Taming the Hidden Dangers in Chrome Printer Settings

The Overlooked Risks in Printer Settings

In the third installment of our CIS Benchmarks journey with Brian Reese, we delve into a topic that often flies under the radar: the security risks associated with printer settings in Google Chrome. While printers might seem like innocuous devices, Brian highlighted how they can become a significant security vulnerability if not properly configured.

The Cloud Print Conundrum

One of the standout points in this session was the discussion around Google Cloud Print Proxy. This feature allows printers to be accessed over the web, which, on the surface, sounds incredibly convenient. However, as Brian pointed out, this convenience comes with a hefty security price tag. In environments where sensitive information is handled, leaving such a feature enabled could open the door to unauthorized access or data breaches.

Brian shared a cautionary tale about a business that left Google Cloud Print Proxy enabled, thinking it was a harmless convenience. Unfortunately, this oversight led to an exploit where attackers used the printer as a pivot point to gain access to the wider network. The lesson? Convenience can’t come before security, especially when dealing with networked devices.

Disabling to Secure

The solution Brian advocated for was simple: disable Google Cloud Print Proxy unless it’s absolutely essential. For most business environments, especially those handling sensitive data, the risks far outweigh the benefits. By disabling unnecessary features like this, you reduce the potential attack surface and protect your network from being an easy target.

Brian’s advice extends beyond just the Cloud Print Proxy. He stressed the importance of regularly reviewing all printer settings within Chrome and disabling any features that aren’t in active use. This proactive approach helps to lock down potential entry points that attackers could exploit.

Layered Security Approach

Continuing from our previous discussions, Brian reiterated the importance of a layered security approach. Every setting in Chrome, from remote access to printer configurations, plays a role in the overall security posture of your environment. By systematically disabling or securing features that aren’t needed, you build a stronger, more resilient defense.

Brian emphasized that this approach isn’t just for large enterprises; small and medium-sized businesses can also benefit greatly from this mindset. The key takeaway was clear: start with a strong foundation by securing your browser settings, and layer additional protections as needed.

Real-World Implications

To underline the importance of these settings, Brian shared another example from his consulting work. In this case, a client had neglected to disable certain printer settings, which led to an attack that compromised sensitive financial data. The cost of recovery was substantial, but more importantly, it underscored how easily such vulnerabilities can be overlooked.

Final Thoughts

Brian’s insights serve as a critical reminder that security is not just about the big-ticket items like firewalls and antivirus software. Sometimes, it’s the smaller, seemingly mundane settings—like those controlling your printers—that can make the difference between a secure network and a breached one.

Call to Action

For a deeper understanding of these concepts and to see them discussed in more detail, watch the full episode here.
Interested in learning more? Register for upcoming episodes in our CIS Benchmarks series to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats.
Lastly, take advantage of Senteon’s special offer to evaluate your security settings—sign up at Senteon with the comment “settings webinar” to receive free internal and external reports.