Can Your Printer Get Hacked? Insights into Printer Security Risks

In a world where rapid advances in technology have brought numerous benefits to our lives, we might not immediately recognize the cybersecurity threats that face us in the most common smart devices we use daily.   

Most of us understand the need for online firewall protection and antivirus software. Even when our computers’ operating systems come with these security enhancements, they’re important. We avoid sketchy websites and fraudulent emails, but does that mean we’re safe from hackers and other bad actors?

We need to remain vigilant with any smart device we own that connects to the Internet. Even your printer can get hacked by cybercriminals and expose your confidential personal and professional data. 

Let’s take a look at the vulnerabilities of printers, how and why hackers can infect your printer, and how you can protect yourself from those with malicious intentions.

The cybersecurity risks of printers

At home and in the office, many of us utilize printers on a regular basis. Gone are the days of necessary ethernet connections from your printer to your computer. And today, multiple devices may use one printer.

You may have assigned your printer settings long ago. As long as it functions, it’s easy to forget to update its software and limit its access to your network. Nevertheless, your printer is extremely vulnerable to a costly cyberattack. 

FAQs on hacked printers

It may seem as though cyberattacks that target printers would occur with less frequency than online phishing schemes and other common computer viruses. However, printers provide an easy target for hackers. 

Here are some interesting facts about how easy it is to hack printers:

• According to Forbes, over 1 million unsecured printers are in operation and thus, exposed to cyberattacks
• In 2023, Cybernews hijacked 28,000 unsecured printers to prove how easy it is to hack into exposed devices
• An individual hacker known as Stackoverflowin managed to launch a cyberattack against 150,000 printers worldwide 

Why hackers might target your printer

Cybercriminals often have the end goal of stealing your personal or confidential business data. However, they may want to cause a disruption in business operations, or prove how easy it is to hack into your system.

Printers offer one of the weakest points in your cybersecurity, and are relatively easy to hijack. Hackers can also access a treasure trove of sensitive documents stored in your printer’s memory. Remote access may also allow bad actors to easily hack into your network of connected printers.

Why your printer is vulnerable to a cyberattack

Although all of your smart devices possess some level of inherent cybersecurity risks, your printer is especially vulnerable to getting hacked. Cybercriminals often focus on printers as a way to infiltrate your operating system.

Businesses and individuals may do little to increase their printer protection beyond the basics, which can leave a ripe target for malware and other cyberattacks. 

Some of the ways your printer is vulnerable to a cyberattack include:

• Neglected point of entry: It’s easy to overlook enhanced security on a printer. A lack of firewall or antivirus protection, along with public access and settings, can provide a way in for bad actors with malicious intentions.
• Unsecured data: Your printer stores an enormous amount of information, including any print history of confidential documents. If you don’t consistently clear this data, and you haven’t configured your printer’s privacy settings, hackers could breach this data and access any sensitive information stored in your printer.
• Cloud connectivity: Most smart printers are connected to backup cloud storage. Hackers can access your printer if you leave your cloud access credentials open, which could provide a backdoor for hackers to attack.
• Out-of-date firmware: Your printer may also be ripe for a cyberattack if you don’t consistently update its firmware. As with any Internet-connected device, it’s vital to update your printer’s firmware to minimize holes in its cybersecurity protection.
• Multiple printers connected in a local network: Although it’s important to ensure your home printers are protected from online criminals, businesses and academic institutions are particularly vulnerable to cyberattacks. If multiple printers have LAN (local area network) wireless security but aren’t secured, hackers may look to exploit holes in your network’s cybersecurity. 

How you can tell if your printer has been hacked

When your printer has been hacked, you’ll be able to spot telltale signs. These warning signs aren’t always immediately visible with cyberattacks against your computer, however, they may show up quickly when a hacker infiltrates your printer.

You’ll notice the following issues if someone has hacked your printer:

• Printer error messages. If you get a stream of printer error messages on your computer, your printer has most likely been hacked.
• Unauthorized printing jobs. If your printer begins to print documents that you didn’t send, it’s usually the work of a hacker.
• Printer software security alerts. Ensure that you have the notifications from your printer software turned on. Security alerts of breaches or unusual activity are signs of a hack.
• Changes in configuration settings. Additional, unknown users with printer permissions and altered network configurations can be signs of a hacked printer.
• Unknown devices in the print queue. Each time you choose to print, check your printer’s queue. If unknown devices or print jobs show up in the queue, you may have been hacked.
• Slow performance or connectivity issues. Unusually long delays in print jobs, or problematic printer connections could be red flags of a hack.
• Unauthorized changes to printer settings. If you no longer have administrative access to your printer, or notice a change in your printer settings, a hacker may have control over your printer.

How to protect your printer’s cybersecurity

Yes, your printer can get hacked, and may be targeted by cybercriminals. However, there’s good news, too. You can enhance your printer’s cybersecurity with relative ease, and thwart wannabe hackers.

Some of the steps you can take to protect your printer include:

• Use strong passwords, and require passwords for printer access
• Update all printer software and firmware regularly
• Always use a secure Wi-Fi network or a VPN to connect your printer
• Disable any unused printer features  
• Use antivirus software that will scan and protect your printer

As technology grows increasingly sophisticated, so do the cybercriminals who want to usher in destruction. It’s important to protect all and any devices with online access — including your printer.

For more cybersecurity tools, visit What Is My IP Address. And be sure to check out our blog for the latest insights and tips to protect yourself online.