By addressing these often-overlooked vulnerabilities, you strengthen your overall IT defense and protect what matters most: Your people, your clients, and your reputation.
If you're like many businesses, your printers probably don’t top your list of IT security concerns. But overlooking printer security can leave your organization wide open to costly threats. In today’s connected workplace, every networked printer is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. Whether you're handling client data, employee records, or sensitive financials, your printers play a bigger role in data protection than you might think.
Here are eight common printer security concerns that could be putting your business at risk — and what you can do about them.
8 Printer Security Risks You Can't Afford to Overlook.
1. Default Passwords Still in Use.
Leaving the default admin password on your printer is like leaving your front door unlocked. Cybercriminals actively search for these easy entry points. Changing those default credentials and creating strong, unique passwords is a simple but critical first step in improving printer security.
2. Outdated Firmware.
Just like your computer or smartphone, printers need regular firmware updates to stay protected against the latest threats. Skipping updates can leave your devices exposed to known vulnerabilities. Schedule routine checks and keep your firmware current to help prevent unauthorized access.
3. Unsecured Print Jobs.
Documents that sit uncollected at the printer are easy targets for anyone passing by. Secure print release features — which require user authentication before printing — ensure your confidential data stays in the right hands. This is especially important in industries where data privacy is non-negotiable.
4. Unprotected Hard Drives.
Many modern printers store sensitive documents on internal hard drives. If these drives aren't encrypted or properly wiped before the device is retired, they can become a goldmine for data thieves. Make sure your printers have secure data handling practices in place throughout their lifecycle.
5. Lack of User Authentication.
Allowing anyone to use your printers without logging in means you have no control or traceability. Implementing user authentication helps you monitor access, prevent misuse, and ensure only authorized individuals can print, scan, or copy sensitive documents.
6. Poor Network Configuration.
Printers connected to unsecured networks or poorly configured firewalls create easy access points for hackers. Make sure your printers are segmented on a secure network, use encrypted protocols, and follow IT best practices to close these gaps.
7. No Security Monitoring or Reporting.
If you're not monitoring your print environment, you won't know when something goes wrong. While some printers may have minimal usage tracking, third-party applications are specifically designed to track usage, flag suspicious activity, and generate audit logs. Leveraging these tools can help you stay ahead of potential breaches.
8. Disposing of Devices Without Data Sanitization.
When it’s time to upgrade your printers, make sure you're not discarding them with sensitive data still onboard. Before recycling or returning leased equipment, ensure all stored information is properly deleted or overwritten. This step is essential for safeguarding your data even after the device leaves your hands.
Why Printer Security Should Be a Priority.
Cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting your servers and laptops. Ignoring printer security can lead to data breaches, compliance violations, and financial losses. By addressing these often-overlooked vulnerabilities, you strengthen your overall IT defense and protect what matters most: Your people, your clients, and your reputation.
Need Help Securing Your Print Environment?
If you're unsure where to start, we’re here to help. Our team can assess your current setup, identify vulnerabilities, and implement smart, scalable solutions to keep your business secure. Reach out today to learn how better printer security can protect your operations and give you peace of mind.
