When Your Printer Becomes a Hacker’s Entry Point

By ipingU Managed Security Solutions

Fri Aug 1, 2025

Not Just Computers: Every Device is a Risk

In most offices, devices like printers, scanners, routers, and smart TVs quietly operate in the background. What many don't realize is that these everyday machines can become entry points for cybercriminals.

Today’s hackers are smart. They often skip the well-protected systems and go straight for the weakest links—devices that are rarely secured or even monitored.

Real-World Incident: A Printer Opened the Door

Earlier this year, a global company was hit by a ransomware attack. The attackers didn't breach the firewall or hack an email account—they exploited an old, unsecured office printer.

From there, they moved across the network, accessed sensitive files, and encrypted key systems. The result was four days of downtime, significant financial loss, and long-term brand damage.

Why These Devices Are Vulnerable

Most businesses overlook these types of devices, leaving them wide open to attack. The most common issues include:

Default passwords that are never changed
No firmware updates or patching
Always connected to the internal network
No monitoring or security controls in place

These factors make it incredibly easy for attackers to get in unnoticed.

How ipingU MSS Helps You Stay Ahead

At ipingU Managed Security Solutions LLP, we offer a complete approach to security—not just for your computers, but for every connected device in your environment.

Here’s how we protect your business:

Network Device Discovery
We identify and inventory every connected device in your network—printers, routers, smart TVs, and more.

Security Assessment and Hardening
We scan for weak settings, outdated firmware, and default credentials, and help fix them.

Network Segmentation
We isolate vulnerable devices from your core systems, reducing the chance of lateral movement during an attack.

Behavior Monitoring
We monitor unusual device behavior like unexpected data transfers or access to restricted areas.

24x7 Threat Detection and Response
If something goes wrong, our team acts immediately to isolate the device, contain the threat, and guide your recovery.

Final Thoughts

Every connected device is a potential risk. If your business is only focused on protecting desktops and ignoring everything else, you're missing a critical part of your cybersecurity.

ipingU MSS offers full-spectrum protection—because in today’s world, every device matters.