An Unsuspected Security Risk: Printer Hacks

Your multifunction printer/copier/scanner could provide an entryway to hackers

Leaders at many small and medium size businesses may not suspect that their multifunction device, or printer/copier/scanner could make them vulnerable to cyberattack. If preventing a printer hack hasn’t been on your radar as part of your security strategy, it’s time to rethink your approach. The truth is, networked printers are attractive targets for cybercriminals, as they often are not secured by businesses. 

Half of business owners fail to secure their printers

Research shows that more than half of business owners come up short in their security strategy by failing to secure their printers. That’s a huge oversight, as recent studies show 60% of businesses experience a network security breach via a networked printer. Why are printers such a valuable gateway for hackers? For several reasons.

Hackers seek out access to your network via your networked multifunction device to cause problems with your technology, intercept print jobs, mail documents via your printer to others, or access your company data or customer information. Simply put, the results of a printer hack can be devastating to the entire enterprise.

Signs that your printer may have been compromised can vary. You may find your printer mysteriously printing out leaflets or advertisements you didn’t send to it. Or maybe your device goes on the fritz, a common signal that hackers have disabled the device to attempt to cover their tracks. By having the right security software and settings in place and continuously monitoring printers the same way you do with other technology, you may be able to catch a printer hack early on.

Preventing a printer hack with the right partners in place

Protecting your organization from cybercrime requires partnering with the right experts for the job. These days, office printers do much more than just print; they are fully-functional computers, and from a security standpoint, they should be treated as such. Businesses often unwittingly leave ports and settings open, creating a doorway for hackers. For small to medium sized businesses which often don’t have a full slate of in-house staff to support printing needs, a Managed Print Services provider can ensure that nothing falls through the cracks, including the security of your networked printer/fax machine/copier/scanner.

Your networked printers, scanners, fax machines and copiers are vulnerable

Your office multifunction devices are vulnerable to sneaky cyberattacks, and the results can be costly and damaging to any organization. Protect yourself by partnering with a trusted Managed Print Services leader, who can ensure you are in the know when it comes to printer hacks and have the firepower to safeguard your entire IT infrastructure.

Questions? Contact us for more information about Managed Print Services, preventing a printer hack, your other potential business vulnerabilities and how we can help you design a comprehensive security strategy.