The Security Aspects of Network Printers: What to be Aware Of and How to Optimize Them

Network printers are an essential component of many businesses but also present potential security risks.

With sensitive information passing through printers, organizations need to be aware of the security aspects of network printers and take steps to optimize their security. In this blog post, we will discuss the security aspects of network printers, including the vulnerabilities that hackers are exploiting and how organizations can optimize their printers to be more secure.

Vulnerabilities in Network Printers

There are several vulnerabilities that network printers are exposed to, including:

Unsecured SNMP:

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is often used to manage network printers. If the SNMP configuration is not secure, it can allow unauthorized access to the printer, leading to sensitive information being stolen or manipulated.

Unpatched software:

Network printers often run software that needs to be updated regularly. Organizations that do not update their printers can become vulnerable to attacks exploiting known vulnerabilities.

Unsecured Wi-Fi networks:

If a network printer is connected to an unsecured Wi-Fi network, it can be vulnerable to attackers who can gain access to the printer and steal sensitive information.

Outdated protocols:

Some network printers use outdated protocols, such as Telnet or FTP, that are vulnerable to attacks.

How Hackers are Exploiting Vulnerabilities

Hackers are exploiting the vulnerabilities in network printers in several ways, including:

Brute-force attacks:

Attackers can use brute-force attacks to guess the SNMP community string, gaining access to the printer.

Malware:

Attackers can use malware to gain access to the printer, steal sensitive information, and manipulate the printer's configuration.

Man-in-the-middle attacks:

Attackers can intercept communications between the printer and management system, stealing sensitive information or altering the printer's configuration.

How Companies Can Optimize Their Printers to be More Secure

Organizations can optimize the security of their network printers by following these best practices:

Use SNMP version 3:

Organizations should use SNMP version 3, which provides encryption and authentication, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.

Keep software updated:

Organizations should keep their printers updated with the latest software, patches, and firmware to reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.

Use Wi-Fi networks securely:

Organizations should use Wi-Fi networks securely, using encryption and authentication to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Disable unneeded protocols:

Organizations should disable unnecessary protocols, such as Telnet and FTP, reducing the risk of attack.

Monitor for unusual activity:

Organizations should monitor for unusual activity on their printers, such as unauthorized access attempts or changes to the printer's configuration.

Summary

In conclusion, network printers present potential security risks that organizations must be aware of. By following best practices and optimizing their printers to be more secure, organizations can reduce the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches, protecting their printers and the sensitive information they handle.