Avoid These 5 Common Printer Security Vulnerabilities

Did you ever ask yourself, “Can my office printer be hacked?” You might be shocked to know that yes, it most certainly can. Any device connected to a network is vulnerable.

Printers, once simple devices that only handled paper output, have evolved into complex networked machines capable of storing and transmitting sensitive data. As with any connected device, printers are susceptible to cyberattacks, a fact often overlooked in the broader spectrum of IT security. 

Below, we’ll share the two most famous printer hacks of all time. We’ll examine how these breaches happened, the vulnerabilities exploited, and the necessary steps businesses must take to secure their printing infrastructure.

The PewDiePie Printer Hack

One of the most infamous printer hacking incidents occurred in late 2018 when a hacker, known as TheHackerGiraffe, compromised over 50,000 printers worldwide to promote YouTube star PewDiePie's channel. This attack highlighted significant security lapses in many networked printers.

Incident Details:

• Scope: 50,000 printers affected.
• Method: The hacker used Shodan, a search engine for Internet-connected devices, to identify unsecured printers with open ports.
• Execution: The printers were accessed and instructed to print messages urging people to subscribe to PewDiePie's YouTube channel.

Why They Did It

The primary motivation behind the PewDiePie printer hack was to raise awareness and support for PewDiePie's channel in a subscriber race against another YouTube channel, T-Series. TheHackerGiraffe saw this as an opportunity to demonstrate the security vulnerabilities in everyday print devices while simultaneously rallying support for PewDiePie.

From TheHackerGiraffe:

While playing around on Shodan, the idea came to me that maybe | can hack printers around the world to print something, | didn’t know what at the time.

After learning about the three different printing protocols (IPP, LPD, JetDirect), | went and searched those ports on Shodan. (I) was horrified to see over 800,000 results show up in total. | was baffled, but determined to try and fix this. So | picked the first 50,000 printers | found running on port 9100 and downloaded the list off Shodan.

Now | had to think...What to print? It didn't take me long to realize that the most perfect thing to print would be a message supporting our dear overlord @pewdiepie himself! And so | opened up my text editor and typed up the following note:

TheHackerGiraffe had some advice to share:

Don't use the network features of your printer? Turn the whole network thing off.

Use USB tethering/Printer sharing through Windows.

The point is to DO SOMETHING. This hack was simple. Shockingly simple and so easy that almost ANYONE can replicate and at a MUCH, MUCH FASTER PACE and try all three ports. If you see one, log in to your router and close the port, or contact your printer manufacturer for more information.

As more and more people start copying what I've done, more and more people will start considering the darker sides of printer hacking. Please, inform people you know. Check your network. Do not allow laziness to be the result of your printer being part of a botnet.

How Did The Market React

The market's reaction was a mix of amusement and concern. While some viewed the hack as a clever publicity stunt, others were alarmed by the ease with which the hacker accessed a large number of printers. The incident prompted businesses to reevaluate their printer security protocols, leading to an increased demand for secure printing solutions.

What's Really at Stake

The real risk extends far beyond promotional stunts. Unsecured printers can be exploited to steal sensitive data, install malware, or serve as entry points into larger networks. The worst-case scenario includes large-scale data breaches, financial losses, and significant damage to a company’s reputation. These devices can be leveraged to perform DDoS attacks or to spy on printed documents, posing severe security and privacy risks.

In a similar vein, a cybersecurity team from CyberNews hacked 28,000 unsecured printers to raise awareness about printer security . This ethical hack was aimed at demonstrating how widespread and severe printer vulnerabilities can be.

Incident Details:

• Scope: 28,000 printers hacked.
• Method: Utilized publicly accessible printers with no security measures.
• Execution: Sent print jobs with security warnings and advice on how to secure printers.

Why They Did It

The objective behind the CyberNews hack was educational. The team sought to highlight the pervasive issue of unsecured printers and encourage organizations to adopt better security practices. By demonstrating how easily printers could be hacked, they aimed to spark a conversation about the importance of securing these devices.

How Did The Market React

The market reaction was largely positive in terms of raising awareness. Many organizations took immediate steps to secure their printers, such as updating firmware and changing default settings. The incident also spurred discussions within the cybersecurity community about the need for more robust security measures for IoT devices, including printers.

What's Really at Stake

As with the PewDiePie hack, the stakes are high. Unsecured printers can lead to data breaches, unauthorized access to sensitive documents, and even network-wide compromises. In the worst-case scenario, hackers could gain control over critical infrastructure, disrupt business operations, and cause significant financial and reputational damage.

The hack underscored the potential for far-reaching consequences if printer security is not prioritized.

From CyberNews:

Our hijack resulted in a 56% success rate. So if we do the math, it's safe to presume that out of 800,000 internet-connected printers, at least 447,000 printers globally are unsecured.

One of the main takeaways from this experiment was that many users and organizations still use internet-connected devices without giving security a second thought when it comes to the printer.

In the United States, for example, nearly 180,000 printers were vulnerable using just one IoT search engine, while Germany's figures were pale in comparison of about 18,000, still, both are too high for our liking. While alarm bells aren't ringing for all, printers could be the gateway to one massive cyberattack waiting to happen.

Understanding the vulnerabilities that make printers susceptible to hacks is crucial for developing effective security measures. The following are some of the most common printer security weaknesses:

1.    Default Credentials

Many printers come with default usernames and passwords that users seldom change. This oversight allows hackers to gain easy access.

What You Should Do:
Change these credentials immediately after installation. If you haven’t changed these recently, change them now.

2.    Open Ports

Printers typically use several ports for communication. If these ports are left open and unsecured, they become easy targets for hackers.

What You Should Do:
Close unnecessary ports, and use firewalls to protect critical devices as a key security measure.

3.    Outdated Firmware

Firmware updates often contain critical security patches. However, many organizations neglect to update their printers' firmware, leaving them exposed to known vulnerabilities.

What You Should Do:
Update firmware regularly - This is essential for maintaining printer security. Firmware comes with protections against cyber attacks – but as hackers worldwide learn its weaknesses and find ways to breach it, outdated firmware becomes a key vulnerability.

4.    Lack of Network Segmentation

Printers connected to the same network as other critical systems can serve as gateways for broader attacks.

What You Should Do:
Implement network segmentation to contain potential breaches and protect sensitive data.

5.    Insufficient Monitoring

Without proper monitoring, it can be challenging to detect unauthorized access or suspicious activity involving printers.

What You Should Do:
Implement monitoring tools and practices so you can identify security incidents and respond to them promptly.

Effective print security requires a well-informed and vigilant staff. Here are key strategies for training employees on print security:

1. Awareness Programs Organize regular awareness programs highlighting the importance of print security. Use real-world examples, like the PewDiePie and CyberNews hacks, to show the consequences of unsecured printers.
   
2. Policy Education Ensure all employees know your company’s print security policies. Provide clear documentation and integrate policy training into onboarding.
   
3. Practical Training Sessions Conduct hands-on sessions where employees learn to secure printers physically and digitally, including changing default passwords, updating firmware, and configuring network settings. Interactive workshops enhance effectiveness.
4. Use of Secure Print Solutions Train employees on secure print solutions like pull printing, where print jobs are released only after user authentication. Demonstrate how these solutions protect sensitive information.
   
5. Role-Based Training Tailor training programs to different roles within the organization. IT staff might need more technical training, while general employees should focus on recognizing security threats and handling documents properly.
   

By implementing these strategies, you can create a culture of security awareness within your organization, significantly reducing the risk of printer-related security breaches. ​

To illustrate the practical application of these security measures, consider the case of a mid-sized enterprise that revamped its printer security protocols after a minor breach. This company had experienced unauthorized access to one of its printers, leading to the leakage of sensitive documents.

Steps Taken:

• Initial Assessment: Conducted a thorough assessment of all networked printers to identify vulnerabilities.
• Credential Changes: Changed all default credentials and implemented stronger password policies.
• Firmware Updates: Scheduled regular firmware updates and ensured that all printers were running the latest software.
• Network Segmentation: Segmented the printer network from other critical systems, limiting potential damage from future breaches.
• Monitoring and Alerts: Installed monitoring software that provided real-time alerts for suspicious printer activity.

Outcome: The company significantly reduced its risk of printer-related breaches and improved its overall cybersecurity posture.

Printers, often overlooked in the realm of cybersecurity, represent a critical vulnerability that can be exploited by hackers. The high-profile PewDiePie hack and other similar incidents serve as stark reminders of the importance of securing these devices. By understanding the common vulnerabilities and implementing comprehensive security measures, businesses can protect their networks from potential printer-based attacks.

Ensuring printer security is not a one-time task but an ongoing process that requires regular updates, monitoring, and employee education. As technology continues to advance, staying vigilant and proactive in securing all networked devices, including printers, is essential for safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining overall cybersecurity.

We hope this article helps you see the importance of printer security. You can avoid some really bad outcomes by taking the necessary steps to protect your network from potential threats. By addressing common vulnerabilities, implementing robust security measures, and educating employees, your organization can mitigate the risks associated with networked printers and ensure a secure operational environment.