Sofia Spatola
Posted by Computer Solutions on May 19, 2025
When you think about cybersecurity threats in your veterinary practice, you probably imagine phishing emails, weak passwords, or outdated software. But what if one of your biggest threats is quietly sitting in the corner, humming away. Is your printer a hidden security risk?
It might sound surprising, but printers are one of the most overlooked vulnerabilities in veterinary clinics. In fact, a 2020 “Printer Hack Experiment” by Cybernews found that 56% of the 50,000 printers they tested were successfully hacked. That’s nearly 28,000 compromised devices — all because of simple oversights.
And yes, many of those printers were connected to networks just like yours.
Why Are Printers a Target?
Because they’re a treasure trove of sensitive information — and most clinics don’t secure them properly.
Here’s what can happen when a hacker gains access to your printer:
1. They Access Stored Patient and Business Data
Modern printers often store digital copies of printed, scanned, or faxed documents. That means confidential medical records, billing details, and payroll files could be sitting on your printer’s internal hard drive — unprotected.
2. Default Passwords Make It Easy
Many printers come with generic admin logins like “admin/admin” or “123456” — and busy clinics rarely change them. That’s an open invitation for hackers.
3. It’s a Backdoor Into Your Network
Because it is connected to your Wi-Fi and internal systems, a compromised device can be used to launch malware, ransomware, or data theft across your entire network. Making your printer a hidden security risk you can’t ignore
4. Unencrypted Print Jobs Can Be Intercepted
Without encryption, hackers can grab documents mid-transfer — exposing sensitive files like HR documents, prescriptions, and contracts.
5. They Can Spy on You Remotely
Many printers have scan-to-email features and remote access. If compromised, hackers could eavesdrop on what’s being scanned or emailed without your team ever knowing.
6. Outdated Firmware Leaves the Door Open
Like any smart device, printers need updates. But most clinics forget to patch printer firmware, leaving known vulnerabilities unaddressed.
7. Retired Printers Can Still Leak Data
If you’ve ever tossed or donated a printer without wiping its hard drive, you may have unknowingly handed over patient info. Residual data can be mined from discarded devices — which is both a security risk and a legal liability.
How to Secure Your Clinic’s Printers
Ready to tighten things up? Here’s how:
1. Change Default Passwords Immediately
Use strong, unique credentials — just like you would for banking or email.
2. Update Printer Firmware
Check your printer’s settings or have your IT provider ensure it’s running the latest updates.
3. Encrypt Your Print Jobs
Enable secure printing options and end-to-end encryption to prevent data interception.
4. Restrict Who Can Print
Limit access to authorized users. Many printers support PIN codes or user authentication for secure print jobs.
5. Clear Stored Data Regularly
Delete cached jobs and ensure internal hard drives are encrypted. Before retiring any printer, wipe or destroy its storage.
6. Protect It with a Firewall
Just like your computers, printers should sit behind a firewall for protection.
7. Monitor Printer Logs
Your IT team should be reviewing printer activity for unusual print jobs, failed login attempts, or remote access.
Printers: More Than Just Office Equipment
In today’s connected world, even a seemingly harmless device like a printer can become a security liability. Hackers count on the fact that most businesses overlook their printers — and veterinary practices are no exception.
If you’ve secured your workstations and network but left your printers unprotected, you may still be vulnerable.
Let’s fix that.
Start with a FREE Network Security Assessment from Computer Solutions. We’ll check your printers, network, and connected devices for hidden risks — and help you create a safer, stronger IT environment for your practice.
Visit welinku.com to schedule your FREE assessment today.
