Protect Your Small Business: How To Prevent a Printer Hack

A printer hack. Stop, think about the phrase, and laugh. Why would anyone hack into a printer to do this? Well, there are many reasons for someone to hack a printer, and they are not all funny. There are more and more devices that connect to your office network.?

Known as the Internet of Things (IoT), ?devices can be anything from smart light bulbs to thermostats to that coffee maker that you've been eyeing for a while. The devices are only equipped with minimal networking capabilities. However, there is a network line that runs from the device to your computer and router. If someone can hack into a device such as a computer or printer, then they will be able to easily access your network and computers.

You could invest in heavy-duty locks and a security system, hire a guard dog, and do everything else, but leave your back door open. Do everything you can to protect your small business from a printer hack. We at Charlotte IT Solutions will do all we can to help. Here's what you should know.

Install Those Updates

You may have noticed that when you are working on your computer, a small pop-up appears in the corner. You're notified that an update for your operating system, drivers, or some application is available. You can check a box to have your computer remind you of the update tomorrow. You have work to do and don't want your computer to be stopped from installing something. You need to stop this. Install the updates as soon as they become available.

These updates are usually patches or security improvements. Software designers and manufacturers are always changing and improving software to ensure hackers cannot access your computer. The same is true for printers. You may receive driver updates, or the operating system could offer you updates to help secure your Internet connection between the computer and printer. You expose yourself to hacking attempts if you delay these updates. Install updates as soon as they are available to avoid these hacks.

Set up a Password For Your Printer

You've probably been in a restaurant or mall and pulled out your phone to look for a Wi-Fi network. What do you find? "Office Printer". You're not interested in a printer that doesn't connect to the internet, but hackers may be interested. Likely, the printer doesn't display a passcode (there is no lock icon when it appears in printer options). It's a red flag for hackers as it makes the printer appear easy to hack. They might have to be nearby to see this, but the effect is the same as leaving the front door open when you leave the house. You may not know if someone is curious and wants to peek.

Classified Data Printers: How to Determine the type

You can print classified information. This does not have to be classified information. This can be important in medical records or financial records. Information that is valuable to another person. You should not connect your printer to the Internet if you are printing this type of material. It indeed makes things easier, but you should take all precautions to protect this type of data. It means connecting your printer directly to your computer and printing your document.

Then, you should turn off the printer, disconnect it from your computer, and power down the printer. It will stop hackers from hacking into your printer, even if it is not connected to the Internet or connected to your computer.

Disable Out-Of-Network Printing

In the past, you may have used your printer for faxing or sending emails. Since the fax machine isn't used much anymore, you probably don't use it for faxing. You can skip this step if you already do. If you are only using the printer for printing, you can disable out-of-network printing in the menu settings of the printer. Out-of-network printing is when someone cannot email or fax documents to your printer. Your printer will print the document automatically once it receives the document. You can improve your device's security immediately by disabling this feature.

Take Additional Security Steps

You can improve your printer's security by taking a variety of measures. A firewall will be needed to secure the printer. You might also require that all print jobs enter a PIN. To communicate with the printer, a PIN is required. If someone tries to hack into the printer from outside, they'll need to enter a PIN or find a bypass.

Protect Your Small Business From a Printer Hack

Hacking a printer or any IoT device could cause serious problems in your business. This is not different from a hacker who might steal information directly from your computer. It is important to protect all devices that are connected to the Internet and your office network. You can easily extend the network security of your office to cover everything connected to the internet. This includes your printer.?

You can learn more about network safety and how to protect your small business against a hack, or other hacks. Contact the Charlotte IT Solutions team today.