When you think about cybersecurity threats, you probably picture phishing emails, ransomware, or weak passwords. But what if the biggest vulnerability in your office is something you barely think about — like your printer?
It might sound strange, but at National Networks, we’ve seen it happen firsthand in businesses across Texas and Louisiana. That printer humming quietly in the corner could be a major risk to your entire network if it’s not properly secured.
Why Printers Are A Favorite Target For Hackers
Printers are a goldmine for cybercriminals because they handle so much sensitive information — from employee payroll and vendor contracts to patient files and client records. Unfortunately, many businesses don’t realize just how exposed their printers are until it’s too late.
A 2020 Cybernews “Printer Hack Experiment” successfully compromised 56% of 50,000 printers tested — proving just how easy it is for hackers to gain access to these often-forgotten devices.
Here’s how your printer could put your business at risk:
- Stored sensitive data: Every document you print, scan, or copy may be saved on your printer’s internal hard drive — including payroll files, contracts, and private records. If a hacker gets in, they can steal or reprint confidential documents without anyone noticing.
- Default passwords: Many printers ship with simple default credentials like "admin/admin" or "123456," and small businesses often forget to change them. Hackers know it — and they exploit it.
- A gateway into your network: Printers are connected to your Wi-Fi and your entire business network. A compromised printer can allow hackers to install malware, ransomware, or steal data from other connected systems.
- Intercepted print jobs: Without encryption, hackers can intercept documents mid-transit — exposing sensitive legal, financial, or healthcare information.
- Remote spying: Modern printers with email and cloud features can be hijacked, allowing criminals to remotely access your stored scans, emails, and confidential files.
- Outdated firmware vulnerabilities: If your printer’s software isn’t updated regularly, known security flaws can leave it wide open for attack.
- Risks from discarded printers: Improperly disposing of old printers without wiping their storage can lead to massive data breaches — a major compliance risk for industries like healthcare, finance, and education.
How Small Businesses in Texas and Louisiana Can Protect Their Printers
Protecting your business doesn't have to be complicated. Here’s how to start securing your office printers today:
- Change default passwords: Immediately replace factory logins with strong, unique passwords — just like you would with your email or bank accounts.
- Update printer firmware: Check for updates regularly. Manufacturers release patches to fix security flaws — but it’s up to you to install them.
- Encrypt your print jobs: Enable Secure Print and use encryption to protect sensitive documents as they travel to the printer.
- Limit who can print: Set access controls and require PIN codes for sensitive documents. Guest access should be carefully restricted.
- Wipe stored data regularly: Delete old print jobs and encrypt your printer’s hard drive. If replacing a printer, fully wipe or destroy the hard drive before disposal.
- Place printers behind a firewall: Just like your computers, printers should be isolated behind strong network security barriers.
- Monitor printer activity: Keep an eye on printer logs for unusual behavior like remote access attempts or unauthorized print jobs.
Printers Are More Than Office Equipment — They're Cybersecurity Risks
Across Texas and Louisiana, businesses like yours depend on efficient, secure technology to keep operations running smoothly. Overlooking something as simple as a printer could open your doors to cybercriminals — and cost you big in downtime, lost data, or even legal issues.
At National Networks, we believe no business should face those risks alone. Let’s make sure your entire network — including your printers — is protected.
Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment today!
Our team will uncover hidden vulnerabilities and help secure every part of your IT environment, giving you the peace of mind you deserve.
👉 Click here to schedule your FREE assessment now! - https://ntwo.com/free-network-assessment/
