Any equipment that we have connected to the network must be properly protected. There are many attacks that we can suffer if we do not take into account the importance of having security tools, keeping them updated and correcting possible failures. In this article we are going to talk about how to properly protect printers . In this way we will prevent them from attacking us and thus compromising our privacy.
How to protect a printer
It does not matter if it is a printer that we have in our home or it is one that is in a large company, it is very important that it is properly protected. Any device connected to the network could be used by hackers and we could have problems that affect us.
Therefore, it is essential to properly protect this type of device. We are going to show some basic questions that must be present at all times.
Properly protect the network
Printers must be connected to a network that is secure , reliable, and free of vulnerabilities. It is vital that our connection is properly protected. This means that the router or access point is secure, that the wireless network is protected with a strong password, and that we are using proper encryption.
Therefore it is essential to protect our network so as not to compromise security. This way our devices (not just the printer) will be safe.
Keep the printer up to date
Of course we must keep the drivers updated correctly. On many occasions, security flaws arise that can be exploited by hackers to carry out their attacks.
It is the developers themselves who release updates to solve those problems, those vulnerabilities. We must always have the latest versions installed.
Change factory settings
This is something that we must always apply to this type of equipment. It is possible that our printer comes with factory settings such as the name, passwords or security settings.
It is important that we change these values. In this way, we make it difficult for hackers who can rely on those default settings to attack. We need to put a different password, as well as change certain security values.
Use strong remote access passwords
Following the thread of what we discussed, the printer password is essential. It must be secure, contain letters (uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and other special symbols. All this in a random way and that is also unique.
We must avoid words that connect us, figures that are easy to find out and keywords that are too short. In addition, the encryption that we use is also very important.
Configure the permissions of who can access
Wi-Fi printers usually have the ability to choose who can access , who can send documents to print, or who can have control over the device. It is important that we do not leave this to chance, that it is not available to just anyone.
Ideally, we configure the permissions correctly and that only users who are really legitimate can access the printer and not just any intruder.
Observe security settings
It is also important to take our time to review the security options available to the printer. Generally, these devices have a configuration that we can modify according to our interests. Everything we can improve and apply in terms of security will be positive.
Keeping the equipment we use safe
Something that can not be missing is that the equipment we use to connect to the printer is safe. If we are going to send documents from a computer, if we are going to connect that printer to that computer, you must be sure.
This means that we have to have security tools , as well as keep the system properly updated. It is important to avoid malware and any vulnerability that is exploited and affects third-party computers.
Disable protocols that are not necessary
Finally, one more barrier to protect the printer is to disable the protocols that we do not need. For example to connect remotely if we are not really going to use it. This will further increase security and reduce risk.