When you think of cybersecurity threats in the office, chances are phishing e-mails, weak passwords, or malware come to mind. But what if we told you that your office printer might be one of the biggest vulnerabilities in your entire network?

Sounds unlikely? Think again. In a “Printer Hack Experiment” conducted by Cybernews, 56% of 50,000 randomly selected printers were successfully compromised. That’s nearly 28,000 devices accessed—many with sensitive business data still stored inside.

Why Hackers Love Printers

Most businesses underestimate how much information flows through their printers. From payroll documents to client contracts, printers are a goldmine of sensitive data—and they’re often overlooked by security protocols.

Here's How Hackers Exploit Printers:

  • Stored Data: Many printers save copies of scanned or printed documents, which can include sensitive information.

  • Default Passwords: Many printers still use factory logins like "admin/admin," making unauthorized access incredibly easy.

  • Network Entry Points: Once inside a printer, hackers can use it to pivot into the wider network.

  • Intercepted Print Jobs: Unencrypted print jobs can be intercepted before they even reach the machine.

  • Remote Access: Built-in scan-to-e-mail or storage features can be hijacked to send stolen documents externally.

  • Outdated Firmware: If you haven’t updated your printer software, you’re likely exposed to known exploits.

  • Discarded Printers: Many businesses fail to wipe stored data from decommissioned printers—leaving sensitive files behind.

These tactics make your printer an attractive target. And once it's compromised, your entire system could be at risk.

How To Protect Your Office Printers From Cyber Attacks

The good news? You can take action right now to close the gaps and reduce your exposure.

🔒 Change Default Passwords

Treat your printer like any other login portal. Strong, unique passwords are essential.

🔄 Update Firmware

Printer manufacturers regularly issue patches for discovered vulnerabilities. If your IT team hasn’t applied them, schedule a discovery call with us to ensure your firmware is up to date.

🛡️ Encrypt Print Jobs

Enable Secure Print and end-to-end encryption settings. This prevents outsiders from intercepting sensitive documents.

👥 Restrict Print Access

Limit who can use the printer and what they can print. Use PIN codes or authentication systems to protect sensitive workflows.

🧹 Clear Stored Data Regularly

Delete stored jobs manually and ensure internal hard drives are encrypted—or wiped—before printer disposal.

🔥 Put It Behind A Firewall

Your printer should be part of the protected network, not hanging out on unsecured Wi-Fi. Segment it with firewall rules.

📈 Monitor Printer Logs

Use print management software or ask your IT provider to review usage logs regularly. Look for strange access patterns or unexpected jobs.

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Don't Let Your Printer Be The Weak Link

We get it—printers seem harmless. But cybercriminals rely on that false sense of security. If you're protecting your computers but ignoring your printers, you're leaving a wide open door for hackers.

Want peace of mind? Schedule a FREE Network Assessment today and we’ll evaluate every potential vulnerability, including your printers. Your business deserves airtight security—starting with the devices you might be overlooking.