If I asked you to name the biggest cybersecurity threats on your Salt Lake City construction projects, you’d probably say phishing emails, ransomware attacks, or outdated software. But what if I told you that your office printer — yeah, that hardworking machine spitting out RFIs and project contracts — might be the biggest vulnerability in your entire IT environment?
It sounds ridiculous, but hackers love printers. And most construction firms don’t realize just how much risk they’re carrying — until something goes wrong. In 2020, Cybernews ran what they called the "Printer Hack Experiment." Out of 50,000 devices tested, 56% were successfully hacked, including printers handling critical business documents. That’s nearly 28,000 compromised devices simply because people overlooked what seemed like "just another piece of office equipment."
Why Are Hackers Targeting Construction Printers?
Because printers are a goldmine of sensitive project information. They process everything from bid documents and contracts to confidential compliance forms. And most firms, especially those busy coordinating field teams across the Wasatch Front, leave these devices wide open for attack.
Here's what can happen when a hacker gains access to your printer:
Printers Store Sensitive Data
Every time you print, scan, or copy a document, your machine might keep a digital copy on its internal storage. Many models have built-in hard drives that can retain years' worth of RFIs, payroll files, and permit applications. If a hacker gets in, they can steal or even reprint sensitive information without you ever knowing.
Default Passwords Make It Too Easy
Most printers ship with default logins like "admin/admin" or "123456." If your team’s too busy juggling project deadlines to change these credentials, you’re handing cybercriminals a set of master keys.
They’re a Backdoor Into Your Network
Construction companies today rely heavily on cloud-based project management and BIM platforms. If a hacker compromises your printer, they can slip into your wider network, install ransomware, steal data, or worse — shut down access to project-critical systems when you least expect it.
Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
Without encryption, print jobs can be snagged mid-transit. Think about it: drawings for the new Intermountain Health project, contracts for that Draper multifamily build — all intercepted before they even reach the tray.
Hackers Can Spy On Your Business
Modern multifunction printers come equipped with scan-to-email and remote storage features. A breached printer can become a 24/7 spy, silently capturing blueprints, compliance forms, or sensitive emails.
Outdated Firmware Leaves You Wide Open
Like any piece of tech, printers need regular updates. But when was the last time your firm’s printer firmware got patched? If you can’t remember, you're not alone — and that’s exactly what hackers are counting on.
Discarded Printers Can Be Goldmines
Simply hauling an old printer off to the dump without wiping its storage could leave RFIs, contracts, and even confidential site reports up for grabs.
How Salt Lake City Construction Firms Can Protect Their Printers
Now that you know your jobsite printer isn’t just harmless hardware, here’s what you need to do right now:
- Change Default Passwords Immediately
If your machines still have factory logins, change them today. Use strong, unique passwords — just like you would for Autodesk BIM 360 or Procore access.
- Update Firmware Regularly
Check your printer settings for firmware updates. If that sounds like just another thing on your overflowing task list, have your IT provider (like Qual IT) take it off your plate.
- Encrypt Your Print Jobs
Implement Secure Print features and enable end-to-end encryption so nobody can intercept sensitive project documents in transit.
- Restrict Access
Lock down who can print, scan, or email from your devices. Use PIN codes or login requirements, especially when handling compliance docs or project plans.
- Clear Stored Data Frequently
Some printers let you delete stored jobs manually. At minimum, encrypt internal hard drives, and before retiring a printer, wipe or destroy its storage.
- Put Printers Behind Firewalls
Treat your printer like any other network device. Keep it behind a properly configured firewall.
- Monitor Printer Activity
If your IT team isn’t already logging printer traffic, start now. Watch for strange activity: remote access attempts, unusual print jobs, or access from unfamiliar IP addresses.
Printers Aren't Just Tools — They're Targets
Most Salt Lake City construction firms focus their cybersecurity on servers and laptops. But if you're ignoring your printers, you're leaving a gaping hole in your defenses.
Want to know if your printers are secure? Start with a FREE Cybersecurity Assessment. At Qual IT, we understand the pressures construction IT managers face. We'll dig into your network, assess your vulnerabilities (including those "harmless" printers), and give you a clear action plan to lock things down tight — before the next hacker finds a way in.
Click here to schedule your FREE Cybersecurity Assessment today!
