PROTECT YOUR PRINTER AGAINST HACKERS
At iNREACH, we have decades of experience providing managed print solutions to businesses of all sizes across the UK.
While many organisations understand the importance of protecting their computers and networks, printers are often overlooked — and that can be a costly mistake.
Modern multifunction printers are powerful, connected devices. They store and transmit data, integrate with cloud systems, and are linked to your wider IT network. That means they can be just as vulnerable to cyber attacks as any other piece of office technology.
We take the time to understand each client’s printing needs and tailor solutions that minimise their environmental impact. To find out more, or to arrange a print audit for your business, get in touch with our team today.
In this article, we’ll explain why printer security matters and share practical steps you can take to protect your printer… and your business.
WHY PRINTER SECURITY MATTERS
Hackers target printers for several reasons:
- Data theft – Printers don’t just print; they store temporary copies of documents on their internal drives. Without proper security, sensitive files such as invoices, contracts, or HR documents could be accessed and stolen.
- Network entry points – Because printers are connected to your network, an unsecured device can act as a digital “back door” for hackers to access other systems, applications, and data.
- Disruption – Malicious software can slow down or disable printers entirely, stopping your team from working effectively. This can be particularly damaging for businesses that rely on printing for time-sensitive operations.
For businesses handling client information or operating in regulated industries, a compromised printer could also mean compliance breaches, financial penalties, and reputational harm.
PRACTICAL STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRINTER
While printer security might sound technical, there are straightforward measures any business can adopt:
Change default settings – Many printers ship with default usernames, passwords, and network settings that are widely known to hackers. Changing these immediately is a simple but effective first step in keeping your device secure.
Limit access – Secure print features ensure that documents are only released when the authorised user is at the printer. This prevents confidential files from being picked up by the wrong person. With uniFLOW print management software, you can easily set up user authentication via PIN codes, access cards, or mobile devices. Let us know if you’d like to find out more.
Keep firmware up to date – Printer manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to fix security vulnerabilities. Ignoring these leaves your devices open to attack. If you use our managed print services, then you’ll already have peace of mind because we handle firmware updates for you automatically as part of our proactive maintenance.
Monitor and log usage – Keeping track of who is printing, when, and what can reveal unusual activity — such as large print jobs at odd hours — that might indicate a security issue. Our clients know that we’re monitoring their usage 24/7 monitoring, so potential threats can be detected and resolved quickly.
Secure your network – Printers should be connected to secure networks protected by firewalls, with encryption enabled for all data transfers. This makes it far harder for hackers to intercept sensitive information in transit.
HOW iNREACH CAN HELP
If you’re happy to manage your own printer security, that’s fine. However, if you’d like some help, our proactive approach ensures printer security is built into your managed print package from day one. We don’t just react to problems — we anticipate them, keeping your devices secure and operational. Our nationwide network of engineers and in-house support team means expert help is always close at hand.
And don’t worry if you’re not sure what level of printer protection you currently have. We can carry out a print security audit to identify risks and recommend solutions tailored to your business.
WANT TO KEEP YOUR PRINTER SAFE AND PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS?
Contact us today to book your print audit and find out how iNREACH can keep your printers — and your network — safe from hackers.
And because we care about the bigger picture, every order with iNREACH helps plant trees through our partnership with Treeapp — making your print security a little greener too.
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CONTACT US
For sales & general enquiries please email enquiries@inreachgroup.co.uk, call 0330 053 8180 or submit your details below: