Nine Ways to Protect Your Label Printer from Cyber Attacks
As technology advances, so do cyber attacks. Hackers are constantly creating newer, stealthier ways to access private information, and while cyber security is evolving with them, it can’t stop them completely. In the third quarter of 2022 alone, approximately 15 million data records were exposed through data breaches.
When guarding your network against hackers, your first thought may be to focus on your computers. However, there’s another way for hackers to access your information: your printer.
Risks Your Printer Poses
Even knowing how frequently data breaches occur, you may be skeptical that your printer can pose a security hazard. However, printers leave multiple avenues for hackers to attack your business:
Data disclosure: Printers may not function as the same way as computers, but they still store data. A skilled hacker can access this data, which means they can access sensitive information sent through the printer.
Print job manipulation: If hackers access your printer, they can tamper with any print jobs you have lined up. This includes replacing print content, deleting lined-up jobs or adding new jobs to the print lineup.
Printer as a gateway: Once your printer is compromised, a hacker can use it as a point of entry to attack other parts of your network. This includes attacking other applications or any connected systems. A compromised printer can even execute harmful code against connected networks.
Cloud printing: When you send print jobs to your printer through Cloud, hackers can use the Cloud printing channels to access your network.
Wireless printing: Wireless printing may seem convenient, but it also exposes your printer to outside attacks. Hackers can exploit the Wi-Fi connectivity to connect your printer to a malicious network.
How to Protect Your Printer
Now that you understand the danger an unguarded printer poses to your security, you may be frantic to protect it. Luckily, there are several ways to keep your printer safe, some of which you may already be utilizing:
Turn off printer when not in use: This is the simplest way to protect your information. No power means no connection, which means hackers can’t use your printer to access your data. It’s not always practical to turn your printer off after every use, but if you don’t need to use it for an extended period of time, turn it off.
Change passwords regularly: The longer you keep the same password, the more likely it is to be cracked. While there’s no set metric for how often you should change your password, changing it every few months is usually a safe bet. Avoid reusing the same password too often, as well as using common passwords or passwords that contain personal information, such as parts of your phone number or Social Security number.
Keep your printer updated: Just like computer updates, printer updates keep your device protected against ever-changing cyber attacks. Not updating your printer leaves it vulnerable, so make sure that you’re installing updates as they come out. Never assume that your printer will update itself automatically.
Use secure connections: It’s always risky to connect to an unknown Wi-Fi network, and it’s no different when using a printer. Only print from secure networks that you trust.
Make use of security features: Depending on your printer’s manufacturer, there may be security features available to help protect your printer. For example, Zebra Technologies offers PrintSecure through their Print DNA system, which allows you to block unauthorized printer access, use secure connections and more. Always check to see what tools are available to you.
Enable two-factor authentication: Many applications have the option for two-factor authentication. This requires users to verify their information from a secondary device, such as a phone. If any of the applications connected to your printer offer two-factor authentication, enable it for an extra layer of protection.
Educate your employees: Unless you’re running your entire business single-handedly, chances are that your employees will be using your printer. Take the time to teach them how to use the printer safely. If you’re unable to implement some of the listed protection methods yourself, teach them how to do it in your stead (change the password, install updates, etc.). This minimizes the chance of them endangering it by mistake.
Print from a separate network: While this may seem like overkill, printing from a separate network can stop hackers from using your printer as an access point to your main network. It won’t stop them from hacking the printer itself, but it will protect any connected information.
Upgrade your printer: If your printer is too old, it will eventually stop being compatible with security updates. If you’re no longer able to update your printer, it’s become a security hazard and should be replaced with a newer model. Be sure to retire your old devices safely, as leaving important information on them provides an easy way for malicious third parties to access your data.
Thermal Printers at Barcode Factory
If you’re looking to upgrade your printer so you can keep up with security updates, look no further than Barcode Factory. We offer the latest printers from quality manufacturers, including Zebra, Honeywell and more. No matter how many labels you have to print, what materials you’re using or what your print environment is, we have what you need. Browse our printers here or contact us today and let one of our certified experts guide you through your purchase.