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Wireless devices like printers, routers, and scanners often serve as backdoors into SME networks.
Cybersecurity strategies must evolve to include routine device monitoring and firmware updates
Educating staff on wireless device vulnerabilities can significantly reduce risk exposure.
When small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) consider cybersecurity, they usually focus on the basics, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and strong passwords. However, what often gets overlooked are the everyday wireless devices like printers, routers, and other connected gadgets that are in use.
These seemingly harmless tools can create hidden entry points into company networks, exposing them to serious threats. A 2024 IDC report revealed that nearly 37% of SMEs faced security incidents linked to neglected connected devices.
Most of us generally assume that a printer or scanner is just sitting quietly in the corner. But in reality, these devices are not connected to the network all the time and often have outdated firmware.
Unlike computers, printers are not constantly monitored for unusual activity. A compromised printer can act as a 'silent observer' - logging, copying, or even forwarding sensitive documents without detection.
Stats to Know: HP’s 2025 Print Security Report showed that 52% of printers in SMEs had never received a firmware update, leaving them vulnerable to known exploits.
The rise in remote work and the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) culture has led to a surge in wireless peripherals, including Bluetooth keyboards, wireless access points, mobile printers, and cloud-connected scanners.
Here's how
Default settings often remain unchanged
Weak or outdated encryption leaves data in transit exposed.
Unsegmented networks allow attackers to jump from one device to another.
In the context of wireless devices in cybersecurity, the emphasis must shift from convenience to control.
SMEs don’t need access to the bank to safeguard their systems. Printer security risks stem from wireless devices, and they can be mitigated by implementing a few operational changes.
Update Firmware Regularly
Manufacturers provide updates that fix bugs and patch vulnerabilities and additionally ensure that all connected devices receive regular updates, automated, if possible.
Disable Unused Features
Many wireless printers and scanners come with unused features that remain active, such as remote access or FTP sharing.
Change Default Credentials
Default usernames, such as 'admin,' and passwords, like '1234,' should be replaced as soon as possible.
Create a Device Inventory
Know exactly what is connected to the network. From Wi-Fi cameras to wireless barcode scanners, each one could be an entry point.
Segment Your Network
Keep IoT and printing devices on a separate VLAN so that even if they are breached, they won’t grant access to critical systems.
Training employees to recognize the cybersecurity risks of wireless devices is just as crucial as using firewalls. After all, it only takes one overlooked device to create a serious vulnerability.
With the growing adoption of smart devices and remote access tools, wireless devices in cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. SME network vulnerabilities can be avoided by adapting cybersecurity practices to cover these ‘silent risk carriers.’
As threats related to cybersecurity become more complex, unnoticed and under-protected tools, such as printers and wireless devices, are at high risk of exploitation.
By taking specific safety steps, small businesses can reduce the risk of being attacked and maintain trust with their clients. One should remember that convenience should not come at the cost of privacy.
