When IT leaders assess cybersecurity risk, networked printers are often overlooked. In 2026, that oversight creates a growing blind spot in many organizations’ security strategies.
Modern office printers are no longer basic output devices. Today’s multifunction printers run on operating systems, store data on internal hard drives, connect to cloud services and support remote management. That functionality effectively makes them networked endpoints—and significantly expands their attack surface. As a result, printer security risks are far more relevant than many businesses realize.
Threat actors are on the hunt for less-protected devices, and printers often fit that profile. For organizations re-evaluating their security posture, understanding how printers fit into the overall risk landscape is essential.
This article explores the most critical printer security risks businesses face in 2026 and outlines practical guidance on how to better secure office printer fleets.
TL;DR – For businesses in 2026, these are the five biggest printer security risks:
In 2026, the most significant printer security risks stem from a combination of outdated assumptions, limited oversight and increasing attacker sophistication.
One of the most common—and dangerous—risks is outdated firmware. Printers are frequently excluded from regular patching cycles, leaving known vulnerabilities open for extended periods. And some organizations are operating end-of-life devices that no longer receive security updates at all. These gaps make printers an easy target for attackers.
Default credentials and a lack of user authentication continue to expose sensitive information. Without secure print release or identity-based controls, confidential documents may be left unattended in output trays or accessed by unauthorized users. In regulated industries, this can quickly lead to compliance violations.
Modern printers routinely store copies of print, scan and fax jobs on internal hard drives or solid-state storage. If those drives are not encrypted—or if devices are decommissioned without proper data wiping—sensitive information can be recovered long after a document is printed. This risk is often overlooked until an audit or incident reveals the exposure.
Once compromised, a printer can serve as a launch point for broader attacks. Because printers often sit on the same network segments as critical systems, attackers can use them to move laterally, inject malware or intercept network traffic.
Decentralized purchasing and remote offices have led to print devices being deployed without IT's knowledge. These "invisible" devices often lack standardized security settings, monitoring and lifecycle management. Without a clear inventory, IT teams cannot effectively assess risk or enforce security policies.
Together, these risks illustrate why printers should no longer be treated as low-priority assets. In 2026, they represent a meaningful part of an organization’s overall attack surface—and one that requires attention.
Printer security gaps create risks that extend well beyond the device itself. In the business world, they translate directly into financial, operational and reputational consequences for the business.
A compromised printer can serve as an entry point for a larger data breach, resulting in regulatory penalties, legal exposure, costly remediation and extensive device downtime. And for organizations handling sensitive or regulated data, even a single print-related incident may trigger compliance violations or audits.
There’s an internal cost as well. Poorly secured or unmanaged printers force IT teams into reactive support and incident response, diverting time from strategic initiatives.
Ultimately, security failures tied to overlooked devices erode trust. Customers, employees and vendors expect information to be protected at every touchpoint. Unsecured printers are not just an IT concern—they represent a business risk that can undermine confidence and long-term resilience.
Mitigating printer security risks requires a proactive, standardized approach. By treating printers like any other networked endpoint, organizations can significantly reduce exposure while aligning print security with broader IT and cybersecurity strategies.
Best practices for securing office printers include:
Together, these practices provide a solid foundation for reducing printer-related risk and strengthening the overall security posture of the organization.
Managed Print Services (MPS) providers help reduce printer security risks by bringing structure, visibility and accountability to the print environment. Rather than managing printers reactively, organizations gain centralized oversight across devices, locations and users.
An MPS provider standardizes security configurations, maintains firmware updates and tracks device lifecycles to ensure unsupported printers don’t remain on the network. Many also integrate print security with broader IT and cybersecurity policies, helping align printers with existing compliance and risk management frameworks.
Just as importantly, MPS reduces the operational burden on internal IT teams. By proactively monitoring devices and addressing vulnerabilities before they become incidents, managed print services help organizations lower exposure while keeping security efforts focused and sustainable.
In today’s business world, printer security risks can no longer be treated as an afterthought. When networked printers are overlooked, they introduce unnecessary risk, cost and complexity into an otherwise well-designed security strategy.
The good news is that these risks are manageable with the right visibility, controls and governance. For IT leaders evaluating how printers fit into their overall security posture, the first step is understanding where gaps exist today.
Ready to take that step? Download our Checklist for Office Printers to uncover hidden security risks, unnecessary costs and productivity gaps across your print environment.
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