When business owners think about cybersecurity, they think about computers, emails, and maybe their router. Almost nobody thinks about the printer sitting in the corner of the office.
Attackers do.
Modern office printers are full computers connected to your network. They run operating systems, store copies of everything printed or scanned, and in most businesses have never once been updated or secured since the day they were installed.
Why Printers Are Such an Easy Target
- Most printers ship with default admin credentials that are never changed
- Printer firmware is rarely updated, leaving known vulnerabilities open indefinitely
- Many printers have a built-in hard drive that stores copies of recent print jobs
- Network printers are accessible from anywhere on your local network, and sometimes beyond
- They are rarely included in antivirus or endpoint monitoring solutions
What an Attacker Can Do Through Your Printer
A compromised printer gives an attacker a foothold inside your network. From there they can monitor traffic, attempt to access other devices, retrieve stored documents, or use the printer as a launching point for a broader attack. They can also simply pull the stored print history, which in many businesses includes financial documents, contracts, and personal information.
The Fix Is Straightforward
- Change the default admin password on every printer immediately
- Update printer firmware and set a reminder to check for updates regularly
- Disable any network services on the printer that you do not actually use
- Include printers in your regular security audit
- When disposing of old printers, wipe or physically destroy the internal storage
A full network security audit from DelTrix Technology covers every connected device, including the ones you have not thought about. Call 0872652073 or email support@deltrixtech.co.za.