Can Printers Be Hacked?

We are never at a loss for reports of cybercriminals hacking our computers, iPhones and even our Smartwatches; but did you know that your printer can be hacked too? Unfortunately, it’s true and, believe it or not, printer hacking can cause everything from your printer settings changing, to print jobs popping up that you didn’t initiate, to weird printer happenings.

So, how can you tell if your printer has been hacked? Here are a few signs that may indicate foul printer play: If you start noticing that your printer prints out blank pages on and off, your printer may have been hacked or if your printer prints a bunch of random characters that you never typed, your printer may have been hacked.

There are some things you can do to protect yourself from printer cyber-attacks. One is to change your printer’s Wi-Fi password frequently. If you think it might be too late, you may be able to rectify the situation by unplugging your printer and hitting the reset button. While you are pressing the reset button, plug your printer back in and in less than 30 seconds a light should flash indicating that your reset is complete.

If you are unsure if your printer has been hacked or you just want to be safe, you can always – as with anything related to your printer or computer – trust Computer “A” Services in New Smyrna Beach to help.