If I asked you what’s keeping your company’s data secure at night, your first thought probably wouldn’t be the printer.
You’d say phishing emails, sketchy attachments, outdated software—not the dusty old HP sitting in the corner near the breakroom.
But if you’re running a business in Kankakee with 10 to 150 employees, here’s the brutal truth: Your printer could be the easiest way for a hacker to walk right into your network—and you’d never see it coming.
Most owners or office managers don’t even think twice about their printer. And that’s exactly why cybercriminals love them.
You’re Not Paranoid—Printers Really Are a Risk
Cybernews proved this in 2020 with their “Printer Hack Experiment.” They targeted 50,000 printers and successfully compromised 56%—more than 28,000 devices. And all they did was have them print a sheet warning about printer vulnerabilities. Imagine what could’ve happened if that had been ransomware instead of a prank.
Why Do Hackers Bother with Printers?
Because they’re a goldmine of sensitive business data, and most companies don’t treat them like the high-risk endpoints they are. Here’s what you’re really up against:
They Store Data You’d Rather Keep Private
That proposal you printed last week. The employee salary report? Client contracts? Yeah, your printer may still be storing digital copies of them. Many models have hard drives that retain months or years of data. If compromised, hackers can steal, reprint, or leak it.
Default Passwords = Open Door
Most printers ship with passwords like “admin” or “123456.” Too many businesses never change them. Would you lock your front door but leave the key taped to it? That’s what this is.
They’re a Launchpad for Bigger Attacks
Once inside your printer, hackers can pivot into your broader network, installing ransomware, spying on devices, or siphoning off data from employees who trust the network.
Unencrypted Print Jobs = Data Theft
If your print jobs aren’t encrypted, hackers can intercept them before they ever hit paper. Legal docs. Medical forms. Employee records. All up for grabs.
They Can Spy From the Inside
Modern printers can scan to email, access cloud drives, and store files. A compromised printer can turn into a remote surveillance tool.
Outdated Firmware = Huge Liability
Printers need patches too, just like your servers. Neglecting updates is like inviting hackers to dinner and letting them pick the wine.
Even Discarded Printers Pose a Threat
Throwing out a printer without wiping its memory is like tossing out a filing cabinet full of sensitive documents. Hackers have no problem dumpster-diving for data.
Here’s What You Should Do Right Now
Change Default Passwords Immediately
Yes, right now. Treat your printer login like your bank account.
Update the Firmware
If you don’t know how, call your IT person or vendor. Patches fix real threats—don’t wait until you’re the one making the local news.
Enable Encryption
Secure Print and encrypted job transmission protects your documents in transit. Especially important for HR, finance, and executive teams.
Limit Who Can Print
Only let authorized employees access printers. Use PIN codes or user authentication. This isn’t being paranoid—it’s being smart.
Wipe Stored Data Often
Clear print logs regularly. If your device has a hard drive, ensure it's encrypted. If you toss a printer, destroy the drive first.
Use a Firewall
Printers should be behind your network firewall. No exceptions.
Track Print Activity
If you aren’t already monitoring print logs, start. Suspicious usage patterns should trigger alarms—like remote access or odd-hour prints.
Stop Thinking “It’s Just a Printer”
The average business in Kankakee is running flat-out, juggling a million tasks and trying to keep up. You’re already stretched thin. But ignoring your printer is like leaving a back window open when you're worried about burglars at the front door.
You’ve got enough to worry about without wondering if someone just leaked payroll through your Konica.
So here’s what you can do:
Get a FREE Network Security Assessment Today
We’ll check your printers and your whole network to make sure you’re not unknowingly letting the fox into the henhouse. No tech speak. No judgment. Just straight answers and solutions.
👉 Click here to schedule your FREE Network Assessment now
📞 Or call us directly at 815-929-9850
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You don’t have to be the next cautionary tale.
Let’s tighten up your security—starting with the office printer.
