Cyberattacks Surge by 47% in Q1 2025 — Is Your Office MFP Leaving You Exposed?
- john99681
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
As cyberattacks rise sharply — up 47% in the first quarter of 2025 — businesses across the UK are doubling down on their cybersecurity strategies. Firewalls, antivirus software, multi-factor authentication and cloud security tools are now standard across most workplaces.
Yet amid all this investment, one vital piece of office technology is still often ignored.
The humble multifunction printer (MFP).
Why Your Printer Is a Target for Cybercriminals
Today’s multifunction devices do far more than just print. They scan, email, store credentials, access shared folders, and integrate with cloud platforms. In short, they are networked endpoints — just like your PCs, smartphones, and servers.
Unfortunately, many businesses still treat them like standalone machines.
An unsecured MFP can pose a serious cybersecurity risk because it:
Sits on the same network as your sensitive business data
Stores user credentials, scanned documents and job histories
Often includes open ports or outdated firmware
Can be accessed remotely if not properly locked down
Cybercriminals know this. In fact, MFPs are increasingly being used as entry points for ransomware attacks, data theft, and lateral movement across company networks.
Real Risks. Real Consequences.
Leaving an MFP unsecured is like leaving your back door open.
Imagine a scenario where a hacker gains access to your MFP and uses it to:
Steal usernames and passwords
Intercept or copy sensitive documents
Deploy malware across your network
Launch a ransomware attack, bringing your operations to a halt
These aren’t hypotheticals — they’re happening right now to businesses that overlook basic print security.
What You Can Do: Secure Your Print Environment
The good news? These risks are avoidable with the right measures in place.
Here’s how to secure your print infrastructure:
Update firmware regularly
Restrict access with user authentication and PINs
Encrypt data in transit and at rest
Use secure print release features
Partner with a Managed Print Services (MPS) provider that prioritises cybersecurity
At MPS UK, we help businesses protect their print environment with:
Multi-vendor secure MFP solutions (Canon, Lexmark, Sharp, Ricoh, Konica Minolta & more)
Proactive monitoring and firmware updates
4-hour call-out response for critical issues
Tailored Print Security Audits — completely free and with no obligation
Don’t Let Your Printer Be the Weakest Link
In a world of growing cyber threats, every connected device matters.Your office printer could be the open door hackers are looking for — unless you lock it down.
Book your Free Print Security Audit today and find out where your vulnerabilities lie:
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