Without thinking twice, people take reasonable measures to protect themselves and their belongings. For example, we lock the door when we leave the house, we put lock codes on our phones, and our internet is password protected. When it comes to online privacy and security, people tend to think of things like password stealing, unwanted phone calls, and email phishing scams. While these are valid threats to be aware of, there is another danger that often goes unnoticed. Old printers.
What’s the worst that could happen by operating a business with an older printer? Paper jams? Daily error messages? Unfortunately, the risk is much greater. Out-of-date printers and copiers are an overlooked avenue, allowing hackers access to sensitive information.
Why is My Printer At Risk?
As technology becomes more advanced, so do cybersecurity measures. Newer cell phones come with updated security measures, and newer computers have the latest malware protection. In the same manner, new printers come with protection and security that the older models do not have.
Automatic and Manual Updates
Every few months, printer companies will put out firmware and malware updates. Newer printers run these updates automatically, just like many phones and computers. Oftentimes, older printers require manual updates. Unless companies perform routine, manual updates, older printers will not have the most up-to-date security measures and will be at risk.
Incompatible Updates
Going further, once a printer is more than five to ten years old, many updates become incompatible with the older technology. Security updates are being released, and even if a company is staying on top of its manual updates, they cannot be installed on the older printers. Eventually, manufacturers will no longer release updates for older models because that technology is considered obsolete. Without the latest firmware, printers, and the companies they belong to, are left vulnerable.
Why is My Copier at Risk?
Connectivity
The security threat deepens when we note that aged copiers are equally vulnerable. Copiers, like computers, are connected to the internet through an IP Address. Usually, computers are secured through several malware protection programs. However, if a hacker has the IP address of the copy machine, they can infiltrate the network.
Hard Drives
Older models of copiers store every scanned or copied document on a hard drive. This means that someone who hacks into a copy machine can retrieve a vast amount of sensitive information. A hacker could also find employee information that has been scanned, such as employee names, birthdates, and social security numbers, to easily pose as an employee over the phone.
Similar to other updated technology, newer copiers have extensive amounts of random access memory, better known as RAM. RAM is the memory of the copier, which allows documents to be copied, but not stored on the hard drive. This way, if a hacker is somehow able to navigate through the security system of a new machine, which is unlikely, they will not find those sensitive documents because they are not stored in the machine. Investing in a new copier is the best defense against hackers.
Am I Really at Risk?
In 2020, Cybernews conducted an experiment in which they found 800,000 printers open. They selected 50,000 of these printers to infiltrate. They successfully hacked 56% of them. Contrary to what one would expect, this experiment did not incite widespread change. Today, the number of vulnerable printers is largely the same.
Printer and Copier Security
When you stop and think that almost every single business has a printer through which they print sensitive information, that percentage becomes even more staggering. Businesses print and copy payroll information, legal documents, forms that have personal or confidential information filled out, and more. On a computer, these documents would be protected through many different channels. Through outdated printers and copiers, they are vulnerable.
Once a hacker breaks into a printer or copier, they’ve infiltrated the base level of your network. This is the only stepping stone they need to access confidential information, and the fallout can be devastating.
How Do I Protect Myself?
While some steps can be taken, the best way to ensure the best security measures is by replacing outdated printers and copiers. Not only will a new model ensure your printer security, but it can also enhance your business efficiency. Printers are used daily, but not often thought about unless they’re malfunctioning. Having a secure and reliable machine will allow businesses to run seamlessly. HGi Technology offers an extensive range of top-of-the-line office equipment that will give you peace of mind as you conduct business. If your printer or copier is more than five years old, don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact HGi Technology today.