When organizations think about security, they tend to focus on networks, endpoints and cloud environments. But there’s one area that often gets overlooked: the print environment.
Printers and copiers are connected, data-processing devices—yet they’re frequently left out of broader security strategies. That gap creates opportunities for vulnerabilities to go unnoticed until they become real issues.
The good news is most print security vulnerabilities are both identifiable and preventable. By understanding where risks commonly exist and applying proven print security best practices, IT leaders can take a more proactive approach to protecting sensitive information.
Let’s take a closer look at three of the most commonly overlooked vulnerabilities—and what you can do about them.
It’s one of the simplest print security vulnerabilities—and one of the most overlooked. A user hits “print,” on their computer, gets pulled away and a document containing sensitive data is left sitting in the output tray.
In shared or high-traffic office environments, this happens more often than IT teams realize. Anyone walking by—employees, visitors or vendors—can easily view or pick up documents that weren’t meant for them.
Even with strong network security in place, unclaimed print jobs can create compliance risks and expose confidential information. It’s a reminder that print security isn’t just about devices—it’s about user behavior, too.
The good news is this risk is easy to reduce. Secure print release ensures documents only print when the user is at the device and authenticated, keeping sensitive information protected until it’s retrieved.
Another common print security vulnerability comes down to how devices are set up from the start. Many printers and copiers are installed with default credentials, minimal security settings and open access across the network—and then left that way.
The problem is that these devices store data, connect to your network and often support functions like scan-to-email or cloud access. Without proper controls, unauthorized users could potentially access settings, view stored documents or even use the device as a pathway into your broader network.
For IT leaders, this reinforces an important point: printers aren’t just equipment—they’re endpoints. And like any endpoint, they need to be secured accordingly.
Addressing this risk starts with the basics. Replacing default passwords, enabling user authentication and integrating devices with your directory services are all essential print security best practices that help ensure only the right people have access.
Outdated firmware and print drivers are other frequently overlooked print security vulnerabilities. While servers and workstations are typically updated on a regular schedule, printers and copiers often fall outside those routines—leaving known vulnerabilities unaddressed.
These devices run their own operating systems, and when updates are missed, they can become easy targets for attackers. Exploiting outdated firmware and print drivers can allow unauthorized access, data interception or even a foothold into your broader network.
For IT teams, the challenge is visibility and consistency. Without a clear process in place, it’s easy for devices to go months—or longer—without critical updates.
Reducing this risk comes down to making printers part of your standard security strategy. Regularly updating firmware & print drivers, proactive monitoring and centralized device management are key print security best practices that help close this gap and keep your environment protected.
Identifying print security vulnerabilities is only half the battle. The real value comes from putting the right strategy in place to address them—and making sure they stay addressed over time. That’s where a more proactive, comprehensive approach makes all the difference.
At Gordon Flesch Company (GFC), printer security isn’t treated as a one-time fix. It’s an ongoing process built around visibility, control and continuous improvement.
It starts with a print security assessment. Before changes are made, it’s important to understand where risks exist across your fleet—devices, users and workflows. This baseline helps prioritize what needs attention first and ensures no gaps are missed.
From there, devices are hardened and configured properly. Default credentials are replaced, access controls are established and we recommend that user authentication is put in place. These foundational steps help ensure only authorized users can interact with your print environment.
Print security vulnerabilities are easy to overlook but difficult to recover from once exposed. By taking a proactive approach and following proven print security best practices, you can close gaps, protect sensitive information and strengthen your overall security posture.
Ready to see where your environment stands? Download our Is It Time for a Tech Check? infographic to uncover potential risks and start building a smarter, more secure technology strategy.
