Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Is Your Printer a Security Risk?

As a business owner, you've probably thought about your network security and spent time making sure your business is protected.

Did you know printers can also be vulnerable to cyber threats?

So much of your business is digital in 2025, and any potential entry point for attackers can have devastating consequences. It's not just computers and servers that need protection; your printers can be a significant security risk.

Here are some things you should be checking to ensure you avoid compromising your network through your printers:

Secure Your Printer's Network Connection:

Change Default Passwords: Printers often come with default usernames and passwords that are easily guessable. Immediately change these to strong, unique passwords.
Update Firmware: Just like your computers, printers have firmware that needs regular updates. These updates often patch security vulnerabilities. Check your printer manufacturer's website for the latest firmware and install it promptly.
Disable Unnecessary Features: Many printers come with features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB ports. If you don't need these features, disable them to reduce a potential attack.

Control Access to Your Printers:

User Authentication: Implement user authentication for printing. This ensures that only authorized users can access the printer and its functions. Consider using PIN codes or card readers.
Access Control Lists (ACLs): Use ACLs to restrict printer access to specific IP addresses or user groups. This prevents unauthorized devices from connecting to your printers.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of printer usage logs to identify any suspicious activity.

Protect Sensitive Data:

Secure Printing: Implement secure printing features like pull printing, which requires users to enter a code at the printer to release their print jobs. This prevents sensitive documents from being left unattended.
Data Encryption: Some printers offer data encryption features. Enable these to protect sensitive data transmitted to and from the printer.
Hard Drive Security: If your printer has a hard drive, ensure it is encrypted or wiped when the printer is decommissioned. Stored print jobs can contain sensitive information.

Educate Your Employees:

Security Awareness Training: Train your employees on printer security best practices. Teach them how to identify suspicious activity and the importance of not leaving printed documents unattended.
Password Management: Emphasize the importance of strong passwords and secure password management practices.

Partner with a Trusted IT Provider:

Professional Assessment: Consider partnering with a reputable IT provider like Network Services Group in Ann Arbor for a comprehensive security assessment of your network, including your printers. "Network Services Group has been our trusted IT partner for over a decade, always providing reliable support and top-notch security. Their team is responsive, knowledgeable, and always there when we need them!" says Jessica Dulin, owner and CEO of Michigan Computer Supplies.
Managed Print Services: Some managed print service providers offer security features as part of their services. These can include regular security updates, monitoring, and proactive threat detection.

Taking these steps can significantly improve your printer security and protect your small business from future cyber threats. Don't underestimate the importance of printer security – it's a crucial part of your overall cybersecurity strategy.

Proactive Business Solutions in Ann Arbor

By partnering with us, you not only save time and money, but also gain peace of mind knowing that your business can stay productive even in challenging situations.

Contact us for help finding business solutions in Ann Arbor so you can focus on what truly matters, growing your business!

We also spend professional development time each week networking and developing relationships with other small businesses in our community. Chances are we know and trust someone that may be able to help you with insurance, business banking, office renovation, party planning, marketing, and more. Need help with cyber security insurance for your business? Our friend Jim Campbell at Hartland Insurance has been in the business for years and can help.