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In the past, as experts in repairing HP printers, we would answer the question of whether or not to update printer firmware as pretty much a hard “NO.” The only reason we would recommend updating firmware was if the printer was not functioning the way you needed it to and you found out that the firmware update addressed that issue. Updating printer firmware, like many things in the IT world, can be like opening a can of worms: you can unintentionally cause an issue that wasn’t happening already. (I’m sure all of you have, at one time or the other, experienced the pain caused by a Windows update!).
However, as you know, the IT world has changed, and due to the constant cyber security threats out there, what we recommend has evolved. In addition to considering updating printer firmware when it can resolve a known issue with a printer, we recommend that you also update this firmware whenever it addresses a known security vulnerability.
For example, here are some security vulnerabilities addressed by firmware updates that you may find lurking in your HP printer fleet:
Forbes.com recently published an article talking about new research exposing major vulnerabilities with office printers, where the author concludes “Those innocuous devices could be the easiest entry point for cyber attackers into small businesses, enterprises and government departments,” and encourages to “ask your support team when the last time all those printers were inventoried, checked and patched.” Additionally, recently at DEF CON there was a session entitled, “Why You Should Fear Your Mundane Office Equipment,” that exposed additional vulnerabilities of printers across manufacturers.
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Most businesses don't question their copier leases - it is simply the way copiers have been sold since they were invented : a certain monthly payment includes supplies & services, with a per page amount for overages. While this billing method seems simple on the surface, a lot can happen behind the scenes that leads to companies paying a lot more than they should.
Even If Your Company Is On A Managed IT Services Contract, There Are Extra Precautions You Should Take
Every month HP offers instant rebates on various models, so as an HP Partner we always try to educate our customers & prospective clients on the best times to purchase to get the best deals (visit our promotions page). There is nothing worse than buying something, only to find out a week later that it went on sale and you could have saved 25%!
