Rising Cybersecurity Threats for Printers and Copiers in 2023

Cybersecurity threats to office printers and copiers have been on the rise in recent years, putting sensitive information and business operations at risk. While many organizations focus their cybersecurity efforts on protecting computers, laptops, and servers, the reality is that office printers and copiers can also be vulnerable to cyberattacks.

Office printers and copiers have become increasingly sophisticated, with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, cloud storage, and mobile printing capabilities. While these features have greatly improved convenience and productivity, they have also made these devices more susceptible to cybersecurity threats. The first step to securing your printers and copiers is to understand the threats they face.

 

What are the Major Threats to Cybersecurity Today?

 

Unsecured Connections

The use of Wi-Fi and cloud storage has made it easier for hackers to access printers and copiers through unsecured connections. If a printer is connected to a public Wi-Fi network, it can be vulnerable to hacking and information theft. If a printer is connected to a cloud service, it can be accessed remotely by hackers. In both cases, hackers can gain access to sensitive information and use it to carry out malicious activities.

 

Malware

Malware is a type of software that is designed to cause harm to your computer or network. Hackers can use malware to infect printers and copiers, which can then spread to other devices on the network. Malware can also steal sensitive information, such as login credentials and financial data from printers and copiers.

 

Man-in-the-Middle Attacks

Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attacks occur when a hacker intercepts communication between two devices, such as a printer and a computer. The hacker can then steal sensitive information that is being transmitted, such as login credentials and financial data.

 

Outdated Software

Office printers and copiers are just like any other device and require regular software updates to keep them secure. If a printer or copier is running outdated software, it is vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain access to sensitive information and steal it.

 

Good Cybersecurity Practices to Deal With Rising Threats

To mitigate these cybersecurity threats, it is important to implement the following best practices:

 

Use Secure Connections

To prevent unsecured connections, it is important to use a secure network for your printers and copiers. This can be done by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or by setting up a secure Wi-Fi network with a strong password.

 

Keep Software Up-to-Date

Regular software updates are crucial in keeping printers and copiers secure. It is important to keep all software up-to-date, including the operating system, firmware, and security software.

 

Use Firewalls and Antivirus Software

Firewalls and antivirus software are important tools for preventing cyberattacks. Firewalls can block unauthorized access to your network, while antivirus software can detect and prevent malware from infecting your devices.

 

Train and Prepare Teams with Knowledge

Training your team on best practices for cybersecurity is critical in protecting your printers and copiers. Employees should be taught to avoid opening suspicious emails, downloading attachments from unknown sources, and accessing sensitive information through unsecured networks.

 

Implement Network Segmentation

Network segmentation is the process of dividing a large network into smaller, isolated networks. By implementing network segmentation, you can reduce the risk of cyberattacks by limiting the access that printers and copiers have to sensitive information.

Office printers and copiers are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their increasing sophistication and connectivity. To mitigate these threats, it is important to implement best practices such as using secure connections, implementing network segmentation, using firewalls and anti-virus software, keeping all your software up-to-date, and training your team with knowledge of cybersecurity threats discussed in this article.

Want to improve cybersecurity practices in your workplace? Reach out to us at Novatech, who has been helping businesses for years secure their data and information within their work environment with The Managed Office.