We all know that cybercriminals often hack our computers, tablets and phones. Did you know that hackers are increasingly looking for alternative technologies? It turns out that a simple home printer could be a hacker’s key to ruining your life.
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Cybercriminals can completely hack your printer and gain access to all the documents you print from there, be it essays or tax forms.
Here are some signs to look for that indicate your printer has been hacked and what steps you can take to prevent this from happening. Let’s start with how hackers deploy viruses on printers.
Cybercriminals can completely hack your printer and gain access to all the documents you print from there, be it essays or tax forms. (CyberGuy.com)
How do printers get viruses?
Printers can get viruses in a few different ways. There is a way Infected software. This usually happens when the printer is connected via a computer or WiFi network, and thus installing infected software can infect it.
More: The best printers for 2023
Another way to get a virus is through a printer Infected printout. This means that if you print a document or image that was originally infected with a virus, that virus can spread to your printer. This can happen especially if you receive an email with an infected attachment or link that is opened on a computer connected to the printer.
This is the final way a printer can get a virus Infected USB drive which plugs into the printer. If you plug in an infected USB drive into your printer, the virus can easily spread from the USB drive to the printer.
However, it is important to note that printers are relatively less likely to get viruses compared to other devices such as computers or smartphones.
How do I know if my printer has been hacked?
If your printer has been taken over by a hacker there are 3 main actions it can start doing unprompted.
It starts printing blank pages or a bunch of random characters at once
Documents are being printed that you have not started
Settings on your printer have changed when you know you didn’t make them
Most printers available for purchase today are designed to connect to the Internet via WiFi. This means that a cybercriminal with malicious intent can potentially infiltrate your WiFi network and gain access to any device connected to it, including your printer. This can lead to compromise or theft of sensitive information.
More: How to get the cheapest printer ink and long-lasting cartridges
A cybercriminal with malicious intent can potentially infiltrate your WiFi network and gain access to any device connected to it, including your printer. (CyberGuy.com)
Once they recover the data from the printer, they can perform ransomware attacks, send threatening messages through the printer, and much more.
What can I do to protect my printer from being hacked?
There are several steps you can take to protect your printer, and some of these steps will depend on the make and model of one you own. Make sure you Read through your printer model’s manual To see if it highlights any special security features.
Make sure your software is up to date
You can check for any updates or patches for your printer’s firmware and software that need to be installed by going into your printer’s settings. See if your printer also comes with security features like user authentication, access control, and encryption, and if it does, enable these features.
Change your default password
I recommend that you immediately change your printer’s default password to a strong, unique password to help protect against unauthorized access to the device and any sensitive information it may contain, such as print jobs or network credentials. To check if your printer has a default password and how to change it, you can refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for instructions specific to your printer model.
Make sure your WiFi is safe and secure
Use a strong, unique password for your WiFi network. you should Always avoid using public WiFi networks And Be sure to use a router secured with a VPN Or connect to your printer using a secure Wi-Fi network. Find my picks for top routers at CyberGuy.com/SecureRouters .
MORE: How to check if someone is stealing your WI-FI and what to do about it
Disable unused features
Some printer models come with features you may not use or need, such as faxing or remote printing. Disabling these features can reduce the attack surface of your printer and reduce the risk of it being hacked.
Install antivirus software
Installing antivirus software will prevent you from accidentally clicking on a malicious link that will install malware, as well as remove any existing malware from your devices.
Check out my expert review of the best antivirus protection for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices by visiting CyberGuy.com/LockUpYourTech .
Related: Free Antivirus: Should You Use Them?
Installing antivirus software will prevent you from accidentally clicking on a malicious link that will install malware, as well as remove any existing malware from your devices. (CyberGuy.com)
Install a firewall for your WiFi and printer
Installing a firewall can help protect your printer from unauthorized access. When a firewall is first installed for your WiFi network, it may try to block you from printing. However, depending on the server you’re using, there are steps you can take to configure your firewall settings and unblock communications. Here’s how to install a firewall.
Make sure your The router is plugged into the modem via an Ethernet cable
See for yourself Admin control panel of the router(This will vary depending on your model, so you can consult your owner’s manual or try inputting the router’s public IP address into a web browser’s address bar)
Find the entry labeled firewall, SPI Firewall or something similar
Follow the steps to enable your firewall Depending on your router model
Your router is likely RebootTo apply the new firewall settings
It is worth noting that the exact steps may vary depending on the router model and manufacturer. Additionally, some routers may come with a firewall pre-installed and enabled by default, so it’s a good idea to check your router’s settings before attempting to install a new firewall.
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