Printers are attractive targets for hackers because they contain sensitive information, although most people underestimate this. They can store usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other personal details.

Once an attacker has access to your printer, they can do all sorts of nasty things, including sending unapproved print jobs, carry out Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, and data theft extortion.

So how do you get rid of your printer’s sensitive data to prevent unauthorized access and misuse?

1. Unplug Your Printer for a While

Unplugged black cord

Most consumer-grades printers have very little storage memory, and that’s typically volatile memory. To wipe out the memory, unplug the printer and let it sit for a while before re-plugging it in. The data will likely be gone.

Keep in mind that some printers use volatile memory with battery backup. In this case, check the printer’s user manual for instructions on how long to unplug the printer before the data is erased.

2. Wipe the Disk Drive

Multifunction printers (MFPs) with large internal storage often include a secure wipe disk option in their settings. If your printer has a disk drive, use the wipe disk function to delete sensitive data from your printer.

If you’re having trouble finding the reset instructions, you can usually locate them online by performing a simple internet search that includes your printer’s make and model.

For consumer-grade printers, if you’ve just printed documents containing confidential information and want to decommission the device, the standard practice is to print several non-confidential documents afterward to flush the memory.

While you can also wipe the removable hard drive of your printer using a disk eraser software, the process often includes long step-intensive instructions.

3. Destroy the Hard Drive

An illustration of a hard disk drive

The type of printer you have largely determines whether it has a hard drive. For instance, MFPs often have hard drives that record and store data, so any documents you’ve scanned or printed may still be present in the device.

Data is typically stored on the hard drive, so the printer can print faster and perform several tasks simultaneously. You can physically destroy the hard drive to make the data unrecoverable.

Considering printer hard drives can be hard to find, you need to know what to look out for if a printer has some form of storage. The ability to reprint a previously printed file, re-order the printer queue, and hold or forward incoming faxes are all signs of internal storage.

If you're getting rid of the printer entirely, you might want to do actually damage the drive. To destroy the hard drive, remove it from the printer and place it on a sturdy surface. Then physically destroy it, i.e. until the insides shatter.

If your printer includes memory card slots for items like camera cards, remember to check if you’ve left any cards inside too.

4. Clear the Direct Email Function

To send emails from the printer’s front panel, all-in-one printers with a direct email function (unlike those that bring up a client on your PC) often require you to set up SMTP information, including your password. If you’ve set that up, be sure you remove your password before disposing of the printer.

Your Printer Can Store Sensitive Data

The security dangers associated with printers are no different from those associated with any other devices, including computers and mobile devices. This is mostly because many modern printers have some type of internal memory that allows them to store a significant number of files.

Printers with hard drives or volatile memory can store the sensitive data you copy, print, scan, or fax. Any confidential documents that pass through them, including medical records, credit card numbers, and social security numbers, are stored in the printer’s memory and can be retrieved by anyone who knows where to search for it. So don't take this risk lightly!