When it comes to cybersecurity, we often focus on protecting our computers, servers, and networks. However, there’s a crucial piece of equipment that we sometimes overlook, yet it’s just as vulnerable: printers. These trusty devices in the corner of your office can also be targeted by hackers. In this article, we’ll delve into the often-neglected topic of printer security, providing you with the knowledge to protect your business from potential cyber threats.
Understanding the Risks of Lax Printer Security
When evaluating network security risks, companies typically prioritize safeguarding servers and computers due to their heightened exposure to external threats and frequent targeting by cyberattacks. Printers often receive less attention, as they are perceived as secondary targets and primarily serve internal functions without direct interaction with external systems.
However, the core functionalities of printers, such as printing and scanning, make them attractive targets for cybercriminals. Printers are often used to handle sensitive documents like tax forms, employee records, medical data, and financial statements, making them enticing targets for hackers. If a cyberattack on a printer is successful, the potential consequences could be catastrophic, leading to data breaches, financial loss, and significant damage to a business’s reputation.
Exploiting vulnerabilities in network printers is relatively straightforward. These devices store previous print jobs, sometimes including canceled ones, on their hard drives. With access to the printer—whether physical or remote—hackers can potentially retrieve these documents using specialized tools to breach the printer’s security defenses.
Here’s How You Can Bolster Your Printer Security:
1. Keep Your Firmware Updated:
Similar to software updates on your computer or smartphone, printers also receive firmware updates. These updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Make it a habit to regularly check for firmware updates for your printers and apply them promptly.
2. Secure Your Network:
Your printers are connected to your office network, which means they’re only as secure as your network. Implement robust network security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and robust encryption protocols. Also, consider setting up a separate printer network to isolate them from other sensitive data.
3. Use Strong Authentication:
Default passwords are a big no-no. Ensure that your printers are protected by strong, unique passwords. Additionally, enable features like user authentication and access controls to limit who can use the printers and what they can do with them.
4. Implement Print Management Solutions:
Print management software can add an extra layer of security by monitoring and controlling print activities. These solutions often include features like secure print release, which requires users to authenticate themselves at the printer before printing their documents.
5. Enable Encryption:
Data transmitted between your computers and printers can be intercepted by hackers if not encrypted. Enable encryption protocols such as HTTPS or IPPS to secure print communications and prevent eavesdropping.
6. Regularly Audit Printer Settings:
Take the time to review and audit your printer settings periodically. Disable any unnecessary services or features that could pose a security risk. For example, if your printer supports remote printing over the internet, disable this feature if it’s not needed.
7. Partner with an IT company:
Another way to secure your printers is by partnering with an IT company that can handle your printer-related worries. From thwarting attacks to reducing management costs to keeping your printer at optimal functionality, our experts can help.
8. Train Your Employees:
Last but certainly not least, your employees play a crucial role in printer security. Educate them about printer security best practices. Train them to recognize phishing attempts targeting printers, such as fake firmware update emails. Encourage them to print sensitive documents only when necessary and retrieve their printouts promptly to prevent them from being left in the printer vulnerable to unauthorized access. By empowering your employees with this knowledge, you are strengthening your business’s overall security.
Protecting your business printers from hackers requires a proactive approach, a combination of technical measures, and employee awareness. Following the tips outlined above can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to printer-related cyber threats. Remember, when it comes to cybersecurity, every device matters, including the humble printer in your office. Stay vigilant, stay secure!
Interested in learning more about cybersecurity? Call Meeting Tree Computer today and discover how our proactive Managed IT Services can safeguard your business. Meeting Tree Computer has supported businesses in the Hudson Valley since 1999 – we’d love to become your go-to IT partner as well.
