Office printers leak data
Confidential audits reveal outdated settings on multifunction devices expose sensitive information at agencies nationwide.
By Leah Thompson ·
A forgotten password on a copy machine can open a backdoor into a government agency's files. InvestigateTV+ received a confidential audit showing that common office printer settings are leaving sensitive data exposed to hackers. The report covers multiple agencies across the country.
The audit found that many modern multifunction devices store more than just printed pages. Depending on the model, these machines keep documents, scan histories, address books, and network settings on internal hard drives. Many devices also run on firmware and default passwords that were never changed after installation. This combination creates a simple path for attackers to reach sensitive information.
The report identifies doctors, schools, and police departments as potential targets. When a device stores network settings and address books, a breach of the printer can give hackers a map of the internal network. The audit noted that the devices are often humming in corners of offices, unnoticed by staff who view them as simple tools for copying and scanning.
The risk is not limited to large corporations. The investigation highlighted that standard office equipment often lacks the security updates that computers receive. Default credentials remain a primary vulnerability. The confidential audit provided to the news program detailed how these overlooked settings allow unauthorized access to stored data.
The report is part of a broader investigation into digital infrastructure. While the printer issue dominates the segment, the program also touched on other stories. A nonprofit in Arizona called Alcor continues its work in cryonics, preserving bodies at subfreezing temperatures in hopes of future medical breakthroughs. The organization has operated since the 1970s.
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