March 12, 2024

The Risks of Unsecured Printing Networks and How to Mitigate Them

Printers are often seen as easy to manage, but they can be a big threat if left unsecured. Hackers often see printers as an easy way into a network for stealing important data. This can lead to data theft, breaking rules, and even money losses.

Reports show that 61% of IT leaders have seen data loss from unsecured printers, which shows how serious this problem is. To avoid these dangers, using secure practices for your printers is key. This means keeping your devices updated, adding extra layers of login protection, not storing print history, and safely getting rid of old printers.

Why Do Printers Pose Security Threats and Vulnerabilities?

Printers can pose important security threats. They are often overlooked. But, they are a key way for hackers to hit a company’s defenses.

When a printer is not secure, it’s an open door for hackers. They can use it to get into the company’s network. From there, they can do lots of damage, like spreading viruses. This can cause big problems, including money loss and breaking the law. So, it’s very risky to not protect your printers.

It’s crucial for companies to understand the dangers printers can bring. They need to act ahead to stop these threats. By teaching and making good security rules, they can keep their important data safe from harm.

Best Practices to Protect Printers from Security Risks

Keeping printers safe from security risks is a must for all organizations. They must update their printers often. This means adding patches and installing updated firmware. By regularly updating, printers are better protected from new cyber threats. It helps fix any existing weaknesses fast.

It’s also key to manage passwords well. Always change the default passwords. And use multiple steps to confirm who is trying to access the printer. This stops hackers from getting in, making it a safer place.

Erase old print logs and turn off any unnecessary printing services. When getting rid of old printers, do it safely. These steps shrink the areas cybercriminals can use to break in. Consequently, it’s harder for them to find security holes.

To make printers even safer, save print jobs with encryption. This keeps the information safe. Putting firewalls up also stops bad guys from getting into your printer system. Plus, hosting regular security classes for employees is smart. It helps everyone know how to spot and handle printer security risks.

Lastly, to lower the risk of printing network dangers, organizations should have strong print rules. They must push for a thorough printer security plan. This makes sure everyone sticks to security measures, cutting the chances of a security disaster.