With all the buzz about AI, cloud migration, and paperless workflows, it’s easy to forget about your office printer. But new research from HP is a reminder that this “forgotten” piece of equipment is still a favorite target for cybercriminals – and too many organizations are making it easy for them.
Why Printers Slip Through the Cracks
Today’s printers and multifunction devices aren’t the simple machines they once were. They’re connected to your network, they store sensitive information, and if ignored they can be compromised just like a laptop or server.
HP’s survey of more than 800 IT and security leaders uncovered some troubling stats:
- Only 36% said their teams keep printer firmware up to date.
- Roughly a third of surveyed IT and security decision-makers can even detect if a printer’s hardware has been altered or if it has a known vulnerability.
- Many older devices run for years without security patches, especially when they aren’t under IT’s watch.
Why This Hits Close to Home in the Midwest
The fact is, printers aren’t going anywhere. Compliance rules, operational needs, and even plain old human preference keep paper in the workflow.
Other challenges companies face:
- Printer fleets get spread across multiple sites.
- Aging devices stay in service well past their prime.
- “Shadow IT” setups, where printers are managed by facilities teams instead of IT.
And according to the International Data Corporation (IDC), about 70 million printers and multifunction devices will still ship globally each year for at least the next five years. That means this risk isn’t going away.
Five Ways to Tighten Printer Security
- Put printers under IT’s umbrella. Manage them like any other connected device.
- Stay current on updates. Install firmware patches quickly and set up vendor alert notifications.
- Control access. Use authentication for printing, scanning, and copying; shut down unused ports.
- Secure the workflow. Enable pull-print or secure release; encrypt data in transit and at rest.
- Replace outdated units. Retire old hardware in favor of security-hardened models.
Where Braden Can Help
Through Managed IT Services, Office Equipment Solutions, and Document Management Systems, we help organizations get their print infrastructure under control, closing security gaps and streamlining workflows.
Your printer may not be the flashiest piece of technology you own, but if it’s the weakest link in your defenses, it could cost you far more than you think. Let’s make sure that doesn’t happen! Reach out to us today!