Organizations spend resources on keeping their technology and devices secure. Although, they often overlook one crucial piece: printers. Printers, just like computers and Wi-Fi networks, can be an entry point for hackers. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your business printers secure.
What makes business printers vulnerable to cyberattacks?
When assessing network security threats, companies mainly focus on servers and computers. Not only because they are the most exposed to external threats, but also because they are targets for cyberattacks. Printers are at the bottom of the list since they are not prime targets. What’s more, their functions seem to be internal at first glance.
Because of printing and scanning, they make print devices perfect cybercriminal targets. Businesses run important documents that hackers would definitely love to get their hands on.
And they can — easily.
Network printers store previous print jobs in their hard drive, sometimes including canceled ones. If anyone accesses the printer, they may see those documents.
Files can be intercepted during wireless transmission, as modern printers can connect to the web. Hackers exploit printers’ open network ports to view data. In addition, they also take over vulnerable printers and transmit their own data.
What can you do to protect your printers?
Business printers need a cybersecurity strategy. Keep your print devices secure by following these best practices:
- Monitor your network continuously. Promptly install printer software updates and patches. Printer manufacturers often release software support or updates, so regularly check for those.
- Change the default password and administrator login credentials of printers with web management capabilities.
- Only allow company-owned devices to connect to your printers.
- Always connect to your printers using secure connections. Conversely, avoid accessing your printers through a public internet connection.
- Restrict printer access by using a firewall.
- Enable pin option before printing to prevent unauthorized access.
- Isolate printer from your main network and disable out-of-network printing when not in use
- With classified data, do not connect your printer to any network. Instead, connect it directly to your computer using data cables, or print from a thumb drive.
- Secure your printouts by enabling manual feed. This setting requires a user to manually input paper for reduced risks of theft.
Another way to secure your printers is by partnering with an IT company that can take care of your printer-related worries. From thwarting attacks to reducing management costs to keeping your printer at optimal functionality, our experts can help.
Call us today and discover how our wide array of tech services can safeguard your business.
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