Secure Your Printers in 2025 | Stop Emerging Threats Fast
Posted on 3 April, 2025 / Under 24/7 Network Monitoring & Maintenance, Advanced Cybersecurity, All in One Printers, Business Security, Business Solutions, Cloud Communications, Cloud Print Management, Cloud Solutions & Management, Disaster Recovery & Backup Solutions, Document Management Solutions, Help Desk Support, Managed IT Services, Managed Print Services, Managed Services Provider, meter readings, MPS, Small Business Printers, Strategic IT Consulting | vCIO

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Print Security 2025 | Protecting Your Business from Emerging Threats

An Updated Security Guide Covering Evolving Cyber Threats and Best Practices

As we step into 2025, securing your business has taken on a broader, more dynamic definition—one that now includes not just your firewalls and software, but your entire document environment. Print security is no longer just a line item buried in your IT checklist; it’s a core component of your overall cybersecurity strategy.

In Colorado’s rapidly shifting business environment—whether you’re managing an office in Denver, a remote team in Boulder, or multiple locations throughout the Front Range—underestimating the security vulnerabilities tied to your printers, copiers, and multifunction devices could leave your business exposed to emerging threats.

This guide will walk you through the latest trends in print security for 2025, outline best practices tailored for today’s threat landscape, and offer insight into how Managed IT Services and cybersecurity go hand-in-hand with your print infrastructure.

Why Print Security Matters Now More Than Ever

You might be wondering—why the focus on print security now? Aren’t printers just… printers?

Not anymore.

Today’s office devices are networked endpoints—just like your PCs, laptops, and mobile devices. Printers and MFPs (multifunction printers) often process sensitive documents, store data in memory, and connect directly to your business network. That means any breach or misconfiguration could become a gateway for hackers, ransomware, or insider threats.

According to a 2024 study by Quocirca, over 68% of businesses experienced data losses due to unsecured print environments, with small and mid-sized businesses hit the hardest. And unfortunately, many of these threats go unnoticed because traditional cybersecurity efforts don’t account for print-specific vulnerabilities.

Top Emerging Print Security Threats in 2025

As businesses grow more digitized and data-driven, threat actors are targeting lesser-known vulnerabilities. Here are the most pressing print-related threats to watch out for this year:

1. Unauthorized Access via Embedded Web Servers

Most modern printers come with built-in web interfaces for remote access and configuration. If these aren’t properly secured, attackers can gain access to printer settings, stored documents, or even manipulate network configurations to facilitate lateral movement across your IT infrastructure.

2. Cloud Printing Risks

Cloud-based printing platforms have surged in popularity for their convenience, but many are not properly secured. Misconfigured access controls or weak API integrations can lead to unintended data exposure or man-in-the-middle attacks.

3. Firmware Exploits

Printers rely on firmware to operate. When left unpatched, these firmware versions can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain persistent access to the network—often without detection.

4. Data Left on Internal Storage

Many MFPs store scans, faxes, and print jobs locally, even after they’re completed. If the device is decommissioned or hacked, this data can be accessed and exfiltrated without your knowledge.

5. Print Spoofing & Job Hijacking

In environments with shared printers or unsecured print queues, attackers can intercept print jobs, alter content, or reroute sensitive documents to other locations.

Print Security Best Practices for 2025

Don’t worry—protecting your print environment doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with these best practices that balance robust protection with everyday office efficiency.

1. Secure All Networked Printers

Treat every printer like a workstation. That means:

  • Disabling unused ports and protocols (like FTP or Telnet).

 

  • Changing default passwords and using complex credentials.

 

  • Ensuring all data transmission is encrypted (SSL/TLS).

 

  • Segmenting printers onto separate VLANs from primary business systems.

 

2. Implement User Authentication

Deploy pull printing or secure release printing solutions that require employees to authenticate at the device before retrieving documents. This not only safeguards sensitive information but also reduces waste and unclaimed print jobs.

3. Monitor and Audit Print Activity

Utilize print management software that logs every print job, tracks usage patterns, and alerts you to unusual behavior—such as excessive printing or off-hours activity.

4. Keep Firmware Up to Date

Schedule regular firmware updates from your device manufacturer or managed print provider. Outdated firmware is a known vector for attacks and can be easily addressed with routine maintenance.

5. Encrypt Data at Rest and In Transit

Make sure documents are encrypted while being sent to the printer (in transit) and stored temporarily on the device (at rest). This is especially important for legal, medical, or financial businesses where compliance is key.

6. Physically Secure Devices

Position your printers in monitored, employee-only areas—not hallways or public-facing lobbies. For high-security offices, consider access control integration that logs every attempt to interact with the printer physically.

Choosing the Right Hardware Matters

Not all printers are created equal when it comes to security. When sourcing your devices, look for brands that prioritize built-in security features. Canon, HP, Xerox, Epson, and Kyocera all offer enterprise-grade models equipped with:

  • Self-healing BIOS

  • Encrypted storage

  • Automatic threat detection

  • SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) integration

Working with a local authorized dealer like ABT in Colorado ensures you’re getting the right equipment for your business size and security posture—and the expert support to configure and maintain it properly.

How Managed Print Services (MPS) Elevate Security

While implementing security yourself is possible, many businesses in Colorado are opting for Managed Print Services to handle the heavy lifting.

Here’s how MPS supports a stronger print security posture:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Real-time insights into device health and usage.

  • Automated Updates: Firmware and security patching handled remotely.

  • Security Policies: Standardized, enforceable protocols across all devices.

  • Reduced Risk: Proactive support limits downtime and potential breaches.

And here’s a bonus—an MPS contract can also help you reduce printing costs and improve document workflows, so you’re not just secure—you’re more efficient too.

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Tying It All Together: Cybersecurity, Print Security & Managed IT Services

Here’s where it gets even more critical: Your printers are just one part of a much larger security puzzle. A secure print environment is only effective when it’s aligned with your overall cybersecurity strategy.

That’s why many businesses are opting to consolidate vendors and work with providers that offer both print services and managed IT solutions—like ABT.

Why Combine Print Security with Cybersecurity & IT Services?

  • Unified Threat Response: Your IT team can see printer activity as part of your broader network monitoring tools (like SIEMs and EDR platforms).

  • Consistent Policy Enforcement: Whether it’s endpoint protection or user authentication, consistent policies apply across all your tech—printers included.

  • One-Stop Support: Instead of juggling multiple service providers, you have a single point of contact for all your tech and print needs.

  • Proactive Cyber Defense: Managed IT Services often include 24/7 monitoring, incident response planning, and vulnerability assessments—which all extend to your print environment.

As hybrid work models and remote offices continue to evolve across Colorado, your business needs flexible, future-ready IT solutions. Combining Managed Print Services, Cybersecurity, and IT Management gives you a comprehensive defense posture—one that’s responsive, efficient, and ready for whatever 2025 throws your way.

Closing Thoughts: Strengthen Your Business with a Holistic Security Strategy

In today’s interconnected world, security is only as strong as your weakest endpoint—and often, that endpoint is your printer. From compliance risks to cyber intrusions, ignoring print security can have real consequences.

The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.

At ABT, we help Colorado businesses bridge the gap between IT security and document technology, offering complete solutions that include cybersecurity, managed print, and IT support under one roof. Whether you’re an SMB in Colorado Springs or a growing enterprise in the Denver Tech Center, we tailor our services to meet your exact needs—with security at the core.

Let’s talk about your security strategy and how we can optimize your print environment to work with your IT goals, not against them.

Ready to Secure Your Print Environment?
Let’s connect. Reach out to ABT for a free print security assessment and discover how our Managed IT and cybersecurity solutions can complete your business protection plan.

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