Can Printers Be Hacked? Understanding Printer Security Risks

In a world where rapid advances in technology have brought numerous benefits to our lives, we might not immediately recognize the cybersecurity threats that face us in the most common smart devices we use daily. Most of us understand the need for online firewall protection and antivirus software. Even when our computers’ operating systems come with these security enhancements, they’re important. We avoid sketchy websites and fraudulent emails, but does that mean we’re safe from hackers and other bad actors? We need to remain vigilant with any smart device we own that connects to the Internet. Even your printer can get hacked by cybercriminals and expose your confidential personal and professional data. Let’s take a look at the vulnerabilities of printers, how and why hackers can infect your printer, and how you can protect yourself from those with malicious intentions. At home and in the office, many of us utilize printers on a regular basis. Gone are the days of necessary ethernet connections from your printer to your computer. And today, multiple devices may use one printer. You may have assigned your printer settings long ago. As long as it functions, it’s easy to forget to update its software and limit its access to your network. Nevertheless, your printer is extremely vulnerable to a costly cyberattack . It may seem as though cyberattacks that target printers would occur with less frequency than online phishing schemes and other common computer viruses . However, printers provide an easy target for hackers. Here are some interesting facts about how easy it is to hack printers: Cybercriminals often have the end goal of stealing your personal or confidential business data. However, they may want to cause a disruption in business operations, or prove how easy it is to hack into your system. Printers offer one of the weakest points in your cybersecurity, and are relatively easy to hijack. Hackers can also access a treasure trove of sensitive documents stored in your printer’s memory. Remote access may also allow bad actors to easily hack into your network of connected printers. Although all of your smart devices possess some level of inherent cybersecurity risks, your printer is especially vulnerable to getting hacked. Cybercriminals often focus on printers as a way to infiltrate your operating system. Businesses and individuals may do little to increase their printer protection beyond the basics, which can leave a ripe target for malware and other cyberattacks. Some of the ways your printer is vulnerable to a cyberattack include: When your printer has been hacked, you’ll be able to spot telltale signs. These warning signs aren’t always immediately visible with cyberattacks against your computer, however, they may show up quickly when a hacker infiltrates your printer. You’ll notice the following issues if someone has hacked your printer: Yes, your printer can get hacked, and may be targeted by cybercriminals. However, there’s good news, too. You can enhance your printer’s cybersecurity with relative ease, and thwart wannabe hackers. Some of the steps you can take to protect your printer include: As technology grows increasingly sophisticated, so do the cybercriminals who want to usher in destruction. It’s important to protect all and any devices with online access — including your printer. For more cybersecurity tools, visit What Is My IP Address . And be sure to check out our blog for the latest insights and tips to protect yourself online.