Network Printer Security Risks: How Hackers Exploit Network Printers

Network printer security risks are vulnerabilities that allow cybercriminals to access, compromise or use a connected printer as a pathway into a business network. Common risks include default administrator passwords, outdated firmware, open ports, unsecured remote management interfaces, unencrypted print traffic and poor network segmentation.

Most organizations think of printers as office equipment. In reality, today's business printers are intelligent network devices with operating systems, web servers, storage and remote management capabilities. If left unsecured, they can become an easy target for attackers looking for a way into your network.

Fortunately, reducing printer-related cyber risk does not require complicated security measures. With the right configuration, regular maintenance and ongoing monitoring, businesses can significantly reduce their exposure.

Many organizations are surprised to learn that printers and copiers can create cybersecurity risks. If you're just beginning to explore the topic, start with Why Your Copier Is a Security Risk for an overview before diving into the network-specific threats covered here. It explains why these devices have become attractive targets before diving into the network-specific threats covered in this article.

Why Network Printers Are a Target for Cybercriminals

Modern printers do far more than print documents. They scan to email, connect to cloud services, communicate with file servers and allow administrators to manage settings remotely. Every one of those features creates another potential entry point if it is not properly secured.

Many businesses rely on multifunction printers (MFPs) and copiers that combine printing, copying, scanning and faxing into a single device. Those additional capabilities introduce their own security concerns. Learn more in our guide to MFP Security.

Attackers are rarely interested in stealing the printer itself. Instead, they look for devices that are easier to compromise than servers or workstations. Once inside, they may attempt to move through the network, collect sensitive information or establish a foothold for future attacks.

Like laptops, desktops and servers, network printers should be treated as business endpoints that require ongoing security management.

For a broader overview of printer and copier security, see The Complete Guide to Copier & Printer Security.

Common Network-Connected Printer Security Risks

Default Administrator Passwords

One of the simplest ways attackers gain access to a printer is by exploiting factory defaults or weak administrator credentials.

Many organizations install a printer and never change the default password. Others create passwords that are easy to guess or reuse credentials across multiple devices.

If an attacker gains administrative access, they may be able to:

• Change printer settings
• Enable insecure services
• Capture print jobs
• Redirect scanned documents
• Create a pathway into the network.

Best practices include:

• Change default administrator credentials immediately
• Use strong, unique passwords for every device
• Limit administrative access to authorized IT personnel
• Review administrator accounts regularly

Open Ports and Unnecessary Services

Business printers often enable numerous network services by default, even when those services are never used.

Examples include:

• FTP
• Telnet
• HTTP
• SMB
• Legacy printing protocols

Every unnecessary service increases the device's attack surface.

A security review should identify which services your organization actually uses and disable everything else. Reducing unnecessary exposure is one of the easiest ways to improve printer security.

SNMP Vulnerabilities

Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) allows administrators to monitor and manage printers across a network.

Older versions, including SNMPv1 and SNMPv2, provide limited security and often rely on default community strings that attackers can easily discover.

Whenever possible:

• Use SNMPv3 for encrypted communications
• Replace default community strings
• Restrict SNMP access to trusted management systems
• Disable SNMP if not required

These changes help prevent unauthorized monitoring or configuration changes.

Outdated Firmware

Printer firmware functions much like the operating system on a computer or cellphone.

Manufacturers regularly release updates that correct security vulnerabilities, improve stability and address newly discovered threats. Unfortunately, firmware updates are often overlooked because printers are not viewed as traditional computing devices.

Running outdated firmware can leave known vulnerabilities exposed long after security fixes become available.

An effective patch management process includes:

• Regular firmware reviews
• Scheduled updates
• Verification that devices remain supported by the manufacturer

Replacing unsupported hardware before security updates end is equally important.

Print Spooler Attacks

Print services have occasionally been targeted by attackers seeking elevated privileges or opportunities to move through a network.

While many spooler-related vulnerabilities involve workstation or server software, unsecured print environments can still contribute to broader security risks.

Organizations should:

• Keep print servers updated
• Remove unused print queues
• Restrict administrative permissions
• Monitor print infrastructure for unusual activity

Printer security should be viewed as part of the overall print environment rather than focusing solely on the physical device.

Unencrypted Print Traffic

Documents sent across a network without encryption may be vulnerable to interception.

This becomes especially important when employees print:

• Financial reports
• Customer information
• Employee records
• Legal documents
• Healthcare information

Businesses should enable encrypted communication whenever their devices support it.

Examples include:

• HTTPS for management interfaces
• Secure printing protocols
• Encrypted network communications

Encryption helps protect sensitive documents while they travel between users and printers.

Unsecured Remote Management Interfaces

Many business printers include built-in web portals that allow administrators to configure settings remotely.

These interfaces are convenient, but they also require proper security.

Recommendations include:

• Require HTTPS connections
• Disable remote administration if it isn't needed
• Restrict access to approved IP addresses
• Use strong administrator credentials
• Enable multifactor authentication when supported

Remote management should make administration easier without introducing unnecessary risk.

Poor Network Segmentation

One of the most effective ways to reduce printer-related risk is proper network segmentation.

Instead of placing printers on the same unrestricted network as servers and sensitive business systems, many organizations separate devices into dedicated network segments.

Segmentation limits how far an attacker can move if a device is ever compromised.

Combined with the principle of least privilege, network segmentation helps contain threats and improve overall cybersecurity.

This article focuses on network-related threats. If you're concerned about documents stored inside the device, especially when returning a leased copier or replacing equipment, see our guide on Copier Hard Drive Security.

Why Firmware Updates Matter

Firmware deserves special attention because it is often neglected after installation.

Cybercriminals actively search for devices running known vulnerable firmware versions. Once vulnerabilities become public, attackers can automate scans that identify exposed devices.

Regular firmware updates help:

• Close known security gaps
• Improve device stability
• Enhance compatibility
• Reduce the likelihood of successful attacks

Because new vulnerabilities continue to emerge, firmware updates should be treated as an ongoing maintenance task rather than a one-time setup step.

Printer firmware should be included in your organization's regular patch management process, alongside servers, workstations, firewalls and other network-connected devices. Consistently applying vendor updates helps close known vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Zero Trust Includes Printers

Many organizations have adopted Zero Trust security strategies that require every user and device to verify its identity before accessing business resources.

Printers should not be excluded from this approach.

Instead of automatically trusting devices simply because they are connected to the internal network, Zero Trust assumes that every connection should be verified.

Applying Zero Trust principles to printers may include:

• Strong authentication
• Role-based administrative access
• Continuous monitoring
• Network segmentation
• Device inventory management
• Regular security assessments

Treating printers as managed endpoints strengthens your overall cybersecurity posture. This approach reduces the assumption that any device inside your network is automatically trustworthy, including printers. 

Best Practices for Securing Office Printers

While every environment is different, these practices significantly reduce printer-related security risks:

• Change all default administrator passwords
• Use strong, unique credentials
• Disable unnecessary services and ports
• Enable encrypted communication
• Restrict remote management access
• Keep firmware updated
• Use secure versions of management protocols such as SNMPv3
• Place printers on segmented networks
• Review printer logs for suspicious activity
• Include printers in routine cybersecurity assessments

Small, consistent improvements often provide greater protection than relying on a single security feature.

When Should Your Business Perform a Printer Security Assessment?

Many organizations review servers, firewalls and employee computers but rarely evaluate printers with the same level of attention.

A printer security assessment is especially valuable if:

• Your business has multiple office locations
• You manage a growing fleet of network printers
• Devices are more than a few years old
• Firmware updates have not been reviewed recently
• Your organization has experienced recent cybersecurity incidents
• You are modernizing your infrastructure

An assessment can identify configuration weaknesses, outdated firmware, unnecessary network services and opportunities to improve overall printer security before they become serious problems.

If you're unsure whether your current print environment is properly secured, a Printer and Copier Security Assessment can identify vulnerabilities, outdated firmware, unnecessary network services and opportunities to strengthen your overall security posture.

Protect Your Network by Protecting Your Printers

Network-connected printers have evolved into sophisticated business devices that deserve the same level of security as any other endpoint.

Weak passwords, outdated firmware, exposed management interfaces and poor network segmentation can all create opportunities for attackers. Fortunately, these risks are manageable with proper configuration, regular updates and ongoing oversight.

Printer security should not be treated as a one-time project. As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations benefit from periodically reviewing their print environment to ensure devices remain properly configured and protected.

Whether you manage a single office or multiple locations, taking a proactive approach to printer security helps protect sensitive information, reduce business risk and strengthen your overall cybersecurity strategy.

Ready to strengthen your print environment? Fraser can assess your printer fleet, identify security vulnerabilities, recommend practical improvements and help ensure your network-connected devices support your broader cybersecurity goals.

Organizations that don't have in-house IT staff often rely on Managed IT Services to keep printers, workstations, servers and other network-connected devices properly maintained and protected. Managing every endpoint through a consistent security strategy helps reduce risk across the entire business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can a network printer be hacked?
A: Yes. Like any network-connected device, a printer can be targeted if it has weak passwords, outdated firmware, exposed services or insecure configuration settings.

Q: Why are printers considered cybersecurity risks?
A: Business printers store data, communicate across networks and often include remote management tools. Without proper security, they can become another entry point into an organization.

Q: How often should printer firmware be updated?
A: Review firmware regularly and apply manufacturer security updates as they become available. Keeping firmware up to date helps address known vulnerabilities and improve device security.

Q: Should printers be placed on a separate network?
A: Many organizations improve security by placing printers on segmented networks. This limits unnecessary access and helps reduce the impact if a device is ever compromised.