Most businesses in Chicago and Indiana invest heavily in cybersecurity—from firewalls to multi-factor authentication. But there’s one device often overlooked in security protocols: the office printer. At Braden Business Systems, Inc., we emphasize that today’s multifunction printers (MFPs) do far more than print. They store, scan, and transmit data—often sensitive, and often unsecured. That makes them a prime target for cybercriminals.
Why Modern Printers Pose a Security Threat
Printers are now fully connected endpoints, operating on the same networks as laptops and servers. If a hacker breaches a printer, they could gain access to stored documents, active print jobs, and even broader parts of your IT infrastructure. Unfortunately, many businesses still leave printers out of regular security updates and audits.
Vulnerabilities That Go Unnoticed
Common vulnerabilities include outdated firmware, default login credentials, and unencrypted data transfers. For example, if your team uses wireless printing without security settings enabled, that access point could be exploited as a backdoor into your system. Even the internal memory of printers, which stores recent documents and scanned files, can be a treasure trove of information for attackers.
Practical Steps to Strengthen Printer Security
To reduce risk, your organization should integrate printer security into your overall IT strategy. This includes:
Changing default usernames and passwords immediately
Encrypting print and scan data in transit
Updating printer firmware regularly
Restricting access to authorized users
Monitoring printer activity through your cybersecurity tools
These steps are not just technical best practices—they’re essential in maintaining compliance and protecting customer and business data.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Security
Can printers really be hacked?
Yes. Printers with network access and default settings are often exploited as backdoors into larger systems. They can store or transmit sensitive data that hackers may target.
What type of data is at risk from an unsecured printer?
Print queues, scanned files, emails, and stored documents can contain confidential information such as client records, financial data, or HR files.
How often should printer firmware be updated?
Firmware should be updated as soon as patches are released by the manufacturer. Regular updates protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.
Should printers be included in IT security audits?
Absolutely. Printers should be treated as endpoints and reviewed regularly alongside other hardware in security assessments and audits.
Is managed print security worth the investment?
Yes. Managed print services provide proactive monitoring, secure configurations, and compliance support—helping businesses avoid costly breaches and downtime.
Secure Print Environments Are the New Standard
As digital transformation accelerates across Indiana and Chicago, it’s vital to treat every network-connected device as a potential entry point, including printers. Braden Business Systems helps organizations modernize their print environment with secure, smart strategies that reduce vulnerabilities and improve uptime.
Call Braden Business Systems at 317-849-8449 to schedule a printer security audit and ensure your business stays protected from hidden threats.