Your office printer might be one of the weakest links in your cybersecurity strategy. While most businesses focus on firewalls and phishing filters, printers are often overlooked—despite handling sensitive documents every day.
So, what exactly is printer security, and why should New Zealand businesses take it seriously?
What Is Printer Security?
Printer security is about protecting your print infrastructure from cyber threats, unauthorised access, and data loss. This includes:
- The physical printer (who can access it)
- The network it operates on
- The data it processes, stores, and sends
With modern printers acting more like computers than simple peripherals, they require the same level of attention as any other device in your business.
Why Printers Are a Hidden Cybersecurity Risk
Most printers today are internet-connected and multifunctional, making them ideal entry points for attackers looking to infiltrate your systems. Here’s why:
- Default passwords are often unchanged
- Open network ports allow unauthorised access
- Stored documents can be retrieved from internal memory
- Unpatched firmware leaves known vulnerabilities open
In many NZ workplaces, printers are tucked in the corner and forgotten. That makes them an easy win for hackers and internal misuse.
The Real-World Risks for NZ Businesses
We’ve seen real-world examples of unsecured printers causing issues, including:
- Client confidentiality breaches when documents are left uncollected on trays
- Unapproved access to print logs or stored scans
- Remote access hacks via unsecured print networks
- Non-compliance with NZ’s Privacy Act when sensitive data is leaked
When print security fails, the reputational and financial damage can be significant—especially in sectors like healthcare, legal, or education.
What Can Go Wrong: Common Printer Security Risks
These are the five most common weak points we see in Kiwi businesses:
- No access controls – anyone can walk up and print
- No print release setup – documents print without confirmation
- Outdated firmware – old software is an open door
- Unencrypted traffic – print jobs can be intercepted
- No audit logs – no visibility into who printed what
5 Security Features to Look For in a Business Printer
Not all printers are built with security in mind. If you’re reviewing your setup, prioritise devices with:
- User authentication: PINs or swipe cards to release jobs only to the right person
- Encrypted data transmission: Protects print jobs in transit
- Secure firmware: Devices that auto-check software integrity
- Audit logs: Tracks who printed what and when
- Pull printing: Jobs are held until the user authenticates at the machine
These features reduce human error and ensure confidentiality.
How to Secure Your Printers: Practical Steps
You don’t need a full IT team to tighten printer security. Start with this checklist:
✅ Change default admin credentials
✅ Disable unused ports and protocols
✅ Enable secure print release features
✅ Schedule regular firmware updates
✅ Educate staff on responsible printing practices
These steps are low-cost, high-impact, and easy to implement.
Need a print security health check? At BDL, we’ve helped thousands of Kiwi businesses improve how they print—and secure it. Our local support team ensures your devices stay compliant, secure, and worry-free.
Get in touch today and we’ll help you lock things down.
