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One of your office’s most overlooked security risks isn’t your computers or smartphones – it’s your printers.
That mundane device sitting in the corner could be a gateway for cyber criminals to infiltrate your organization’s network and access sensitive information. You could be caught in the crossfire as someone who uses that printer and connects to the same network.
It might sound far-fetched, but printers are becoming increasingly complex devices with their own operating systems, networks, and storage capabilities. This complexity and often-neglected security practices make them prime targets for hackers.
How Do Hackers Infiltrate Printers?
Sensitive documents containing customer data, financial information, or even personal employee details could be stolen from your printer simply by hacking into the WiFi! This could lead to identity theft, financial loss, and reputational damage for your organization.
Hackers can also use your printer as a launchpad to spread malware throughout your network, disrupting operations and causing further headaches.
You might think, “I don’t handle sensitive information, so why should I worry?”
Even if you don’t directly deal with confidential data, you’re still part of the ecosystem. A compromised printer can affect everyone in the office, from the CEO to the most junior intern.
What can you do to protect your printers?
To protect yourself and your organization, you must be aware of the potential risks and take steps to mitigate them. This includes practicing safe printing habits, such as avoiding printing sensitive information and securely disposing of printed documents. Additionally, talk to your IT team to implement robust printer security measures, including regular software updates, strong passwords, and network segmentation.
Taking precautions regarding your home printer is just as important. As an administrator, you should change the default passwords and reconfigure automatic settings to promote safety and personalization. Using the same credentials and settings with your devices is a surefire way to let hackers in. After all, it’s much simpler to break in when you can practice on those default systems first. Anyone can buy the same printer model (or ANY CONNECTED DEVICE you’ve purchased) and learn how to break into yours.
Printer security is crucial, but by understanding the risks and taking proactive steps, you can help protect yourself, your colleagues, and your organization from a potential data disaster. After all, the last thing you want is for your printer to become the headline of a data breach story.
The next time you walk up to the printer, take a moment to appreciate its potential vulnerabilities and the importance of keeping it secure. In the world of cyber security, even the most ordinary devices can pose extraordinary threats.
It’s not just printers!
Remember, if it can connect to the Internet, hackers can exploit it! Change all new devices to have unique, hard-to-break credentials, and be careful what you print on an unsecured network or device. It’s the best way to protect yourself and your office from data breaches.
Do you prioritize your organization’s safety and security? Allow Commonwealth Sentinel to be your partner in risk reduction and ensuring the well-being of all. Our comprehensive services range from software and hardware solutions to training and policy implementation. Contact us at (502) 320-9885 to learn more about how we can help you achieve peace of mind. You can also set up a free consultation by clicking here.
At Commonwealth Sentinel, we are focused on cyber security so that you can focus on other things.