Printers often fall through the cracks when companies think about cybersecurity. However, recent statistics reveal an alarming trend – data breaches stemming from unsecured printers are skyrocketing.
Given how printers tend to blend in with the furniture, it’s understandable how easy it is to overlook this risk. But with the financial and reputational damages at stake, we must bring printer security to the forefront.
Understanding the Risks of Neglecting Printer Security
Surge in Data Breaches Through Printers
According to research firm Quocirca, the percentage of companies reporting printer-related data leaks was around 61% in 2023.
Hackers frequently single out small businesses, correctly assuming we lack resources for comprehensive security systems.
While firewalls and anti-malware software are vital, my fellow entrepreneurs must recognize printers as a weak link that cybercriminals actively target.
Key Threats: Malware, Phishing, and Unauthorized Access
Once hackers access a printer, three primary threats emerge:
- Malware attacks that extract sensitive files
- Phishing scams that dupe employees
- Unauthorized usage that exposes confidential documents.
Strategies for Enhancing Printer Security
Treating printers like any other device, best practices involve complex passwords, forced periodic resets, and two-factor authentication.
Educating staff to carefully follow these protocols when printing reduces the chance of unauthorized access.
IT teams should also configure usage logs for early detection of suspicious activity.
Adopting Transit Encryption for Print Jobs
Encrypting data flows to and from printers represents another wise safeguard. Encryption transforms files into indecipherable code during transmission, preventing data theft even if hackers intercept print jobs.
For extra protection, enable drive encryption directly on printer hardware as well.
Routine Erasure of Printer Hard Drives
Despite encryption measures, printers still store fragments of sensitive documents on internal drives.
Developing consistent workflows to erase drive contents denies criminals this valuable intelligence.
Some modern printers even automate this process, a capability worth investigating during new equipment purchases.
In an age where cybercriminals relentlessly probe for weaknesses, overlooking threats means jeopardizing our livelihood.
While securing printers demands some new effort, the alternative risks prove far costlier.
