What's the one hidden weakness in your office that hackers are counting on? It's often something small, easily overlooked, but with the power to compromise your entire establishment. Learn about a common cybersecurity blind spot found in most SMB workspaces.
The Price of Smart Workspaces
Smart technology has revolutionized SMB offices. From improving workflow efficiency with voice-activated assistants to reducing energy costs through intelligent thermostats, the benefits are indisputable. These devices provide convenience, automate mundane tasks, and collect valuable usage data to help businesses optimize operations.
Unfortunately, every connected tool can also turn into a potential entryway for cyber threats. Many IoT devices lack built-in security protocols, and there's one particular category that companies tend to overlook: printers.
Why Is Printer Security So Important?
Today's printers are no longer simple output devices. They're intelligent, connected endpoints that fully integrate with your digital network. When left unprotected, threat actors can exploit these devices to enact the following:
- Network infiltration: Hackers can use smart printers as a backdoor to access central servers, financial records, and other more valuable targets.
- Memory theft: Advanced printers store copies of scanned, copied, and printed documents in internal hard drives or temporary memory. Without encryption and proper data wiping, this information can become accessible to unauthorized users.
- Operational disruption: Cybercriminals can commandeer unsecured printers to spread malware across a business network or execute Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attacks.
- Unauthorized configuration changes: Hackers can change printer settings to disrupt print jobs or even silently reroute them to external locations.
Thorough Endpoint Protection Should Include Printers
Why wait for this cybersecurity blind spot to pave the way for costly data breaches or unplanned downtime? Secure your printers now with these proactive steps.
- Change Default Credentials
New printers often come with generic factory code (e.g., "admin," "12345") that you can easily search online. Protect your device by changing the administrator password to a strong, unique, and complex combination.
- Strengthen Network Security Through Segmentation
Placing your printers on the same network as your critical data gives hackers a direct gateway to your most sensitive files. That's why you should consider isolating smart printers and other high-risk devices onto a separate Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN).
- Implement Secure Print Release
Leaving sensitive documents sitting unattended in output trays creates easy opportunities for physical data theft. "Pull printing" requires users to verify their identity at the printer (using a PIN, ID badge, or mobile app) before the document actually prints.
- Disable Unused Features
Multi-function printers often come with various features and open ports. Turn off anything not required for daily operations to minimize the device's attack surface.
- Keep Firmware Updated
Manufacturers regularly release firmware patches to resolve newly discovered security vulnerabilities. You should configure your printers to automatically check for and install these security updates during off-peak hours.
The High Stakes for SMBs in the Cybersecurity Landscape
SMBs should cover every possible cybersecurity blind spot because even one digital breach can lead to devastating consequences. Start with simple steps such as enabling automatic firmware updates or encrypting print traffic, then consider adopting more exhaustive strategies like zero-trust security.
