How Critical Are These Printer Security Flaws That Could Turn Your Office Device Into a Dangerous Botnet?

Why Are Hundreds of Printers Now Easy Targets for Cyber Criminals?

Your office printer might be the next device hackers use to break into your network. Over 750 printer models from big names like Brother, FUJIFILM, and Toshiba have serious security holes that bad guys started attacking in July 2025.

This is bad news for any business or home office that uses these printers. The problems are so severe that even with updates, many printers still can’t be fully protected.

What Makes These Printer Problems So Dangerous?

Security experts at Rapid7 found eight different ways hackers can break into these printers. The worst problem gets a danger score of 9.8 out of 10 – that’s almost as bad as it gets.

Here’s what hackers can do to your printer:

• Steal your printer’s secret information without needing any password
• Take over your printer completely by guessing the admin password
• Use your printer to attack other devices on your network
• Crash your printer so it stops working
• See passwords you use for other services

The two most dangerous problems work together like a one-two punch:

1. First, hackers steal your printer’s serial number (CVE-2024-51977)
2. Then they use that serial number to create the admin password (CVE-2024-51978)

Once they have admin access, they can control your printer and use it to attack other devices.

Real Attacks Started on Independence Day

This isn’t just a theory – hackers are already using these tricks. CrowdSec, a company that watches for cyber attacks, saw the first attacks begin on July 4, 2025.

The attacks kept growing, especially after July 18-19, 2025. What’s scary is that these attacks target printers from Brother, FUJIFILM, and Toshiba – some of the most popular office printer brands.

Why Can’t These Problems Be Fixed Completely?

Here’s the really frustrating part: Brother says the worst security hole can’t be fixed with a simple software update. The problem is built into how these printers are made at the factory.

Brother had to change how they make new printers to fix this issue. But if you already own one of these printers, you’re stuck with a device that will always have this weakness.

Most printers can’t be fully protected, which means hackers will keep trying these attacks.

What Should You Do Right Now?

Don’t wait – take these steps today to protect your printer:

Immediate Actions

• Update your printer’s software right away using Brother’s update tool
• Change the default admin password to something strong and unique
• Put your printer behind a firewall
• Only let trusted devices connect to your printer

Network Protection

• Keep your printer on a separate network if possible
• Block outside access to your printer’s web interface
• Use CrowdSec’s tools to block known attacker addresses

Long-term Strategy

• Check for printer updates regularly
• Monitor your network for unusual printer activity
• Consider replacing very old printers with newer, more secure models

Why Printer Security Matters

This attack wave shows that printers are no longer just simple office tools. They’re computers connected to your network, and hackers see them as an easy way in.

When hackers take over printers, they can:

• Use them in large-scale internet attacks (botnets)
• Access other devices on your network
• Steal sensitive documents that get printed
• Disrupt your business operations

The fact that over 750 different printer models have these problems means millions of devices worldwide are at risk.

Moving Forward: Staying Safe

Printer security used to be an afterthought, but these attacks prove it needs to be a top priority. Treat your printer like any other computer on your network – it needs regular updates, strong passwords, and careful monitoring.

The attacks that started in July 2025 won’t be the last. As more businesses realize their printers are vulnerable, expect to see more of these attacks. The key is staying ahead of the hackers by taking security seriously now, not after an attack happens.

Remember: a secure printer is a working printer. An insecure printer becomes a gateway for cybercriminals to access everything else you value.