Printers are often overlooked in cyber security strategies, yet they function as fully networked endpoints; complete with memory, operating systems, and access to sensitive data. This makes them a prime target for cybercriminals. In fact, if you’ve ever asked, “What percentage of businesses have suffered data loss from a printer security breach?” – the answer is an alarming 68%.
That means more than two-thirds of organisations have experienced serious data loss as a direct result of insecure print environments. For attackers, unsecured printers offer a way in, and for businesses they represent an often underestimated risk.
Why Cybercriminals Love Printers
Printers today are no longer standalone devices. They’re integrated into enterprise networks, serve multiple users, and handle high volumes of sensitive data, from financial records to employee PII. Yet in many organisations, they still operate outside the scope of formal endpoint protection.
Threat actors are fully aware of this gap. Once inside, they can exploit printer vulnerabilities to access stored documents, intercept print jobs, or even pivot to other parts of the network. The attack surface is significant, and traditional perimeter-based security measures rarely cover it effectively.
The Real World Impact of Printer Security Breaches
A printer breach can do more than expose documents, it can compromise your entire IT infrastructure. Whether through outdated firmware, open network ports, or weak access controls, attackers can use printers as an entry point into your organisation.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Sensitive data leaks: Confidential client files, internal communications, or financial reports intercepted in transit or pulled from printer storage.
- Regulatory consequences: Non-compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA, leading to fines or legal action.
- Operational disruption: Malware or ransomware introduced via printer firmware that spreads across your network.
- Brand and reputational damage: A breach, even through something as seemingly mundane as a printer, can quickly erode stakeholder trust.
These risks are no longer theoretical. With 68% of businesses already reporting printer-related data loss, the threat is very real.
How to Secure Your Printers
Printer security isn’t just best practice, it’s a business necessity. Here’s how to strengthen your print infrastructure and mitigate the risks:
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1. Treat printers as endpoints
Include printers in your overall endpoint protection strategy. Apply the same security protocols you would to your end user compute or servers.
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2. Implement access controls
Use role-based authentication or single sign-on to restrict access to printing, scanning, and document storage functions.
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3. Keep firmware updated
Regularly apply vendor security patches to close known vulnerabilities and reduce exploit risk.
4. Encrypt all data paths
Ensure that data is encrypted both in transit (e.g. during network printing) and at rest (e.g. stored on printer hard drives).
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5. Use secure print release mechanisms
Deploy pull printing or PIN authentication to prevent unclaimed documents from sitting exposed on output trays.
6. Audit and monitor usage
Enable logging and real-time alerts to detect unusual behaviour, such as out-of-hours printing or repeated failed login attempts.
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7. Partner with trusted security providers
Consider managed print services that offer built-in security features, compliance support, and continuous threat monitoring.
Don’t become a statistic
The reality is clear: printer-related vulnerabilities are a proven weak point in enterprise security. The fact that 68% of businesses have already experienced data loss from a printer breach isn’t a cautionary tale, it’s a documented trend that underscores the urgency for action.
By proactively securing your print environment, you can close a critical security gap and significantly reduce your exposure to costly breaches.
Need guidance?
At DTP Group, our experts work to secure every layer of your organisation’s IT infrastructure – including printers. Our tailored print security solutions are designed to align with your compliance requirements, reduce risk, and ensure business continuity.
Let’s discuss how to reinforce your print environment before it’s too late.
