You may not think of your printer as a security risk, but the reality is that cybercriminals can use it to gain access to your confidential information. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how you can protect yourself from these attacks and keep your data safe.
Confirm your printers are properly configured – Many printers come with a factory default configuration that includes an open network port and weak authentication settings. These defaults leave your printer vulnerable to attack. Be sure to change the default password and enable two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
Keep your printers updated – Just like any other piece of software, it’s important to keep your printers updated with the latest security patches. By doing so, you can help close any vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers.
Monitor your printer activity – Keep an eye on your printer activity and look for any suspicious behavior. If you see something unusual, it could be a sign that your printer has been compromised.
Review Print trays on a regular basis – Attackers can use print trays to gain access to your confidential information. All it takes is the wrong person looking in a print tray that contains documents with sensitive information.
Limit printer access – Not everyone in your organization needs access to your printers. By limiting access, you can help reduce the risk of an attack.
Keep firewalls updated – Firewalls are an important part of your security infrastructure. Be sure to keep them up-to-date and properly configured to help protect your network from attack.
Consider encrypting your file storage – Unsecured distance printing can lead to cybercriminals intercepting your print jobs and gaining access to your confidential information. To help mitigate this risk, consider encrypting your file storage.
Engage in ongoing education – Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. It’s important to stay up-to-date on the latest threats and how to protect yourself from them. One way to do this is to engage in ongoing education, whether it’s through online resources, attending conferences, or taking courses.
By following these best practices, you can help protect your printer from attack and keep your confidential information safe.
