Printer Security 101: Ten Things Every Business Should Know

In today’s digitally-driven world, printer security is an essential aspect of business operations, often overlooked in the broader conversation about cybersecurity.

1. No One Is Protecting You

It might be shocking to learn, but no one is actively protecting your printers. Neither the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) nor your service providers have comprehensive security measures in place for your printers. Most printers are shipped with open factory defaults, and these settings often remain unchanged even after servicing. This leaves your printers highly vulnerable to attacks.

2. Criminals Know Your Printers’ Security Vulnerabilities

Hackers are well aware of where your printers are and their potential weaknesses. For example, during the onset of the Ukrainian conflict, the hacker group Anonymous managed to hack into all the Kremlin’s printers in just a matter of minutes. This incident underscores the importance of securing your printers against cyber threats.

3. Printers Compromise Your Security Perimeter

Your security perimeter is only as strong as its weakest link, and often, that link is your printers. Without including printers in your zero trust security framework, your overall security strategy is incomplete. Printers can be a gateway for cybercriminals to access your network.

4.Printers Handle Sensitive Information and Require Security

Printers often process, transmit, and store your most valuable information, such as electronic Protected Health Information (ePHI) and customers’ financial data. Despite this, they are frequently unprotected, untracked, and unmonitored. Additionally, many printers are mobile, adding another layer of complexity to securing them.

5. Constant Change and Underestimation

The printer environment is dynamic, with frequent changes in configurations, fleet composition, network structures, and security requirements. These changes are often underestimated and inadequately addressed, leaving gaps in your security posture.

6. Firmware Complexity and Printer Security

Updating printer firmware is not as straightforward as patching PCs or servers. Firmware is highly complex, and manufacturers often advise against patching due to the risk of breaking functionalities. This complexity makes it challenging to keep printer firmware up-to-date and secure.

7. Undocumented Firmware Updates Affect Printer Security

While firmware updates are essential for adding new features, operational improvements, and security patches, they are often undocumented and hidden. This lack of transparency makes it difficult for IT teams to understand what changes have been made and how they impact security.

8. The Pitfalls of Auto and Self Settings in Printer Security

Many printers come with “auto” or “self” settings that are recommended for ease of use. However, these settings can be detrimental to your security. They often lack the necessary customization and control to ensure robust security, making your printers vulnerable to exploitation.

9. Limited CVE Coverage for Printer Security

Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs) are a critical component of cybersecurity, but they rarely cover printers. While a few CVEs exist for printers, the coverage is insufficient, leaving many vulnerabilities unaddressed. This gap highlights the need for more comprehensive vulnerability assessments and mitigations for printers.

10. Printer Security: An Overlooked Aspect of Cybersecurity

Despite the significant risks, printers are often overlooked in cybersecurity strategies. This oversight can lead to severe consequences, including data breaches and compliance issues. To protect your organization, it is vital to include printers in your security planning and ensure they are monitored, managed, and secured effectively.

In conclusion, printers are an integral part of your business operations and hold sensitive information that requires protection. By understanding these ten key points and taking proactive measures, you can significantly enhance your printer security and, in turn, bolster your overall cybersecurity posture. Don’t let your printers be the weak link in your security chain. Take action today to secure them and protect your valuable data.

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Symphion, Inc.

5910 N. Central Expressway,
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Dallas, Texas 75206
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