Are Your Wireless Printers Your Achilles Heel?

Everybody should be concerned with someone hacking their computer, but most people usually don’t think about their wireless printer getting breached, perhaps because we don’t print as much as we once did. It’s a tool that most workers use sporadically when they need to print out tax forms or mailing labels.

Although printers tend to be out of sight, they should not be out of mind until you need to print something, or when they jam or run out of ink or toner. They’re certainly not out of the mind of hackers, who are looking at network peripherals, like printers and IoT devices. In fact, unsecured printers and other peripheral devices are a major cybersecurity concern and classic ways for criminals to gain access to a home network.

Cybernews purposely hacked nearly 28,000 unsecured printers globally to illustrate this point. The success rate was 56%. What did it do once it gained access? It made the printers print out a guide on printer security. That’s what they call a ‘teachable moment.’

So, just how exposed your network is with your printers and other peripherals? The security tips below can help. These tips can enable you to better secure your network, which keeps data on all devices more secure.

1: Redo the Default Login Credentials

When you buy almost any new device, it will likely include default information. Manufacturers usually set up default login information, including passwords, to give you a way to quickly connect and set up your device. These are a convenience, but you should immediately change that information during set up.

If your device has a default password, hackers already know it. They use a master list of all these manufacturer defaults and simply plug it into an automated script and just keep trying them all until they find one that lets them in. When you change the defaults, make sure you create a strong password.

2: Keep Your Printer Firmware Updated

This goes for every software, app, or device, not just printers. Keeping firmware updated is vital to keeping your printer and all other devices secure. Hardware needs updating just like computers, software, and apps do. Those updates often contain important security patches.

Usually, firmware updates are not as visible as software updates. Software and OS updates typically give you a popup notification that an update is either due or automatically scheduled. But updates to the drivers and firmware that run printers aren’t as visible or automatic. Often, you need to seek them out.

Here are some of the places you can look for firmware updates are:

• The printer’s information panel
• The PC manufacturer’s utility app on a connected device
• The printer manufacturer’s app installed on a PC

3: Use a Network Firewall

Here at ITFIRM.COM, we shouldn’t even have to tell anybody this obvious fact. You should already have a firewall for a number of reasons - one of which is that a network firewall ensures the monitoring of traffic. It can block suspicious activity to keep hackers out of your network. You should configure the firewall to include watching incoming and outgoing printer traffic.

4: Use a Guest Network for Your Printer

Guest networks provide a separate Wi-Fi even though it runs from the same router you use for your main network. It’s much more difficult for hackers to get from one network to another.

Improve security by keeping a less secure device separated from your main computers and phones. You can still print to your printer from devices on another network. You just need to have things configured correctly to save time.

5: Disable All Unused Ports or Services

Printers are IoT (Internet of Things) devices, so you often have many ways to connect. You may not need all the ports or services that come with your printer. These ports are risk areas where hackers could find a way in. Disabling any ports and sharing features that you don’t need reduces the risk of a breach.

6: Unplug It When Not in Use

This sounds like an extra hassle you don’t need, and it may not be necessary in an office environment, but most home printers aren’t used as much as work printers. People may only use them once a month or a few times a year. If you’re not using your printer constantly, unplug it when not in use. It’s safer and saves a little energy.

Having a device that’s unplugged and unconnected is a surefire way to cut off a hacker’s access, because when it’s shut down, no access is available at all.

7: Adopt Cybersecurity Best Practices

A wireless printer is just one device on your network, whether at home or at the office – and there are usually a few Wi-Fi connected devices in play, like scanners or other IoT devices.

Your employees need to know and adopt good cyber habits. This keeps the company data more secure, which helps you avoid costly data or identity theft breaches.

Some standard best practices to follow for good cyber hygiene are:

• Use strong passwords (NOT ‘123456!’)
• Keep software & firmware on devices updated.
• Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
• Enable device firewalls & other protections.
• All devices that should have a good antivirus installed.
• Never login to an account from a link you receive via email or text.
• Learn how to identify phishing & get a second opinion before clicking.
• Get a 3^rd party security checkup at least once a year.