Printer security is the set of features and practices that protect a printer, the documents it handles, and the network it connects to. Because networked printers are computers with their own firmware, memory, and connections, they can be targeted by attackers just like a laptop or server. Secure printing keeps documents private, and firmware protection helps stop attacks on the printer itself.
Printer Security Essentials at a Glance
Networked printers can be an entry point to the rest of a network if left unprotected
Secure printing holds a job until the right person releases it at the printer
Firmware protection checks that the printer runs authentic, untampered code
Firmware updates, strong admin passwords, and secure network settings close common gaps
Business printers often include more advanced, built-in security than home models
Why Are Printers a Security Risk?
Modern printers connect to Wi-Fi or office networks, store print jobs and scans in memory, and run their own firmware. That makes them networked devices that need the same attention as other endpoints, especially in offices where many people share them.
Common printer security threats
Threat | What can happen |
Unattended printouts | Sensitive documents left in the output tray can be picked up by the wrong person |
Unauthorized access | Someone changes settings or views stored jobs if the admin password is weak or unchanged |
Firmware tampering | Malicious code replaces or alters the printer's firmware to take control of the device |
Network attacks | An unprotected printer becomes a way into the rest of the network |
Intercepted print jobs | Unencrypted data sent to the printer is captured on the network |
Data left on old printers | Stored files on a printer's memory or drive remain after the printer is retired |
Home printers face fewer of these risks than shared office printers, but basic steps like updating firmware and securing your Wi-Fi still help.
What Is Secure Printing?
Secure printing protects documents from the moment you click Print until they're in your hands.
PIN and pull printing
With PIN printing, a job waits in the printer's queue until you enter a PIN at the printer. Pull printing goes further: jobs are held in a secure queue and released only when you sign in at a printer, often with a badge or code. Both keep confidential pages from sitting unattended in the output tray. Solutions like HP Secure Print bring this to shared office printers.
Encrypted printing
Encryption scrambles print data as it travels from your device to the printer, so it can't be read if intercepted on the network. Many business printers also encrypt data stored on the device.
Printer access control
Access control limits who can use the printer and its settings. Common methods include administrator passwords for settings, user sign-in with a PIN or ID card, and permissions that restrict features like color printing or scanning to email.
For teams that print from different locations, cloud solutions can combine remote printing with secure release at the printer. Learn more about printer connectivity.
What Is Printer Firmware Protection?
Firmware is the built-in software that runs a printer. If attackers tamper with it, they could control the device or use it to reach other systems. Firmware protection makes sure the printer runs only authentic code and can recover if something goes wrong.
Firmware protection features
Secure boot checks: At startup, the printer verifies that its boot code and firmware are genuine before running them.
Digitally signed firmware: Updates are signed by the manufacturer, so the printer rejects code that's been altered.
Runtime monitoring: The printer watches its memory while running and restarts to a safe state if it detects unusual activity.
Automatic recovery: If a problem is found, the printer reboots using a trusted copy of its code.
HP Wolf Security for printers
Our business printers include built-in protection under HP Wolf Security, which comes in three tiers: HP Wolf Essential Security, HP Wolf Pro Security, and HP Wolf Enterprise Security. Each tier includes the features of the one before it and adds more.
HP OfficeJet Pro and HP LaserJet Pro printers: Embedded security that validates the firmware as genuine HP code at startup and reboots to a secure state if something looks wrong.
HP LaserJet Enterprise and Managed printers: Our most advanced layers, including HP Sure Start to check the boot code, allowlisting to confirm firmware is signed by HP, run-time intrusion detection to monitor memory, and HP Connection Inspector to watch outgoing network connections. If an attack is detected, the printer can reboot itself to a safe state.
Features vary by model and firmware version, so check the product specifications for details. Learn more about HP LaserJet Enterprise security and business security.
Printer Security Best Practices
For home printers
Update firmware: Install printer firmware updates when they're available. Learn more about drivers and firmware.
Secure your Wi-Fi: Use a strong password and current encryption on your router.
Set a printer admin password: Change any default password for the printer's settings page.
Turn off features you don't use: Disable remote printing or Wi-Fi Direct if you never use them.
For office and business printers
Require secure release: Use PIN or pull printing for confidential documents.
Manage settings centrally: Apply consistent security policies across all printers with fleet management tools.
Restrict access: Limit who can change settings, scan to email, or print in color.
Close unused ports and protocols: Disable network services the printer doesn't need.
Monitor and log activity: Send printer security events to your IT monitoring tools.
Wipe printers before retiring them: Securely erase stored data before a printer is sold, returned, or recycled.
Learn more about device management for business fleets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Security
Can a printer be hacked?
A networked printer can be hacked if it runs outdated firmware, uses a default password, or sits on an unprotected network. Keeping firmware updated, setting an admin password, and choosing printers with built-in firmware protection greatly reduce the risk.
What is secure print release?
Secure print release holds a print job until the person who sent it signs in at the printer with a PIN, badge, or code. It keeps confidential documents from sitting unattended in the output tray.
Why are printer firmware updates important?
Printer firmware updates fix security vulnerabilities, improve reliability, and sometimes add features. Installing them promptly closes gaps that attackers could otherwise use to access the printer or the network.
Do printers store copies of documents?
Many business printers store print jobs, scans, and faxes temporarily in memory or on an internal drive. Business models often encrypt this data and offer secure erase options, which should be used before a printer is retired.
Related Printer Topics
Printers: the main types of printers and how they work
Printer connectivity: Wi-Fi, mobile, USB, and Ethernet printing
Laser printers: fast, high-volume printing with toner
Printers by use: matching a printer to home, office, or creative needs
