If I asked you to list the top cybersecurity risks facing your agency, you’d probably name phishing emails, malware, or maybe weak passwords. But what if I told you that the biggest threat might be humming quietly in the corner of your office?
Yes, I’m talking about your office printer.
It might seem harmless. But to a cybercriminal, that printer is a backdoor into your client data, policy records, and agency operations. Most Salt Lake insurance firms don't realize how vulnerable their network-connected printers are — until it's too late.
In a recent experiment, Cybernews successfully hacked 56% of the 50,000 printers they tested. That’s 28,000 breached devices, many of which were sitting wide open with default settings and outdated firmware.
Why Hackers Target Printers (And Why You Should Care)
Printers are a goldmine of confidential information and, in many cases, an easy way into your entire network. Here’s what we see all the time:
- Stored Sensitive Data: Every print, scan, or copy leaves behind a digital trace. That includes policy documents, HR records, even client financial info. Many printers store this data for months — or years.
- Default Admin Credentials: Still using "admin/admin" to access your printer settings? You’re not alone. But you might as well leave the keys under the welcome mat.
- Easy Network Access: Your printer sits on your agency’s Wi-Fi or wired network. If a hacker takes control, they can move laterally across your devices and servers.
- Intercepted Print Jobs: Unencrypted jobs are vulnerable in transit. Legal docs, contracts, and even health forms can be stolen before they even hit the tray.
- Remote Spying: Modern printers with scan-to-email or cloud access can be manipulated to send sensitive data to outside sources.
- Outdated Firmware: Most insurance firms in Salt Lake haven’t updated printer firmware in years. Hackers know this and exploit known vulnerabilities.
- Disposal Disasters: Tossing an old printer without wiping the hard drive? That leftover data could become someone else’s treasure — and your liability.
7 Ways to Secure Your Office Printers
Want to shut the door on printer-based cyberthreats? Here's where to start:
- Change the Default Password
Replace weak admin credentials with a strong, unique password. Yes, even for the printer.
- Update Firmware Regularly
Make sure your team (or MSP) checks for and installs security updates from the manufacturer.
- Encrypt Print Jobs
Use Secure Print and encrypted transmission protocols to protect documents in transit.
- Limit Print Access
Set role-based permissions or require PINs for sensitive jobs. Keep guest access limited and logged.
- Purge Stored Data Frequently
Clear print job histories and encrypt onboard storage. Before recycling a printer, wipe the hard drive.
- Put Printers Behind the Firewall
Like any other network-connected device, your printers need to be protected by your agency's firewall.
- Monitor Printer Logs
Watch for unusual activity. Frequent late-night printing or new IP addresses accessing the printer? Red flag.
Don’t Let a Printer Create a Data Breach Headline
Most Salt Lake insurance agencies have robust protections in place for their computers and servers — but leave the printer wide open. Hackers are counting on that.
At Qual IT, we help agencies secure every endpoint, including those often-overlooked multifunction printers. We know the software you run, the compliance risks you face, and the client data you protect.
Want to know if your printers are secure?
Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment from our Salt Lake team at Qual IT. We’ll inspect your printers, patch vulnerabilities, and close the gaps before someone else finds them.
Click here to schedule your FREE assessment now.
Stay secured,
Austin McDonald
Cybersecurity & IT Partner to Salt Lake Insurance Advisors
Qual IT
