Office printers: A potential risk to your data security?
In today's interconnected office environments, network-connected printers have become more than just office equipment. They store data, have network access, and historically suffer from weak default credentials and outdated firmware if unmanaged, posing significant cybersecurity risks [1][3][4]. To effectively reduce printer vulnerabilities and maintain print data confidentiality and integrity, a comprehensive, layered approach is essential.
According to Gary Tierney, UK & I Printing Category Director at Hewlett Packard, this approach includes regularly updating printer firmware to patch security vulnerabilities and close exploit loopholes [1]. Enforcing user authentication and access control, such as badge-based login or secure print release, is also crucial to ensure only authorized users can send or retrieve print jobs [1][2][5].
Encrypting print jobs both in transit and at rest using modern standards like TLS 1.2+ is another essential measure to prevent data interception or unauthorized access [1][2]. Disabling unused or insecure protocols (e.g., FTP, Telnet) and changing default administrative credentials reduce attack surfaces [2][3].
Segmenting printers on a secure VLAN or network zone separate from critical IT assets is another vital step in limiting the risk if a printer is compromised [2]. Monitoring and logging printer activity can help detect anomalous behavior such as unusual print volumes or attempts to access device settings [1][2].
Placing printers in secure physical locations where only authorized users have access and output trays are not exposed publicly is essential to avoid confidential data exposure [5]. Integrating printers into zero-trust security models by continuously verifying identity, permissions, and behavior rather than assuming safe network presence is also recommended [2].
Additional security measures include centralizing print management via cloud platforms with automated updates and audit features, simplifying oversight and compliance demonstration [2]. Using dynamic device lockdown features that can restrict printer functions during detected threats is another valuable tool [1].
Ensuring printer hard drives and stored data are properly encrypted or securely wiped to prevent sensitive data leakage if devices are decommissioned or stolen is equally important [3][4]. Collaborating with vendors and IT partners to validate security credentials and accelerate implementation of security patches and resilience measures across printer fleets is also recommended [4].
Technologies that help pinpoint high-risk printers, such as those containing malware, are critical, with 70% of respondents agreeing [1]. Most respondents predicted a data breach resulting from insecure network-connected printers in the next 12 months [1].
Unfortunately, most organizations are pessimistic about their ability to prevent the loss of data contained in printer memory and/or printed hardcopy documents [1]. Executive management, sales, and human resources departments are the most likely places for a data breach to occur via a printer [1].
At the same time, 56 percent of enterprise companies ignore printers in their endpoint security strategy [1]. If a printer is accessible via the Internet, it could provide hackers with a point of entry to access the company's network [1].
Only 30% of respondents say their organization has a process for identifying high-risk printers [1]. 64% of IT managers believe their printers are likely infected with malware [1]. Attackers could send bizarre print jobs, use the printer to transmit faxes, change its LCD readout, change its settings, launch denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, or retrieve saved copies of documents through unsecured network-connected printers [1].
56% of respondents believe employees in their organizations do not see printers as an area of high security risk [1]. Given the risks, stringent training and awareness programs are needed to address the appropriate handling of sensitive and confidential information [1].
Printers have their own hard drive, operating system, and direct network connection, making them similar to PCs [1]. As such, treating printers as critical endpoints within overall IT security strategy is essential to prevent attackers from using them as entry points into organizational networks [1][4].
References:
[1] Tierney, G. (2021). The Importance of Securing Network-Connected Printers. Hewlett Packard.
[2] Kaspersky (2020). The State of Printer Security 2020. Kaspersky.
[3] Ponemon Institute (2019). The Total Cost of Printer Data Breaches. Ponemon Institute.
[4] Verizon (2019). 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report. Verizon.
In the realm of data-and-cloud-computing and technology, the implications of cybersecurity risks in network-connected printers extend beyond general-news, reaching crime-and-justice aspects. Regular firmware updates, user authentication, access control, encrypted print jobs, and secure VLAN segmentation are essential measures for reducing printer vulnerabilities and maintaining print data confidentiality and integrity [1][2][3]. Additionally, monitoring printer activity, employing zero-trust security models, centralizing print management, dynamic device lockdown features, secure hard drive encryption, and collaborating with vendors can further enhance printer security [1][2][3][4]. Neglecting printers in endpoint security strategy can potentially expose organizations to significant threats, making stringent training and awareness programs essential [1].
