Should You Update Your Printer’s Firmware? 

How important is your office’s security to you? If it’s not already a priority, consider this: 68% of organizations have experienced at least one endpoint attack that successfully compromised data or IT infrastructure, according to the Ponemon Institute.

One unexpected weak spot that hackers often exploit is your printer.

Yes, your seemingly harmless printer could be an open door for cybercriminals. But there’s a simple, effective way to safeguard against these cyberattacks: update your printer’s firmware.

For nearly 40 years, we’ve been part of the printer and copier industry. Over time, we’ve seen how companies are becoming more concerned about printer security, especially when they handle sensitive data. 

Just like a tornado or a hurricane, a printer security breach can come out of nowhere and devastate those who were unprepared for it. We're here to share some proactive steps you can take now, so you don't get caught off guard later.  

Because once a cyberattack occurs, it is difficult to stop---and the damage can be financially significant.   

In this blog, we’ll explain what firmware is, why updating it matters, how to do it, and answer common questions to help you secure your devices.

Check out our blog on 5 Printer Security Mistakes (with Solutions).

What Is Firmware for a Printer? 

Think of firmware as the "brain" of your printer. It’s the hard-coded software that tells your printer how to function, translating instructions from your computer into actions like printing, scanning, or faxing.

The first line of defense when it comes to protecting against security breaches is current firmware. If you don’t update your firmware, you’re leaving your printer—and your network—vulnerable to cyberattacks.

To put firmware into context, think about your smartphone. The phone itself and its accompanying applications require frequent updates to fix technical issues or add additional features that will heighten its productivity.  

Firmware updates for your printer work in the same way, and that is precisely why they are so important to install on your device: 

4 Reasons Why It’s Important to Keep Your Firmware Updated 

There are many things firmware updates can do for your device, but here are the four main reasons why it’s important to have the latest firmware update for your printer:  

1. Gives You the Latest Printer Security Features 

As mentioned previously, one major advantage of having the latest firmware update for your printer is it gives you the newest security features that will further enhance your device’s security mechanisms. 

For example, Xerox (which we partner with) has multiple security features like Trellix’s Whitelisting Technology and Cisco’s Identity Services Engine (ISE) that you might not be able to get if your device doesn’t have the latest firmware update. 

New security features are essential to equip your device with the latest technology to combat intrusions and shore up any vulnerabilities with your printer.  

2. Addresses Any Features That Might Not Be Performing Correctly  

Firmware is the vital link between your print driver and printer. Occasionally, bugs or glitches in this programming can interfere with your printer's performance.

Just like your phone, keeping your printer’s firmware updated can fix these bugs and enhance its performance. Regular updates help ensure your printer runs smoothly and efficiently.  

3.  New Productivity Features 

In addition to the new security features you get with firmware updates, there may also be new features that increase the device’s overall productivity. 

Depending on the type of machine you have, firmware updates can add new applications and additional functions that wouldn’t be available on previous versions of the machine. 

Apps, especially, have become more and more common as printer technology continues to advance. 

To learn more about printer apps, read the blogs below: 

• Pros and Cons of Apps for Your Printer: Should You Invest?  

• Top 10 Xerox Printer Apps  

4. Keeps Compatibility with New Operating Systems  

When new versions of computer operating systems are released, they can sometimes lead to compatibility issues with firmware. This means that your printer might not work properly or may lose some of its features.

This can range from a minor annoyance to a severe disruption in business processes, especially when team members are relying on certain functions to perform as expected.   

Keeping your firmware up to date is your best chance of avoiding the problems that could come with incompatible operating systems. 

For a look at some of the most common printer security mistakes and how to solve them, watch the video below:

How Do You Update Your Printer’s Firmware? 

Updating your firmware might seem tricky, but it’s actually pretty simple. The process can vary depending on the brand of your equipment, though. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to help you out:

Automatic Firmware Updates:

Some printers, particularly newer ones, can update themselves automatically. Here’s how:

1. Enable Auto-Updates in the Settings:
   • Go to your printer’s menu.
   • Look for a setting like "Firmware Updates" or "Automatic Updates."
   • Turn on automatic updates if available.

 

2. Check Your Managed Print Services (MPS) Contract: If your printer is under an MPS agreement, updates may be managed automatically by your provider.

Manual Firmware Updates:

If your printer is older or doesn’t support automatic updates, follow these steps:

1. Find Your Printer’s Model Number: Locate this on the printer itself or in the user manual.
2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Go to the support section and search for your model.
3. Download the Latest Firmware: Download the firmware update file and follow the provided instructions to install it.
4. Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS):
   • Open a web browser and type your printer’s IP address. (Find this in your printer’s network settings.)
   • Log in and navigate to firmware settings to upload the update file.
5. Restart Your Printer: After the update, restart your printer to finalize the installation.

An important thing to note about older printer models is the manufacturer of your machine may stop supporting firmware updates on older machines (think 5-10 years).  

This means that as the machine ages, it’s less likely that the newest security and productivity features from firmware updates will be supported on the device. 

This is why older printers can be especially vulnerable as entry points into your network. Read our blog on why older printers are security threats to learn more.  

Watch Out for Third-Party Cartridge Compatibility

A quick heads-up: some firmware updates may prevent third-party ink or toner cartridges from working. Manufacturers often design updates to ensure compatibility with their own cartridges for performance and reliability reasons.

If you rely on third-party cartridges, research the update’s impact before proceeding. Some updates are optional, and you can weigh the risks versus benefits.

FAQ: Printer Firmware Updates

1. How can I find my printer’s firmware version?

• Check your printer’s settings menu under "Firmware" or "About Printer."
• Use the Embedded Web Server (EWS) by entering your printer’s IP address into a browser.
• You can also print a configuration page if one is available.

2. How do I know if the firmware update was successful?

• Your printer will usually display a confirmation message.
• Check the firmware version in the settings menu to ensure it matches the latest version from the manufacturer.

3. What if my printer is too old to get firmware updates?

• Manufacturers often stop supporting older printers (5-10 years old). If this happens, consider upgrading to a newer model with active support and stronger security features.

4. How often should I check for firmware updates?

• If your printer doesn’t update automatically, check the manufacturer’s website every 3-6 months.

5. Can I undo a firmware update?

• It’s rare, but some manufacturers provide tools to roll back updates. Check the support documentation for your printer model.

Need Help Updating Your Firmware?  

Printer firmware updates may seem minor, but they’re a big deal for security, performance, and productivity. By staying proactive, you’re not only protecting your printer but also safeguarding your entire network from potential breaches. Plus, firmware updates are free to implement.

Network intrusions can happen to anyone at any time, and they are rapidly increasing as the workplace moves toward a digital space.  

We stay up to date with all the latest happenings on the printer security front because our goal is to keep your devices as safe as possible. 

If you need help installing firmware updates on your device or any other printing matter, reach out to us , and one of our team of experts will get back to you shortly.