By Austin McDonald | Qual IT
When you think about cybersecurity in your architecture firm, you probably focus on Revit files, BIM collaboration platforms, or protecting cloud access for remote teams. But what if I told you the biggest hole in your security perimeter might be humming quietly next to the copier paper?
Yes, we’re talking about your office printer.
In a 2020 experiment by Cybernews, over half of the 50,000 printers they targeted were compromised. That’s 28,000 devices—hacked—simply because companies didn’t think printers were worth securing.
And here in Salt Lake City, where firms handle high-value commercial projects and sensitive client data, ignoring your printer could be a costly mistake.
Why Hackers Love Architecture Firm Printers
Modern printers are more than just output machines. They’re smart, connected devices with internal storage, remote access features, and access to your entire network. For a cybercriminal, that’s a jackpot.
Here’s how an unsecured printer could put your architecture firm at risk:
- Printers Store Sensitive Design Data
Every scanned blueprint, every printed contract, every copied spec sheet—many printers store digital copies of those files. If hacked, someone could reprint or steal years’ worth of proprietary project data. - Default Passwords = Open Doors
Printers often come with default logins like “admin/admin.” If you’ve never changed that, you’ve left the front door wide open to bad actors. - Network Access Is the Real Threat
If your printer’s compromised, your whole network is vulnerable. Hackers can install ransomware, steal credentials, or launch broader attacks from that one endpoint. - Print Job Interception
Without encryption, print jobs can be intercepted mid-transfer. Imagine your client’s confidential development plans being viewed—or worse, leaked—without you ever knowing. - Remote Spying
Some printers have scan-to-email or cloud access. If compromised, hackers can remotely access scanned files, email records, or even reroute future jobs to themselves. - Outdated Firmware Leaves You Exposed
If your firm updates design software but ignores printer firmware, you’ve created a security gap that hackers are eager to exploit. - Discarded Printers Are Data Goldmines
Even retired printers can be dangerous. Their hard drives might still contain project data if they aren’t properly wiped before disposal.
How to Secure Your Architecture Firm’s Printers
Your printer needs the same level of security attention as any server or design workstation. Here’s how Qual IT helps firms protect this often-overlooked asset:
- Change Default Credentials
We immediately update default passwords with strong, complex ones that match your firm’s security policies.
- Firmware Updates & Patch Management
Printers are added to our software patching schedule. If a vulnerability is discovered, we fix it fast.
- Secure Print and Encryption
We enable end-to-end encryption and Secure Print options, so your files can’t be intercepted or accessed by unauthorized users.
- Access Control
We set role-based permissions and, where possible, require PINs or badges for print jobs—especially those involving sensitive project data.
- Data Wiping & Disposal Support
When it’s time to replace your printer, we ensure internal storage is properly wiped or destroyed before it leaves your office.
- Firewalls & Network Segmentation
We place your printers behind digital firewalls and segment their traffic so even if they’re attacked, your core systems remain protected.
- Monitoring for Suspicious Activity
We install monitoring tools to track and alert unusual activity—unauthorized access attempts, off-hour print jobs, or spikes in document volume.
Don't Let an Overlooked Printer Undermine Your Next Big Project
You wouldn’t leave your CAD workstations unsecured. Don’t treat your printers any differently.
At Qual IT, we specialize in managed IT services for architectural firms in Salt Lake City. That means we understand your tools, your project timelines, and just how damaging a breach—no matter how small—can be.
Want to make sure your printers (and your network) aren’t putting your firm at risk?
[Click here to schedule your FREE Network Security Assessment today.]
