Posted May 14, 2025 by John Neibel
If you were asked to list the biggest cybersecurity risks in your office, you might say phishing emails, ransomware, or weak passwords.
But would you think of your printer?
Most wouldn’t — and that’s exactly why it’s such an easy target.
Printers often sit quietly in the corner, unnoticed. But behind that hum and stack of paper is a powerful device that processes some of your company’s most sensitive information — and it’s often wide open to attack.
🚨 Printers Are Prime Targets for Hackers
In one real-world test, Cybernews attempted to hack 50,000 printers. The result? They gained control of 56% of them — over 28,000 machines. Why? Because most organizations overlook printer security entirely.
Let’s break down why that’s a problem.
🔍 Why Hackers Love Office Printers
1. Printers Store Sensitive Documents
Payroll reports, HR files, legal contracts — many printers have built-in memory or hard drives that store copies of everything you print, scan, or copy. If compromised, those files are exposed.
2. Default Passwords Are Still Common
“admin/admin” or “123456” — sound familiar? Many businesses never change the factory settings, making it laughably easy for hackers to gain control.
3. They’re a Gateway Into Your Network
Your printer connects to your Wi-Fi and internal systems. If breached, it can serve as an open door to install malware or move laterally across your network.
4. Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
If your documents aren’t encrypted, hackers can intercept them before they hit the printer. That contract you thought was secure? Not so much.
5. They Can Be Used to Spy
Modern printers can scan to email, store digital files, and access cloud storage. A hacker with control could steal every scanned document or email sent through the device.
6. Outdated Firmware Is a Huge Risk
Like any other tech, printers need updates to patch vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, most businesses never update printer firmware.
7. Discarded Printers Can Leak Data
When you toss out an old printer without wiping its memory, you might as well hand over your company’s confidential files to a cybercriminal.
✅ How to Lock Down Your Printers – Starting Today
- Change the Default Password
Use a strong, unique password just like you would for a server or admin account. - Update the Firmware
Regularly check for manufacturer updates or ask your IT provider to manage it. - Enable Secure Print / Encryption
Activate Secure Print and encryption to prevent interception of sensitive files. - Restrict Access
Use PINs or user authentication for sensitive print jobs. Limit who can access specific printers. - Wipe Stored Data
Manually clear memory where possible, and destroy or sanitize hard drives when disposing of old printers. - Put Your Printer Behind a Firewall
Treat it like any other endpoint — and secure it accordingly. - Monitor Printer Logs
Track usage and flag suspicious activity like after-hours printing or remote access attempts.
🧠Still Think It’s “Just a Printer”?
Printers are no longer just basic office tools. They’re network-connected computers with storage, internet access, and security vulnerabilities.
And if you’re protecting your servers but ignoring your printers, you’re leaving a gaping hole in your defense plan — one hackers are more than happy to exploit.
🛡️ Don’t Let a Printer Be Your Weakest Link
If you’re unsure whether your printers are secure, we can help.
Schedule your FREE Network Security Assessment today — we’ll review your entire network, including printers, and identify hidden vulnerabilities before cybercriminals do.