When you think about cybersecurity risks in your business, you probably picture phishing emails, viruses, or weak passwords. But have you ever stopped to think about your office printer?
It might seem harmless, just sitting there printing paperwork—but printers are actually a favorite target for hackers. And if your business is like most, it’s probably not protected as well as it should be. That’s why printer protection should be part of your overall IT services strategy.
Can Hackers Really Break Into a Printer?
Yes—very easily. In one tech experiment, researchers tried to hack into 50,000 printers. They got in to more than half of them and even made them print out warning messages. That’s tens of thousands of businesses exposed through devices most people ignore.
Why Would Hackers Bother With Printers?
Because printers handle a lot of sensitive information, including contracts, payroll files, and client records. If you're in a business that manages confidential data, this is especially risky. We break this down more in our blog post ”Why Being Paranoid About Client Data Is a Smart Move”.
Modern printers don’t just print—they store digital copies, connect to email, and are plugged into your business network. That makes them a backdoor for cybercriminals and a weak link in your cybersecurity defenses.
Here’s How Printers Create Security Risks:
- Stored data can be stolen – Many printers save digital versions of scanned or printed documents. If someone hacks in, they can steal or reprint that data.
- Default passwords make it easy to break in – A lot of printers still use the original login settings like “admin123.” That’s a wide-open door for hackers.
- They’re part of your network – If a printer gets hacked, it can give access to the rest of your computers and systems. This is especially dangerous for industries handling financial, legal, or health records.
- Print jobs can be intercepted – Without encryption, documents can be captured while they’re being sent to the printer.
- Remote spying is possible – Hackers can access scan-to-email features or view saved files.
- Outdated software = big risk – If your printer’s software isn’t updated, it can be vulnerable to known attacks. A quick update from your IT company can solve this.
- Thrown-away printers may still have data – Old printers often have hard drives that need to be wiped before disposal. If not, they can leak data and create legal liability.
How to Keep Your Printer Safe
Printer security doesn’t have to be hard. Here are simple steps your business can take today:
- Change the password – Use a strong, unique password. Avoid easy ones like “admin” or “123456.”
- Update the firmware – Check for updates regularly. Most manufacturers release patches to fix security issues.
- Use encrypted printing – Turn on Secure Print or similar features so only the right person can print or see the documents.
- Limit who can print – Set user permissions or require PINs for sensitive files.
- Clear stored jobs – Delete old documents and make sure the printer’s hard drive is encrypted.
- Use a firewall – Treat your printer like any other device on the network and protect it accordingly.
- Track activity – Set up logging so your managed IT services provider can monitor usage and flag suspicious behavior.
Printers Need IT Support Too
Many small businesses in Wilmington, NC, and nearby areas like Leland and Jacksonville, don’t realize their printers could be putting their data at risk. That’s where a trusted IT company like Earney IT comes in
We provide full IT support for small to mid-sized businesses, including cybersecurity assessments, printer security setup, and ongoing managed IT services. Whether you’re running a dental practice, a law office, or a financial firm, our team helps you stay protected.
✅ Ready to See If Your Printers Are Secure?
Let us help you close the gaps. Book a free network security evaluation today and we’ll check if your printers, network, and connected devices are leaving your business exposed.
Book Your Free Risk Assessment Now
