Multifunction printers (MFPs) have become essential tools in most office environments. But while businesses work hard to protect laptops, servers, and networks, printers often get left out of the cybersecurity conversation.
That’s a problem—because printers are connected to your network, and if they’re not secure, they can become entry points for cyberattacks.
Why Printers Are an Overlooked Risk
MFPs store and transmit sensitive data, from scanned documents to print logs. And like any other connected device, they run on firmware—software that can be exploited if it’s outdated. Hackers know this, and increasingly target unsecured printers to access business networks.
Firmware Updates Close Security Gaps
Firmware updates aren’t just performance improvements. They often include patches for known security vulnerabilities. If you delay or skip these updates, you could be leaving your devices open to attacks that manufacturers have already fixed.
Just like you wouldn’t ignore a Windows security patch, printer updates should be part of your regular IT maintenance.
Automate or Schedule Updates
Many modern printers allow you to enable automatic firmware updates through the admin dashboard or device settings. If that’s not an option, it’s smart to implement a regular update schedule—either manually or as part of your managed print services plan.
Not sure how to get started? UBT can help assess your fleet and streamline your update process.
Want to secure your print environment before problems arise? Contact us to talk about smarter print security.