Stop Ignoring Your Printer
Hackers Aren’t

When most people think about cybersecurity threats, they picture phishing emails, weak passwords, or malware—not the office printer.

But here’s the truth: printers are one of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in small businesses today. They handle confidential data all day long—payroll, contracts, client records—and they’re often left wide open for hackers to exploit.

Yes, Hackers Target Printers. Here’s Why:

  • Printers store sensitive data: Many models save copies of what you print, scan, or copy. If compromised, that data can be stolen or reprinted without your knowledge.
  • Default passwords are a goldmine: If your printer still uses “admin/admin” or “123456,” it’s basically an open invitation for hackers.
  • They’re connected to your network: Once inside the printer, a hacker can access other devices on your network—or install ransomware.
  • Print jobs can be intercepted: If your jobs aren’t encrypted, sensitive documents could be hijacked mid-transmission.
  • Modern printers have storage and email features: If breached, hackers can remotely access scanned documents or send data outside your company.
  • Outdated firmware = easy target: Most printers don’t get regular updates, which means known vulnerabilities go unpatched.
  • Old printers still store data: Tossed a printer without wiping its hard drive? That’s a major data breach waiting to happen.

7 Quick Ways to Protect Your Printer

  1. Change default passwords – Make them strong and unique.
  2. Update firmware – Check for and install security patches.
  3. Encrypt print jobs – Turn on Secure Print and use end-to-end encryption.
  4. Control access – Limit who can print and require PINs for sensitive docs.
  5. Clear stored data regularly – Especially before recycling or replacing a printer.
  6. Use a firewall – Printers should be behind the same firewall as your other devices.
  7. Monitor printer logs – Watch for unusual activity or unauthorized access.

Don’t Ignore the Printer

It might sit quietly in the corner, but your printer can be a backdoor into your entire business. If you’re securing your computers but ignoring your printers, you’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle.

Want peace of mind? We’ll check your printers (and the rest of your network) for vulnerabilities—free of charge.

Schedule a 10-Minute Phone Consultation, no obligations or strings attached. Just an honest outside, objective chat about what’s working and what could use a tune-up.