Office printers don’t usually come to mind when we think about cyberthreats, but they should. Modern multifunction printers are fully connected endpoints that store documents, communicate across the network and hold credentials for users and applications. That makes them a valuable target for cybercriminals who are looking for the easiest way into a business.
In fact, many real-world breaches start with something simple like an open port, outdated firmware, or a printer still using its default password. Once attackers get in, they can steal data, intercept print jobs, or even use the device as a launchpad to move deeper into the network.
To help you understand how these attacks happen — and why proactive printer security matters — we’re breaking down real examples of how hackers exploit office printers and what businesses can do to protect themselves.
Before we look at real attacks, it helps to understand why printers are such attractive entry points for cybercriminals in the first place.
ARTICLE: 7 Warning Signs Your Print Environment is a Security Liability
Most businesses treat printers like simple office tools, but today’s multifunction devices operate much more like computers. They have processors, operating systems, storage, network connections and access to sensitive data. Attackers know this, and they take advantage of the fact that many printers are deployed with weak settings or outdated security controls.
A typical office printer might still be using factory default passwords or open ports meant for older print protocols. These small configuration gaps can give attackers easy access to the device and, in some cases, the broader network. Printers also store information in memory, including recently printed documents, address books and authentication credentials for cloud apps or network folders. If a hacker gains access, that data becomes theirs to explore.
When a printer is unpatched or unmonitored, it becomes a quiet back door that lets attackers intercept print jobs, view sensitive documents or launch broader attacks. Because these devices often go untouched for months or years, many businesses never realize how vulnerable their print environment really is until an incident occurs.
Printers may look harmless, but real attacks happen more often than most businesses realize. Here are some of the most common ways cybercriminals have tried to compromise office printers.
1. The “Default Password” Takeover
Printers often ship with factory default admin credentials and many never get changed during setup. Attackers use automated tools to scan networks for devices still using those defaults, which gives them instant admin access. Once inside, they can adjust settings, reroute print jobs, add malicious scripts, or pull stored documents and credentials. Because printers are trusted devices inside the network, this foothold makes it easy for hackers to move laterally into servers or other endpoints. A simple overlooked password can quickly escalate into a larger breach.
2. Firmware Tampering
Outdated or unprotected firmware is a high‑value target for cybercriminals. They search for devices running old firmware with known vulnerabilities or install malicious firmware that grants long‑term, undetected control. Once deployed, this custom code can log documents, redirect print traffic or hide covert communication channels back to the attacker. Since firmware runs below the surface, these changes survive reboots and may remain hidden for months. In this state, the printer becomes a surveillance tool capable of monitoring traffic, harvesting credentials or launching further attacks.
3. Man‑in‑the‑Middle via Print Traffic
If print jobs aren’t encrypted, attackers can intercept the traffic between a workstation and the printer. By inserting themselves into this communication path, they can read sensitive documents without ever accessing the printer directly. Older or unsecured print protocols make this even easier. Attackers may store captured data, modify it or use it to collect credentials and map the network.
4. Attackers Leverage Open Ports and Protocols
Many printers leave legacy ports and protocols enabled by default. Attackers scan for these openings and use unsecured pathways like FTP, Telnet or older SNMP versions to pull system details or issue commands. These open doors let hackers upload malicious files or scripts and gain a foothold in the network. Closing unnecessary ports is one of the easiest ways to reduce print security risk.
5. Physical Access Exploits
Anyone with brief physical access can plug in a malware‑loaded USB device and compromise the printer. These attacks leave little trace and can spread malware or send data to external servers. Printers in public or shared areas are most vulnerable.
6. Print Bombing and Denial‑of‑Service Attacks
Attackers may overload printers with nonstop jobs to disrupt operations. More advanced denial‑of‑service attacks overwhelm the processor or network connection, making the device unusable. These disruptions can mask larger attacks happening elsewhere.
These attack scenarios highlight a simple truth: printers carry the same risks as any other networked device, but they’re often overlooked. A single weak configuration, outdated firmware or unsecured port can give an attacker an easy entry point into the business. Once inside, they can intercept documents, steal credentials or move laterally into critical systems.
If printers aren’t monitored, these threats could go undetected. By the time a breach is discovered, the damage could include data loss, compliance violations, downtime or reputational harm.
Securing printers starts with treating them like the networked endpoints they are. Simple steps go a long way. Changing default passwords, closing unnecessary ports and hardening device settings help block the most common entry points. Keeping firmware updated is just as important since many attacks exploit older versions with known vulnerabilities.
Encrypting print traffic and using secure print release workflows prevent documents from being intercepted or picked up by the wrong person. Access controls and user authentication ensure only authorized employees can print, scan or access stored information.
For many businesses, partnering with a managed print provider adds even more protection through proactive patching, device monitoring and standardized security policies across every printer.
With the right controls in place, printers stop being easy targets and become protected parts of the network.
Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) takes a proactive, security‑first approach to managing print environments. It starts with a full assessment to identify any vulnerabilities. From there, GFC will ask how your staff uses print devices and what types of workflows they follow. Gathering this information helps to create a printer fleet plan customized for your organization and increases your printer security strength.
With consistent oversight and a team of experts handling the details of printer security strategy, businesses can remove gaps, stay ahead of cyberthreats and treat printers as any other endpoint within their network security.
Printers may not look like traditional security risks, but the real‑world scenarios noted above show how easily they can be used to access sensitive data or disrupt your business. Securing these devices protects more than documents. It protects your entire network.
If you want to close gaps before attackers find them, Gordon Flesch Company is here to help. Want to learn more? Download your complimentary copy of our Cybersecurity for Your Printer infographic.
