need To Know

To set the stage for understanding the significance of printer security, let’s look at the eye-opening 2020 CyberNews Printer Hack Experiment.

CyberNews, a research-based online publication focused on raising awareness about cybersecurity threats via white hat hacking, purposely hijacked nearly 28,000 printers. Out of a sample of 50,000 devices, they successfully compromised 56% of the printers, raising concerns about printer vulnerabilities. Additionally, they discovered over 800,000 printers with network printing enabled and internet accessibility—based on their sample group, which means approximately 447,000 printers lack proper security measures, making them potential targets for cyberattacks.

• Data Vulnerability. Printers store data, making them attractive targets for hackers—cybercriminals can get their hands on everything from confidential documents to financial records and customer data. By gaining access to network-connected printers, cybercriminals can extract sensitive information from print jobs, compromising your business’s data security. Protecting your data is crucial for maintaining trust with your customers and avoiding legal and financial repercussions. Learn how to prepare your business for a data disaster.
• Print Job Manipulation. Cyberattacks on printers aren’t always about stealing data. Sometimes, they aim to wreak havoc. Hackers can tamper with printer queues, add or delete jobs, and even alter document content without detection. This manipulation can harm your business’s reputation and create chaos. Imagine important documents being altered or deleted, leading to errors, delays, and misunderstandings—It can severely impact your operations and relationships with clients and partners.
• Malware. Printers can serve as entry points for malware attacks. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in printer software or firmware to install malicious software, jeopardizing the entire network’s security. Once inside your network, malware can spread to other devices, disrupt operations, steal data, or launch further attacks. It’s essential to prevent malware infiltration to maintain the integrity and stability of your business systems. Check out our malware quick guide to learn more.
• Ransomware. Unsecured printers can be leveraged to launch ransomware attacks. By compromising a printer’s functionality, cybercriminals can hold your print capabilities hostage until a ransom is paid, causing significant disruption to your business operations. Ransomware attacks can lead to data loss, financial losses, reputational damage, and potential legal consequences. Protecting your printers is crucial in preventing such attacks and ensuring business continuity. Learn more about ransomware.
• Print Job Hijack. Weak printer security can allow unauthorized individuals to intercept or access confidential print jobs containing sensitive information. Print job hacking can lead to data breaches and compromise your business’s confidentiality. Imagine sensitive documents falling into the wrong hands or confidential information being exposed. It can result in severe consequences, including regulatory penalties, loss of trust, and damaged brand reputation.
• Data Mining From Discarded Printers. Improperly disposed of printers can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. Residual data stored on discarded printers can be mined for sensitive information, resulting in potential security breaches. Simply discarding printers without securely wiping their storage leaves your business vulnerable to data breaches and legal liabilities.

Safeguarding your printers requires implementing multiple layers of security. To help protect your printers and minimize the risk of cyberattacks, consider doing the following:

1. Change Your Printer’s Default Login Credentials

Use unique and strong passwords to secure printer access and prevent unauthorized entry. Never rely on manufacturer defaults for printer login credentials. Default passwords are often easy to guess or even sold on the dark web. Also, regularly update your passwords and avoid using the same password for multiple devices or accounts.

Learn how to create a strong password.

2. Secure Your Printer Networks

Encryption is your best friend when it comes to secure printing, protecting the confidentiality and integrity of your data during the printing process. Ensure print jobs are encrypted during transit from your device to the printer. Also, enable encryption features on the printer itself to protect your stored data.

Maintaining your printer network security is just as important—be sure to regularly audit and update your printer network configurations. Ensure the network connections and configurations are secure, limiting access to authorized devices only. Regularly review and update network access controls to prevent unauthorized connections to your printers.

3. Enable Printer Security Controls

Many printers come with built-in security protection—for example, HP printers offer features like HP Sure Start, capable of identifying unauthorized changes to BIOS or critical firmware, thus detecting potential cyberattacks.

Explore the security features available on your printers and enable them to enhance the overall security posture. Consult the printer manufacturer’s documentation or contact your support team for guidance on enabling security controls.

4. Regularly Update Your Printer’s Firmware

Firmware updates often contain important security patches. Stay vigilant and ensure your printers receive the latest updates. Check for notifications through the manufacturer’s utility app or the printer’s information panel. Likewise, you should set up automatic updates whenever possible to simplify the process and minimize the risk of missing critical security updates.

5. Protect Your Network

Firewalls act as a protective barrier and help secure your printers from external threats. Be sure to configure your firewall to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic from your printers.

Also, regularly review and update firewall configurations based on the latest security best practices and the evolving threat landscape.

A managed cybersecurity solution can help keep your security solutions up-to-date. Consider partnering with an MSP specializing in cybersecurity to ensure your printers and network infrastructure receive continuous protection and support.

6. Set Up Your Printer on a Guest Network

Separate your printers from your main network by setting them up on a guest network. This configuration adds an additional layer of protection, making it more challenging for cybercriminals to access your sensitive data—guest networks are typically isolated from your main network, limiting the potential attack’s impact. If you’re unsure of how to set up your printers, an MSP can help you properly configure your networks.

7. Turn Off Your Printers When They’re Not In Use

If your business operates primarily digitally and rarely requires printing, consider turning off or unplugging your printers when not in use. Cybercriminals can’t hack into your computer if it’s powered off—by disconnecting printers from the network, you reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

8. Follow Security Best Practices

Apply general security best practices to your printers. Enable multifactor authentication (MFA) if possible, and follow the same security measures you implement on your computers and mobile devices.

Additionally, educate your employees about printer security best practices. Train them to be cautious about what they print and where they retrieve their printed documents. Emphasize the importance of confidentiality and the potential risks associated with negligent printing practices.

Not sure where to start? Security Awareness Training (SAT) can help.

9. Properly Dispose of Your Printers

Before you throw out that old printer, be sure that all sensitive data has been removed and securely wipe the printer’s storage. Following this process helps prevent potential data mining and security breaches from the secured device.

Printers may seem innocent, but they can pose significant security risks to your business if left unsecured. By understanding and addressing these risks, implementing proper security measures, and staying vigilant with updates and best practices, you can protect your printers and safeguard your business from printer-related cyberthreats.

If you have any questions about cybersecurity, including managed services or a managed cybersecurity solution for your business, get in touch with our team—don’t overlook the hidden dangers printers can present, and take proactive steps to keep your business safe.