The Surprising Cybersecurity Risk Most Businesses Ignore

Quick question: What’s the biggest cyber threat in your office?

If you immediately thought of phishing or weak passwords, you’re not wrong but you’re also not seeing the full picture.

One of the most overlooked threats to your business network might be sitting in plain sight: your office printer.

That’s right. While you’re busy investing in firewalls, antivirus software, and employee training, your printers may be quietly exposing your network to unnecessary risk and hackers know it.

How Printers Become a Hacker’s Favorite Target

Modern office printers aren’t just “dumb” machines for pushing paper they’re fully connected endpoints. They store data, connect to the cloud, and interact with multiple systems across your network.

In other words:
If it has access to your data, it can be compromised.

Here’s what typically makes printers vulnerable:

  • Default usernames and passwords left unchanged
  • Unpatched firmware containing known exploits
  • Open access to remote printing features
  • Lack of monitoring or visibility by the IT team

Once a printer is compromised, attackers can use it as a backdoor to your entire environment.

The Real Risks of an Unsecured Printer

Leaving your printer unsecured isn’t just an IT nuisance, it’s a security gap that could have serious consequences:

  • Network Access: Hackers can launch attacks on other systems from a printer’s open connection.
  • Data Theft: Sensitive documents (payroll, contracts, medical forms) can be intercepted mid-print.
  • Unauthorized Remote Control: Hackers can monitor, reroute, or even alter print jobs.
  • Print Server Breaches: A compromised server can spread malware or halt business operations.

And here’s the kicker: most companies don’t even realize it’s happening.

The Firmware Problem: 64% Are Ignoring It

According to HP Wolf Security, only 36% of businesses regularly update printer firmware.

Think of firmware updates as security patches and ignoring them is like leaving the doors unlocked. Hackers actively exploit outdated firmware because they already know the vulnerabilities exist.

How Intelecis Helps Eliminate This Overlooked Threat

At Intelecis, we treat printers like any other endpoint because they are.

When you partner with us, we:

✓ Ensure firmware is always up to date
✓ Lock down remote access and admin settings
✓ Set up usage monitoring for suspicious activity
✓ Replace default passwords with strong credentials
✓ Integrate printer security into your broader cyber strategy

We also educate your team so they don’t unknowingly turn a helpful device into a weak spot in your defense.

Don’t Let Your Printer Be the Weakest Link

If your office printers haven’t had a second look in months (or years), now’s the time. Intelecis helps forward-thinking businesses like yours spot hidden risks, strengthen endpoint security, and gain peace of mind.

Let’s talk about your current setup. Book a free Cyber Risk Assessment today.