When people think about cybersecurity, printers rarely come to mind. Yet, while concerns about hacking focus on laptops and phones, wireless printers are often overlooked – despite being connected devices on your network.
Most households only use printers occasionally – for things like shipping labels or important documents – and then forget about them until the ink runs out. Unfortunately, cybercriminals don’t forget. Unsecured printers can provide an easy entry point into your network.
In fact, security researchers have previously demonstrated just how vulnerable printers can be, successfully accessing thousands of unsecured devices worldwide. In many cases, once compromised, the printer itself was used to output security warnings – proving just how exposed these devices can be.
If you want to reduce the risk to your network, here are some simple but effective ways to secure your printer and protect your data.
1. Change Default Login Details
New printers often come with standard usernames and passwords to make setup easier. But these default credentials are widely known and easily exploited.
Hackers use automated tools that cycle through common login combinations until they gain access. To prevent this, update your printer’s login details as soon as it’s installed and choose a strong, unique password.
2. Keep the Firmware Updated
Printers, like other devices, rely on firmware to function. Manufacturers release updates to fix bugs and address security vulnerabilities – but these updates are easy to overlook.
Make it a habit to check for firmware updates regularly or enable automatic updates if your printer supports it.
3. Use a Firewall for Protection
A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and potential threats. It monitors incoming and outgoing traffic, blocking anything suspicious before it can cause harm.
Ensuring your firewall is active adds an essential layer of protection for all connected devices – including your printer.
4. Connect Printers to a Guest Network
Many modern routers allow you to create a separate guest Wi-Fi network. Placing your printer on this network helps isolate it from your main devices.
If a printer is ever compromised, this separation makes it much harder for attackers to move across your network and access sensitive data.
5. Disable Features You Don’t Use
Printers often come with multiple connectivity options and services enabled by default, such as remote printing or file sharing.
If you don’t need them, turn them off. Limiting active features reduces the number of potential entry points for attackers.
6. Turn It Off When You Don’t Need It
If your printer is only used occasionally, consider switching it off or unplugging it when it’s not in use.
A disconnected device can’t be accessed remotely – making this a simple but effective security measure.
7. Educate on Cybersecurity
Printer security is just one part of keeping you safe online. Good digital habits across all devices make a big difference.
Encourage everyone to:
- Use strong, unique passwords (10–12+ characters with a mix of symbols, numbers, and letters)
- Keep devices updated
- Enable multi-factor authentication where available
- Avoid clicking suspicious links in emails or messages
- Be cautious of phishing attempts
- Use trusted antivirus software
- Carry out periodic security check-ups
Need Help Securing Your Tech?
Keeping your data safe doesn’t have to be complicated – professional help is available to make sure your devices are secure, up to date, and running smoothly.
Book a 15 minute call with Nick:
