The 2026 Print Security Crisis: Zero-Days, Driver Deaths, and Merger Chaos

We're only seven weeks into 2026, and the printer industry has already experienced more security incidents, industry upheaval, and technology shifts than most years see in twelve months. Let's take stock of where we are and what it means for your business.

By the Numbers: Q1 2026 So Far

If those numbers don't get your attention, consider this: 74% of SMBs reported printer-related data loss incidents last year, and the threat landscape has only gotten worse.

The Three Crises Converging

Crisis 1: Printers Are Under Active Attack

In just the last seven weeks:

• Canon imageCLASS printers hit with a CVSS 9.8 buffer overflow requiring zero authentication
• 689 Brother models discovered with an unfixable default password vulnerability
• Microsoft 365 Direct Send — used by printers for scan-to-email — actively hijacked for phishing campaigns
• Three separate RAT campaigns (Amnesia, Remcos, NetSupport) targeting small businesses, with printers as prime pivot points

The pattern is clear: attackers have realized that printers are the softest targets on most business networks. No endpoint protection. Default passwords. Outdated firmware. Full network access.

Crisis 2: The Technology Platform Is Shifting

Microsoft's decision to phase out V3 and V4 printer drivers starting January 2026 is just the beginning of a fundamental shift in how printers connect to computers.

The timeline: - Now: No new V3/V4 drivers approved - July 2026: Windows prefers IPP class driver - July 2027: Third-party printer-driver updates allowed only for security fixes (existing drivers can still be installed)

Update (September 30, 2026): the July 2026 change has taken effect. Here's what changed and what to check.

Meanwhile, Epson has exited laser printing entirely, and HP is pushing AI-powered Copilot integration. The printer you buy today needs to work in a very different software environment than the one you bought five years ago.

Crisis 3: Industry Consolidation Is Creating Uncertainty

The Xerox acquisition of Lexmark ($1.5 billion) is creating real disruption:

• Layoffs confirmed as operations merge — affecting support and service teams
• Product line rationalization expected — some models will be discontinued
• Support channels in flux — if you're a Lexmark customer, your support experience is changing

For businesses currently using Lexmark products, this is a moment to evaluate: will support quality be maintained during the merger? Should you have a backup plan?

The 2026 Printer Security Checklist

Based on everything we've seen so far this year, here are the non-negotiable security steps for every small business:

Immediate Actions (This Week)

• [ ] Change every printer's admin password from default to a strong, unique password
• [ ] Check firmware versions against manufacturer security advisories
• [ ] Update firmware on all printers (Canon, Brother, HP — everyone has patches pending)
• [ ] Disable unused network services (FTP, Telnet, SNMPv1/v2, remote management)

Short-Term Actions (This Month)

• [ ] Implement network segmentation — printers on their own VLAN
• [ ] Audit scan-to-email configuration — ensure Direct Send is locked down
• [ ] Verify email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC) — StopSpoofingMe.com can help
• [ ] Test Windows IPP driver compatibility with your current printers
• [ ] Implement pull printing (documents print only when user authenticates at the device)

Ongoing Actions (Quarterly)

• [ ] Firmware update checks (set a calendar reminder)
• [ ] Review printer access logs for unusual activity
• [ ] Test network segmentation effectiveness
• [ ] Employee training on printer-related phishing (fake supply orders, scan-to-email spoofing)
• [ ] RAT and malware awareness — resources available at RAT Warning

What Smart Businesses Are Doing

The businesses that are handling 2026 well share a few characteristics:

1. They Treat Printers as Computers

Because that's what they are. A modern MFP has a processor, storage, memory, network stack, web server, and email client. It deserves the same security attention as any other endpoint on your network.

2. They Buy Smart, Not Cheap

The tariff environment means printer prices are going up regardless. Smart businesses are: - Buying before the November 2026 tariff spike - Choosing models with strong IPP support for future Windows compatibility - Prioritizing security features (encrypted storage, secure boot, access controls) - Avoiding lease traps that lock them into bad equipment

3. They Have a Technology Partner

The complexity of printer security, driver compatibility, tariff timing, and vendor stability means this isn't a "set it and forget it" decision anymore. Whether it's Valley Printer Pros for your printer-specific needs, Wisetechy Solutions for broader IT strategy, or specialized security resources like StopSpoofingMe.com and RAT Warning — having expert guidance matters.

Looking Ahead

The rest of 2026 is going to bring more of the same: more printer vulnerabilities, more supply chain cost pressure, more technology transitions. The businesses that act now — securing their existing printers, planning smart purchases, and building relationships with trusted advisors — will be in the best position when the next crisis hits.

And in the printer industry, there's always a next crisis.

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Ready to get your printer security in order? Valley Printer Pros offers comprehensive printer security assessments, purchase consulting, and setup services for San Fernando Valley businesses. We don't sell printers — we help you buy smart, set up right, and stay secure.

Call us at (818) 574-8240 or visit our contact page for a free consultation.

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Sources: Rapid7 Research, SecurityWeek, Microsoft Security Response Center, Canon U.S.A. Security Advisory, Keypoint Intelligence, Quocirca Print Industry Trends 2026, Qualys Patch Tuesday Analysis