How to Secure Your Home Printer from Hackers
Quick Answer: Secure your wireless printer by changing default passwords, updating firmware regularly, using WPA3 encryption, disabling unused features, and isolating it on a separate network (VLAN or guest network) to prevent unauthorized access and protect sensitive documents.
Every connected device in your home is a potential entry point for hackers. Your wireless printer, while often overlooked, can create a significant security gap in your network—especially if left with factory-default settings and unpatched firmware.
In this article, we'll equip you with the knowledge needed to turn your printer from a liability into a secure part of your network infrastructure. You'll learn actionable steps to prevent unauthorized access, secure your network connections, and implement best practices that protect your sensitive documents from cyber threats.
Why Printer Security Matters for Home Users
It's easy to dismiss a printer as a mere output device, but modern printers are complex Internet of Things (IoT) devices running full operating systems. They're capable of storing data, connecting to the internet, and communicating over your local network. This complexity makes them an attractive target for hackers.
Entry Point for Network Infiltration
An unsecured printer, particularly one with outdated firmware, can be exploited by attackers to gain access to your entire home network. Once inside, the attacker can move laterally to target more valuable assets, such as your computers, smartphones, and network-attached storage (NAS) devices.
Unauthorized Access to Sensitive Documents
Printers often have internal memory or hard drives that store a cache of every document printed—from tax returns and medical records to proprietary company reports. If an attacker gains access to the printer's web interface or file system, they can steal this stored data, leading to identity theft or corporate espionage.
Data Interception During Wireless Printing
When printing over Wi-Fi, the data packet traveling from your computer to the printer is vulnerable. If your printer and network lack proper encryption (especially if still using deprecated protocols like WEP), a sophisticated adversary can intercept and capture print job data, revealing document contents in transit.
Printer Hijacking for Malicious Purposes
In worst-case scenarios, a compromised printer can be hijacked and weaponized. Attackers have used unsecured printers as a launchpad for Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks against other targets or, more disruptively, to display malicious messages or print reams of junk data, incurring costs and rendering the device useless.
Common Printer Security Vulnerabilities
A security vulnerability is a flaw or weakness in a system that can be exploited by an attacker. For home printers, these vulnerabilities often stem from convenience features that prioritize ease of use over security. Knowing these weak points is the first step toward protection.
Generic or default administrator credentials (e.g., admin/password) are the most exploited flaws, allowing anyone on the network to hijack device control
Outdated encryption (WEP/WPA) makes it easy for nearby attackers to intercept network traffic, potentially exposing print jobs or the printer's management interface
Neglected firmware updates leave the printer vulnerable to publicly known exploits that manufacturers have already patched
Unprotected ports (like 9100 or 631) can act as entry points for hackers scanning for vulnerable devices
Lack of SSL/TLS protocols causes management commands and print jobs to be transmitted unencrypted, exposing sensitive data to interception
Cloud-linked services introduce external connection points that can serve as network entry points if compromised
Essential Steps to Secure Your Home Printer
Securing your printer doesn't require an IT degree, but it does require diligence and a few focused configuration changes.
Change Default Passwords and Settings
The single most effective defense is eliminating the factory-set credentials.
Step-by-step guide to accessing printer settings:
- Locate the IP Address: Print a configuration or network settings page using the printer's physical control panel. The IP address will be listed (e.g., 192.168.1.15)
- Access the Web Interface: Type this IP address into any web browser on a device connected to the same network. This opens the printer's Embedded Web Server (EWS) or control panel
- Log In: Use the default administrator credentials (check your printer manual for common defaults)
- Navigate to Security Settings: Find the 'Security,' 'Network,' or 'Administrator Settings' tab
- Change the Password: Create a strong, unique password using a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
Disable unnecessary default features:
While in the EWS, look for options like Wi-Fi Direct (which creates a separate Wi-Fi hotspot) or Guest Access. If you don't use them, disable them to reduce the attack surface.
Update Printer Firmware Regularly
Firmware updates are the security patches of the printer world.
Why firmware updates are critical:
Firmware updates fix known, published vulnerabilities (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures, or CVEs). Failing to install them leaves exploitable weaknesses in your system.
How to check for and install firmware updates:
- Go to the EWS (as described above)
- Navigate to the 'Management,' 'Tools,' or 'Firmware Update' section
- Select an option to check for updates online or download the latest file from the manufacturer's website and upload it manually
- Configure your printer or its accompanying desktop software to automatically check for and notify you of new firmware releases
- If your model supports it, enable automatic installation
Secure Your Wireless Network Connection
Your printer is only as secure as the network it lives on. Strengthening the underlying connection is essential.
Use Strong Encryption:
Ensure your main home Wi-Fi network uses WPA3 (the current standard) or, at minimum, WPA2 with AES encryption. Avoid legacy WEP or WPA (TKIP) protocols entirely.
Implement Network Segmentation:
If your router supports it, place all your "less secure" IoT devices, including your printer, on a separate VLAN or Guest Network. This isolates them from your primary computers and file servers, preventing an attacker who compromises the printer from reaching your sensitive data.
Disable WPS:
While convenient, WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) has significant security flaws that allow brute-force attacks on the network PIN. Disable WPS on your router and printer.
Enable MAC Address Filtering:
As an extra layer of defense, configure your router to only allow the printer's specific MAC address to connect. This prevents unknown devices from joining your network by impersonating the printer.
Enable Printer Security Features
Modern printers include features designed for network environments that you can also use at home.
Firewall Configuration:
Many printers have a basic, built-in firewall. Check the EWS security settings to ensure it's enabled and configured to restrict incoming connections only to what's necessary (usually your local network range).
Secure Printing Protocols:
Where possible, configure your printer to use IPP over HTTPS for printing, which encrypts print job data. If you use Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) for monitoring, use the encrypted SNMPv3 protocol.
PIN/Password-Protected Printing:
For highly sensitive documents, use the "Secure Print" feature. This holds the document on the printer's internal storage until a PIN or password is entered at the physical control panel, preventing documents from being left unattended in the output tray.
Access Control Lists (ACLs):
Restrict which IP addresses on your network can access the printer's management interface or send print jobs. Limit access only to your trusted home devices.
Disable Unused Features and Ports
To minimize vulnerabilities, apply the principle of least privilege by closing unnecessary network entry points.
Access the Embedded Web Server (EWS) to:
- Disable unused protocols like FTP or LPR/LPD
- Deactivate cloud printing to eliminate external access vectors
- Close common network ports (e.g., 9100 and 631)
- Disable remote management features to prevent unauthorized internet-based configuration attempts
Advanced Security Measures
For remote workers and users handling highly sensitive documents, these advanced techniques provide additional protection.
Setting Up a VPN for Printer Access
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all traffic between your device and a secure network point. By configuring your router (if supported) to establish a VPN tunnel, you ensure that even local traffic destined for the printer is encapsulated in an encrypted channel. This is particularly valuable when printing from a laptop connected to an untrusted public Wi-Fi network.
Network Segmentation Strategies
Network segmentation extends the guest network concept by isolating devices into Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs). By placing your printer on a dedicated IoT Network (VLAN 2) and keeping computers or NAS devices on a Management Network (VLAN 1), you prevent lateral movement. If the printer is compromised, the attacker is contained within the restricted IoT segment, unable to access sensitive data on your primary network.
Regular Security Audits
Treat your printer like any other network server. Periodically run a port scan (using tools like Nmap) on the printer's IP address to check for unexpectedly open or unused network ports. This proactively identifies configuration drift or vulnerabilities that a firmware update may have introduced.
Monitor Printer Logs for Suspicious Activity
Modern printers maintain internal security logs accessible via the Embedded Web Server (EWS). Regularly audit these logs for:
- Unexpected reboots: May signal a firmware-level attack or security action
- Frequent failed login attempts: Indicate an active brute-force attempt on administrator credentials
- Unsolicited configuration changes: Often a definitive indicator of tampering
HP Security Solutions and Features
HP printers are resilient network endpoints that embed hardware-level security features designed to detect, protect, and recover from attacks.
HP Wolf Security for Printers
HP Wolf Security is a portfolio of security solutions that integrates hardware-enforced protection across the PC and printer ecosystems. It applies Zero Trust principles, meaning the device assumes its environment is hostile and rigorously validates every action.
HP Wolf Pro Security is often included with professional-grade HP printers suitable for hybrid or home office use, providing secure default settings and continuous, hardware-powered protection. Learn more about HP Wolf Security.
Self-Healing Security Features in HP Printers
This signature HP technology allows devices to defend themselves without human intervention:
HP Sure Start: Validates the BIOS (startup code) integrity at every boot. If corruption or a rootkit is detected, it automatically restarts with a secure, "golden copy" of the BIOS.
Whitelisting: Ensures only digitally signed, HP-approved firmware can execute. Any sign of tampering triggers an automatic reboot to a secure state.
Run-time Intrusion Detection (Memory Shield™): Monitors device memory in real-time for malicious injections. If an attack is detected, the printer isolates the threat and initiates a self-healing reboot.
HP Connection Inspector: Analyzes outbound network requests for botnet activity. If the printer attempts to contact a malicious server, the feature forces a secure reboot to sever the connection.
HP JetAdvantage Security Manager
While historically aimed at enterprise environments, HP JetAdvantage Security Manager offers sophisticated security management for fleets of HP devices. For dedicated home users with multiple HP devices, it streamlines the deployment and enforcement of a single security policy (e.g., password complexity, port disabling) across all compatible printers, automating assessment and remediation of security settings.
Automatic Threat Detection Capabilities
The combination of features like Run-time Intrusion Detection and Connection Inspector gives HP printers an active threat detection posture. Instead of relying solely on signature-based detection (which can be slow), they use behavioral analytics to spot anomalies in code execution and network traffic, automatically neutralizing even zero-day attacks by triggering an immediate, self-healing reboot.
Best Practices for Ongoing Printer Security
Security is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup. Maintaining a secure home printer requires continuous diligence:
- Update administrator credentials every 90 days to limit the utility of potentially stolen passwords
- Check for firmware patches semi-annually to stay ahead of known exploits
- Use a cross-cut shredder for documents containing personal identifying information (PII) or financial data
- Educate household members to recognize signs of tampering, such as unexplained rebooting or ghost print jobs
- Place devices in secure locations to prevent unauthorized data retrieval from the output tray
- Review security logs monthly for unusual activity
- Maintain an inventory of connected devices and their security settings
Conclusion
Modern home printers are networked devices that, if left unmanaged, can serve as entry points for unauthorized access. Securing these devices requires regular maintenance and implementation of standard security protocols, such as firmware updates and network isolation. Proactive management of these settings helps protect your sensitive data and ensures the integrity of your home office.
To further strengthen your home network security, ensure your hardware is as resilient as your firewall. Enhance your defenses by exploring security-focused HP printers with built-in protection features.
