Are Outdated MFPs Putting Your Network at Risk?
Network Security & Cybersecurity | Office Copiers | Office Copiers, Printers, and MFPs | Print | Secure Print
You wouldn’t run outdated antivirus on your computers, so why leave your printers running outdated firmware?
Outdated printers can be one of the most overlooked printer security risks in your environment, especially when firmware is no longer supported or regularly updated.
Multifunction printers (MFPs) are not just output devices. They store data, connect to your network, and often integrate with cloud and document systems. When they fall behind on updates, they can expose sensitive information and create vulnerabilities that attackers actively look for.
What printer security risks do outdated devices actually create?
Outdated printers can expose your organization in a few key ways.
- Data exposure
Printers process and temporarily store sensitive information like financial records, employee data, and customer documents. Without proper safeguards, that data can be accessed or intercepted. - Network access points
Because printers are connected to your network, they can be used as an entry point into other systems if compromised. - Unpatched vulnerabilities
If firmware is not kept up to date, known security gaps remain open. These vulnerabilities are often publicly documented and actively targeted.
Why does printer firmware security matter so much?
Firmware acts as the operating system of your printer, controlling how it functions and communicates.
When printer firmware is outdated, security vulnerabilities remain unpatched and devices may lack modern protections. When firmware is no longer supported, no future updates are released, which means risk continues to grow over time.
Without ongoing firmware security management, even well-managed IT environments can have blind spots.
How do I know if my printers are a security risk?
Your print environment may be vulnerable if:
- Devices are more than 5 to 7 years old
- Firmware updates are not applied regularly
- Your team is unsure which devices are still supported
- There is no centralized visibility into your printer fleet
- Security features like authentication or encryption are not enabled
If these areas are unclear to you, a risk assessment is worth evaluating.
What printer security features should modern devices have?
Modern printers are designed with built-in security features to help protect your network.
At a minimum, your devices should support:
- Data encryption to protect information in transit and at rest
- User authentication to control access to devices
- Secure firmware validation to prevent unauthorized changes
- Automated firmware updates to stay protected over time
- Monitoring and reporting for visibility across your fleet
Without these capabilities, your print environment may not align with current printer security standards.
Should you upgrade or can you secure what you have?
The right next step depends on your current environment. In some cases, existing devices can be secured through firmware updates and proper configuration. In others, replacement is the more effective option, especially when devices are no longer supported by the manufacturer or cannot meet modern security requirements. A lifecycle-based approach helps determine which devices can be maintained and which should be replaced.
What is a printer lifecycle strategy?
A printer lifecycle strategy ensures your devices remain secure, supported, and efficient over time. This includes regular assessments, firmware management, visibility into device status, and planned upgrades based on age and usage. Taking this approach helps reduce printer security risk while improving overall performance and cost control.
What should you do next to improve printer security?
If you are unsure about your current print security posture, the best next step is a simple assessment.
An LDI Connect print environment review can help you:
- Identify outdated or unsupported devices
- Understand your current level of risk
- Determine whether updates or replacements are needed
- Align your print strategy with your broader IT and security goals
If you’ve received our firmware security guide, this is exactly where that conversation continues.
Request your print environment assessment: https://myLDI.com/print-assessment/