Is Your Printer The Biggest Security Threat In Your Office?

Is Your Office Printer a Cybersecurity Time Bomb?

If I asked you to name the biggest cybersecurity threats in your office, you'd probably say phishing emails, malware, or weak passwords. But what if I told you that your humble office printer — yes, the one quietly humming in the corner — could be one of the biggest vulnerabilities in your entire network?

Sounds far-fetched? It's not.

Hackers Love Printers (And Most Businesses Don't Know It)

In 2020, Cybernews launched the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of 50,000 internet-connected printers they targeted, 56% were successfully hacked. That's nearly 28,000 compromised devices, all because businesses underestimated the risk posed by what they thought was a harmless piece of office equipment.

And what did the hackers do? They made those printers spit out a message about — you guessed it — printer security.

Why Would Anyone Hack a Printer?

Because printers are goldmines of sensitive data and often the weakest link in your IT security. Here's why cybercriminals are targeting them:

• Printers Store Sensitive Data
  Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your printer may retain a digital copy. Many have built-in hard drives that store years' worth of confidential files — from payroll and tax records to contracts and HR documents.

• Default Passwords Are an Open Invitation
  Printers often ship with logins like "admin/admin" or "123456" — and most companies never change them. It's like leaving the keys in the front door and putting up a sign that says "Come on in!"

• They're Gateways to Your Network
  Printers are connected to your company's Wi-Fi and internal network. If compromised, they can be used to deploy malware, steal files, or move laterally across your systems.

• Unencrypted Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
  If your printer doesn't use encryption, sensitive documents can be snatched mid-transit. Legal contracts, financial records, or medical files could end up in the wrong hands — without you ever knowing.

• Remote Access = Corporate Espionage
  Many modern printers come with scan-to-email and cloud storage features. If hacked, attackers can spy on your business, access stored documents, or redirect scans to themselves.

• Outdated Firmware = Wide-Open Doors
  Printers need software updates just like any computer. But how often do you check for firmware updates? If your answer is "never," you're not alone — and that's exactly why attackers exploit this.

• Data Mining from Discarded Devices
  Old printers that aren't properly wiped before disposal can leak sensitive company data. Even if the device ends up in a landfill, its hard drive may still hold confidential files.

How to Lock Down Your Office Printers (Before It's Too Late)

If you've never considered printer security before, here's how to get started — today:

✅ Change Default Passwords
Use strong, unique credentials for your printer's admin panel, just like you would for your online banking.

✅ Update Printer Firmware
Regularly check the manufacturer's website or admin settings for firmware updates. These often include vital security patches.

✅ Encrypt Print Jobs
Enable features like Secure Print or end-to-end encryption to prevent print interception.

✅ Restrict Access
Set up access controls so only authorized users can print. For sensitive jobs, require a PIN or badge scan.

✅ Clear Stored Data Regularly
Wipe old print jobs and ensure any built-in hard drives are encrypted. When replacing a printer, securely wipe or destroy the drive before disposal.

✅ Put Printers Behind a Firewall
Treat your printer like any other endpoint. Restrict outside access and segment it from sensitive areas of your network.

✅ Monitor Print Activity
Track logs and watch for red flags: odd printing times, failed login attempts, or sudden spikes in usage.

Your Printer Is a Security Risk — Don't Treat It Like an Afterthought

Printers are often ignored when it comes to cybersecurity — and that's exactly why hackers target them. If your business is locking down laptops, servers, and cloud apps, but ignoring printers, you're leaving a gaping hole in your defenses.

👉 Not sure if your office printers are secure?

Let us check for you.

Claim your FREE Network Security Assessment and we'll help you uncover any hidden vulnerabilities — including in your office printers — before they become a costly breach.

🔒 Click here to schedule your FREE assessment now