Think about it.
That printer in the corner of your office or home hasn’t had a second thought since you plugged it in. It churns out documents, whirs a bit, jams occasionally, and that’s about it. But here’s the twist — that same printer could be a hacker’s open door into your network.
Here’s the catch:
Modern printers are more like mini-computers than simple paper machines. They store data, connect to Wi-Fi, and often run outdated software. If ignored, they can be a glaring weak spot in your cyber defences.
Why Printers Are Risky
• Stored data — many printers keep a copy of recent documents on their internal memory.
• Weak defaults — admin panels often ship with default usernames and passwords.
• Unpatched software — printer firmware is rarely updated, leaving bugs wide open.
• Network bridge — once compromised, a printer can act as a launchpad into the rest of your systems.
Real Example
In 2018, hackers targeted over 50,000 printers worldwide, forcing them to print messages promoting a YouTube channel. It was a prank — but it proved how easy it was to hijack forgotten printers. More serious cases have seen printers used to exfiltrate sensitive documents straight off the network.
Do This Today
- Change default credentials
Set a unique admin password for your printer’s control panel. - Update firmware
Check the manufacturer’s site for updates — yes, printers need patching too. - Secure network access
Place printers on a guest/VLAN network where possible, not your main one. - Clear stored data
Many printers let you wipe memory — especially important before reselling or recycling. - Limit remote access
Turn off features like cloud printing unless you actually need them.
Key Takeaway
Printers aren’t just harmless office furniture — they’re computers with paper trays. If you ignore them, you leave a backdoor wide open.
At The Cyber Workshop, our Protection Basics and Habits Workshops cover these overlooked devices and show you how to lock them down without needing an IT department.
Till next time,
Don’t let your printer broadcast more than documents.
