Your Printers Could Be Putting Your Business at Risk of Malware: What You Must Know About Faxploit

Like every other piece of equipment on your network, printers require careful configuration and regular maintenance to ensure that they aren’t placing your data and users at risk. Security researchers recently discovered two enormous vulnerabilities in HP Officejet All-in-One printers that make it very, very easy for hackers to spread malware and gain acquire to an organization’s network.

What You Must Know About Faxploit

Faxploit is a series of vulnerabilities found in every model of HP Officejet All-in-One printers that permits a cybercriminal to hijack the printer using only a fax number. Once the cybercriminal gains control of the printer, they can elevate privileges across the network and retrieve data or spread malware, including infamous threats like WannaCry, Cryptowall, and more.

If your organization’s fax number is listed publicly and you have an HP Officejet All-in-One printer, your network is at risk RIGHT NOW. The vulnerabilities also apply to a colossal list of other HP inkjet printers, including the HP Envy, HP DesignJet, HP Photosmart, HP Deskjet, HP PageWide Managed, HP PageWide Pro, HP AMP, HP Ink Tank, HP Smart Tank Wireless, and the above-mentioned HP Officejet series.

It’s Heavily Recommended That Patches Are Implemented

HP has released patches for these vulnerabilities and users are recommended to implement firmware updates. Macro Systems clients who have a managed services agreement covering your network will be receiving these patches on an ongoing basis. If your business utilizes HP printers and you don’t have a managed contract or you aren’t sure if updates are being proactively applied, we strongly urge you to immediately reach out to us to have your printers evaluated.

It’s also probable that other devices on your network may be out of date; completely auditing your entire network for outdated firmware and missing security patches is a smart idea. It’s imperative to remember that everything can appear to be working properly, but the doors could be wide open for cyber threats to sneak in.

Furthermore, Macro Systems can help you proactively monitor and detect threats that attempt to breach your network using real-time, enterprise-level security solutions. With today’s cybersecurity landscape presenting increasingly titanic threats to small businesses, doing all you can to secure your data is vital. Call us Macro Systems today at 703-359-9211 for more information.