Why Printer Security in 2025 Is a Must-Have for Every Colorado Business

As businesses embrace smarter technologies and more flexible ways of working in 2025, one often-overlooked risk continues to fly under the radar: printer security. Once considered just a peripheral concern, printers are now fully integrated into your network and your data environment—which makes them prime targets for cyberattacks.

In Colorado, where the business landscape is diverse and fast-evolving, organizations from Denver to Fort Collins are rethinking what cybersecurity really means. The conversation is no longer just about firewalls or antivirus software; it’s about securing every device that touches your network, including printers and multifunction devices (MFPs).

This updated guide breaks down the real-world risks, latest threat trends, and practical security steps you can take to protect your print infrastructure in 2025.

A New Kind of Office Vulnerability: Why Print Devices Are on Hackers’ Radar

You may think of your printer as just a basic office tool. It quietly sits in the corner, spitting out reports and proposals. But beneath that low-key exterior, your printer is a full-fledged endpoint device—often with its own storage, memory, operating system, and internet connectivity.

Here’s the thing: every connected device is a potential entry point into your business network. And printers, especially older or unmanaged ones, are often the weakest link. They can be exploited by:

• External hackers using unsecured ports or default passwords
• Insider threats who misuse access to confidential print jobs
• Malware that enters via unpatched firmware or unsecured cloud services

In fact, studies show that over 65% of organizations experienced some form of data loss tied to unsecured printers in the last year alone.

So no, it’s not just about getting your toner levels right anymore. Print security has officially moved to the frontline.

The Top Print Security Threats to Watch Out for in 2025

Cybercriminals are nothing if not creative. As print devices become more complex and integrated into business operations, new vulnerabilities are emerging. Here are the top threats businesses should be aware of this year:

1. Printer Admin Panels Left Wide Open
Modern printers come with embedded web servers for configuration. If these interfaces aren’t locked down with strong passwords and HTTPS, attackers can take control of the device—changing settings, accessing print logs, or even using the printer to hop onto other network segments.

2. Cloud Print Exposure
Cloud printing solutions are great for hybrid work, but if they aren’t set up with strong access controls, data in transit can be intercepted. Misconfigured APIs and weak user authentication can leave sensitive print jobs open to interception.

3. Unpatched Firmware
Printer firmware doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. But outdated firmware is like an open door. Threat actors actively exploit known vulnerabilities in firmware to gain long-term access to your network.

4. Data Residue on Devices
Scans, faxes, and print jobs often remain stored in a printer’s memory—even after they’re completed. If the device is ever compromised, sold, or disposed of improperly, all that leftover data is at risk.

5. Print Spoofing and Document Theft
In shared office environments, print jobs sent to unsecured queues can be hijacked. Malicious users might alter the content of documents or reroute them to another device, creating significant compliance and privacy risks.

Practical Steps to Protect Your Printers Without Slowing Down Your Team

Printer security doesn’t have to be complicated or disruptive. With the right best practices in place, you can lock down vulnerabilities while keeping your workflows running smoothly.

1. Treat Printers Like Any Other Endpoint
Would you leave a laptop on your network without antivirus or password protection? Of course not. The same rules should apply to printers. Make sure to:

• Disable unused ports (like FTP or Telnet)
• Change factory-set passwords
• Use secure network protocols like SSL/TLS
• Place printers on a VLAN separate from critical systems

2. Enable Secure Print Release
Implement pull printing systems where employees authenticate at the device before their print job is released. This helps ensure that sensitive documents don’t sit unattended at the tray and minimizes unnecessary printing.

3. Track Everything with Print Monitoring Software
Use tools that provide a full audit trail—who printed what, when, and where. These logs can help detect unusual patterns and flag potential insider misuse or external breaches.

4. Stay Current with Firmware Updates
Work with your vendor or managed print provider to schedule regular firmware updates. This one step alone can block dozens of known attack vectors.

5. Encrypt Everything
Encryption isn’t just for emails and files. Ensure your print jobs are encrypted both during transmission and while temporarily stored on the device.

6. Lock Down Physical Access
Make sure your printers aren’t in publicly accessible hallways or shared areas. For more sensitive environments, integrate them with your access control system and monitor who uses them.

Hardware Matters: Choosing Devices Built with Security in Mind

Not all printers are created equal when it comes to cybersecurity. The good news? The major players in the industry—Canon, HP, Epson, Kyocera, Xerox—have recognized the threat landscape and now offer business-class devices with advanced security features.

When upgrading or replacing equipment, look for devices that offer:

• Encrypted hard drives
• Self-healing BIOS
• Firmware validation and rollback
• Integration with SIEM tools
• User authentication features (card readers, PIN codes, etc.)

And here’s a pro tip: always source your devices from an authorized local dealer. ABT, based right here in Colorado, not only provides top-tier equipment but also ensures your devices are installed securely and configured to meet your compliance requirements.

Let the Experts Handle It: How Managed Print Services Strengthen Security

Implementing all of these strategies in-house can be time-consuming and complex—especially if your IT team is already stretched thin. That’s where Managed Print Services (MPS) comes in.

MPS providers like ABT go beyond just supplying toner and fixing paper jams. We become your strategic partner in protecting your document infrastructure. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• Proactive Monitoring: We keep an eye on every device 24/7, flagging issues and potential vulnerabilities before they become breaches.
• Automated Firmware Updates: No more worrying about patch schedules—your devices are always up to date.
• Policy Enforcement: We help you roll out consistent security policies across your entire fleet.
• Risk Reduction: From user authentication to secure cloud print routing, MPS brings best-in-class protections without adding work to your plate.

Plus, we do all this while helping you cut costs, reduce waste, and streamline your print workflows.

Colorado Businesses: Don’t Sleep on Print Security in 2025

Whether you’re managing a single office in Colorado Springs or multiple locations across the Front Range, printer security should be on your radar this year.

Cyber threats are evolving, and printers are no longer invisible endpoints. They’re real, tangible risks—and they deserve the same attention you give to your firewalls, laptops, and cloud apps.

Need help securing your print environment? ABT has been Colorado’s trusted document technology partner for over 20 years. Let us assess your current setup, identify gaps, and build a print security strategy that fits your budget, your workflow, and your compliance requirements.

Let’s talk about your print security before it becomes your next cybersecurity headline.