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July 21.2025

2 Minutes Read

Critical Security Gaps in Printer Management Exposed: What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Modern printer with security notifications, highlighting printer management security gaps.

Security Risks Lurking in Print Management

A recent study by HP Wolf Security brings to light alarming security gaps in printer management practices, raising a red flag specifically for small business owners. Printers, once viewed as simple office tools, now represent potential gateways for cyber-attacks. With over 800 IT and security decision-makers surveyed, the report titled “Securing the Print Estate” underscores that printers need proactive management throughout their lifecycle.

Key Findings That Matter

One striking finding from the report is that a mere 36% of IT leaders apply necessary firmware updates in a timely manner; this delay can lead to serious vulnerabilities. Additionally, the time spent managing printer security, averaging 3.5 hours per month, is a sobering statistic for small businesses that typically have limited resources. Steve Inch from HP adds, “If compromised, attackers can harvest confidential information for extortion or sale,” making it essential for business owners to recognize the hidden risks of their equipment.

Breaking Down the Lifecycle Risks

Security issues can arise at various stages in a printer's lifecycle:

Supplier Selection & Onboarding: Poor collaboration among procurement and IT teams could lead to introducing insecure devices.
Ongoing Management: The lack of bandwidth in small businesses can hinder proper firmware updates and security management.
Remediation: Only 35% of IT professionals can identify vulnerabilities in printers, indicating a knowledge gap in what is often a neglected asset.
Decommissioning: A whopping 86% cite concerns about safely reusing or recycling old printers, with many unsure about data wiping efficacy.

Taking Action to Mitigate Risks

To navigate these challenges, small business owners must act:

Engage cross-team collaboration during the printer selection process to set clear security standards. Consistent monitoring and timely firmware updates are crucial. By adopting a proactive security strategy, businesses can transform their printer management from a liability into a robust component of their overall cybersecurity posture.

Small Business Growth

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Critical Security Gaps in Printer Management Exposed: What Every Small Business Owner Needs to Know

Security Risks Lurking in Print Management

Key Findings That Matter

Breaking Down the Lifecycle Risks

Taking Action to Mitigate Risks

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