When considering how to keep a network secure many people think about preventing someone from hacking their computer. But they’re not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. It’s a tool that most individuals use sporadically. For example, when you want to print out tax forms or mailing labels.
Printers tend to be out of sight, out of mind. That is until you need to print something and run out of ink. Well, they’re not out of the mind of hackers. In fact, unsecured printers are a classic way for criminals to gain access to a home network.
To illustrate this point, Cybernews purposely hacked printers. It hijacked nearly 28,000 unsecured printers globally. The success rate was 56%. What did it do once it gained access? Ironically, it made the printers print out a guide on printer security.
Are you wondering how exposed your network is from your printer? We’ve got some security tips below to help. These tips can enable you to better secure your network, which keeps data on all devices more secure.
1. Change the Default Login Credentials
When you buy a new printer, it will likely have included default information. Manufacturers give you a way to connect and set up your device. This usually involves default login information.
Immediately change that information during set up. Hackers use a master list of all these defaults. They plug it into an automated script and just keep trying them all until they get a hit. Change these, and make sure you create a strong password.
2. Keep Printer Firmware Updated
Keeping firmware updated is vital to keeping your printer secure. Hardware needs updating just like computers, software, and apps do. Those updates often contain important security patches.
Firmware updates aren’t usually as visible as software updates. Software and OS updates usually give you a popup notification. But updates to the drivers and firmware that run printers, aren’t so visible.
Some of the places you can check for firmware updates are:
- The PC manufacturer’s utility app on a connected device
- The printer’s information panel
- The printer manufacturer’s app installed on a PC
3. Use a Network Firewall
A network firewall is important to ensure the monitoring of traffic. Firewalls can block suspicious activity to keep hackers out of your network. You should configure the firewall to watch incoming and outgoing printer traffic.
4. Put Your Printer on a Guest Network
Most of today’s routers (even home routers) allow you to set up a guest network. This is a separate Wi-Fi that runs from the same router you use for your main network. It’s harder for hackers to get from one network to another.
Keeping a less secure device separated from computers and phones improves security. You can still print to your printer from devices on another network. You just need to have things configured correctly. If you would like to setup your printers on a guest network, please give us a call and we can help with this.
5. Disable Unused Ports or Services
IoT devices, like printers, often have many ways to connect. You may not need all the ports or services that come with your printer. These ports are risk areas where hackers could find a way in.
It’s best to disable any ports and sharing features that you don’t need. This reduces the risk of a breach.
6. Unplug It When Not in Use
With the increase of companies trying to limit their carbon footprint, printers don’t tend to get used as much as they once did. Often they are used to just print the odd piece of information maybe once or twice a day. If you’re not using your printer consistently throughout the day, it may be worth considering removing the printer from the netwokr or switching it off entirely.
With the printer completely disconnected from the network or turned off you have a guarantee that a hacker will not be able to use it as a stepping stone to accessing your network.
7. Teach Your Staff Cybersecurity Best Practices
Your printer is one device on your network. Most networks will be connecting several devices to their network.
Employees need to know and adopt good cyber habits. This keeps everyone’s data more secure. It also helps you avoid costly identity theft breaches.
Some standard best practices to follow for good cyber hygiene are:
- Always use strong passwords. (at least 10-12 characters & include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols)
- Keep software & firmware on devices updated
- Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible
- Enable device firewalls & other protections
- All devices that should have a good antivirus installed
- Never login to an account from a link you receive via email or text
- Learn how to identify phishing & get a second opinion before clicking
- Get a security checkup from a pro at least every year or two
If you are concerned about your staff’s cyber habits or would like to organise training to improve the human side of your cyber security, Rejuvenate IT can help you with this.
This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
