Cybersecurity
7 Smart Ways to Secure Your Wireless Printer and Keep Your Home Network Safe
Many people worry about someone hacking their computer but are not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. Printers tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but they are not out of the minds of attackers.
Many people worry about someone hacking their computer but are not really thinking about their wireless printer getting breached. Printers tend to be out of sight and out of mind, but they are not out of the minds of attackers. Unsecured printers are a classic way for criminals to gain access to a home network.
To illustrate this point, Cybernews intentionally hacked printers and hijacked nearly 28,000 unsecured printers globally with a 56% success rate. Here are some security tips to help you better secure your printer and keep data on all devices more secure.
1. Change the Default Login Credentials. When you buy a new printer, it will likely come with default login information that manufacturers provide to help you connect and set up your device. Change that information immediately during setup and create a strong password.
Attackers use automated scripts that try all known manufacturer defaults, so changing these credentials is one of the most important steps you can take.
2. Keep Printer Firmware Updated. Keeping firmware updated is vital to keeping your printer secure. Hardware needs updating just like computers, software, and apps do, and those updates often contain important security patches. Firmware updates are not always as visible as software updates.
Some places you can check for firmware updates include the PC manufacturer's utility app on a connected device, the printer's information panel, and the printer manufacturer's app installed on a PC.
3. Use a Network Firewall. A network firewall is important for monitoring traffic and blocking suspicious activity to keep attackers out of your network. Configure your firewall to watch incoming and outgoing printer traffic.
4. Put Your Printer on a Guest Network. Most of today's home routers allow you to set up a guest network, which is a separate Wi-Fi that runs from the same router as your main network. It is harder for attackers to move from one network to another. Keeping a less secure device separated from computers and phones improves security.
You can still print to your printer from devices on another network with the right configuration. The team at Cyber One Solutions can help if you need assistance setting that up.
5. Disable Unused Ports or Services. IoT devices like printers often have many ways to connect, and you may not need all the ports or services that come with your printer. These ports are potential entry points where attackers could find a way in.
It is best to disable any ports and sharing features that you do not need, which reduces the risk of a breach.
6. Unplug It When Not in Use. Most home printers are not used as frequently as work printers, with many people only printing once a month or a few times a year. If you are not using your printer constantly, unplug it when not in use. One reliable way to cut off an attacker's access is to shut the device down entirely.
When it is off, no access is available at all.
7. Teach Your Family Cybersecurity Best Practices. Your printer is one device on your network, and most families connect several devices to their home Wi-Fi. S. household was 22. Families need to know and adopt good cyber habits to keep everyone's data more secure and to avoid costly identity theft or the takeover of devices like baby monitors.
Some standard best practices for good cyber hygiene include always using strong passwords of at least 10 to 12 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols; keeping software and firmware on devices updated; using multi-factor authentication wherever possible; enabling device firewalls and other protections; installing antivirus on all devices that should have it; never logging into an account from a link received via email or text; learning how to identify phishing and getting a second opinion before clicking; and getting a security checkup from a professional at least every year or two.
Get Some Help Keeping Your Family's Data Secure.
IT professionals do not only work with businesses. The team at Cyber One Solutions also helps families ensure their data is safe and their devices are running smoothly. Contact us today to schedule a home security checkup.