Protect Your Printers from Cybercriminals: 8 Tips to Improve Security
April 1, 2022
Last Modified On: August 6, 2026
Printers get hacked more often than you’d think. 67% of organizations had a print-related data loss last year, up 11% from the year before, according to Quocirca’s 2026 report. Here’s why: modern printers connect to your devices, your network, and the internet. That makes them just as risky as a laptop. But most businesses still treat them like basic office equipment.
A hacked printer is a real problem. It can:
- Run print jobs you didn’t approve
- Expose data stored on its own drive, like tax files, bank details, or employee records
- Give an attacker a way into every computer on your network
8 Printer Security Tips at a Glance
Here are 8 simple steps to close that gap.
| # | Tip | What It Stops |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Set up printers correctly | Default passwords, open guest networks |
| 2 | Check print trays often | Sensitive pages left out in the open |
| 3 | Keep malware protection updated | Attacks spreading through the device |
| 4 | Limit network access | Outsiders reaching your printer |
| 5 | Update your printers | Known security holes |
| 6 | Use a firewall | Outside interference |
| 7 | Encrypt storage and print jobs | Stolen or intercepted data |
| 8 | Train your employees | Human error and phishing |
1. Set Up Your Printers Correctly
Start with the basics.
- Change the default password. Anyone can access a printer remotely, and a weak default code won’t stop them.
- Use your own trusted router for remote printing.
- Never connect a business printer to a guest network.
2. Check print trays often
Clear out unused pages that carry sensitive information. This one habit prevents a lot of data leaks. If paper tends to pile up, get an office shredder. It’s a cheap fix.
3. Keep malware and firmware protection updated
Printer threats change over time, so your protection needs to keep up too. Many printers now come with built-in defenses. For example, HP Sure Start checks the printer’s firmware every time it starts up. If it finds tampering, it reboots to a safe state on its own. This stops an attack before it can spread.
4. Limit access to the network
An unprotected printer is an easy target. Here’s what to do:
- If you don’t need remote printing, turn it off.
- If you do need it, set the printer to accept jobs only from your trusted network.
This keeps outsiders from reaching the device.
5. Update your printers
Printer makers patch security holes, just like phone and computer software does. Skipping updates leaves those holes open. Check for printer updates every quarter to stay ahead of known problems.
6. Use a firewall
Most offices already have one. If yours doesn’t, get one now, it’s a basic requirement, not an upgrade. Keep the firewall on your computers turned on. For stronger protection, use a dedicated firewall for the whole network.
7. Encrypt your storage
Here’s a risk many people miss: when a print job travels from a computer to a printer, someone can intercept it. And after it prints, the document often stays stored on the printer’s drive as an image.
To fix this:
- Encrypt print jobs in transit.
- Encrypt the data stored on the printer itself.
Many modern printers already have tools for this. You can use them to set a secure password, remove access for former employees, and clear the print queue automatically once a job is done.
8. Train Your Employees
Everyone who uses the printer shares responsibility for keeping it safe. Talk to your team about:
- Basic physical and digital printer safety
- The extra risk of printing from a phone, since phones are easier to hack than a managed desktop
- How to spot a phishing attempt
- How to handle confidential information
It’s Time to Secure Your Printers
Printers are one of the most overlooked devices in office security. That’s because most people still see them as simple equipment, not a security risk. Whether your printers are in an office or at home, take a few minutes to check them against these 8 steps.
CloudConsole understands the risk printers pose to your network. Our managed cybersecurity solutions cover endpoint protection, including devices like printers that often get missed. Our guide on computer system maintenance covers other device-hygiene habits that work well alongside these steps. And if a breach does happen, our guide on what to do after a data breach walks you through the next steps.
Want help securing your printers? Get in touch for a quick 10-15 minute chat, or email us at info@cloudconsole.ph.
This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can printers really be hacked?
Yes. Printers connect to your network and the internet, just like a computer does. That makes them a real target. Hackers can run unauthorized print jobs, steal data stored on the printer, or use it as a way into your network.
What is HP Sure Start?
It’s a built-in security feature on HP Enterprise printers. It checks the printer’s firmware every time it starts up. If it finds tampering, it reboots to a safe, verified state automatically.
How often should I update printer firmware?
Check every quarter. Printer makers patch known security holes on an ongoing basis, similar to how your phone or computer gets updated.
What data can hackers steal from a printer?
Printers often store copies of documents as images on their internal drive. This can include tax files, bank details, financial records, and personal information, if that storage isn’t encrypted or cleared regularly.
How much does a print-related data breach cost?
About $1.28 million on average, according to Quocirca’s 2026 Print Security Landscape report. The same report found that 67% of organizations had at least one print-related breach in the past year.