Printers and scanners are the most common devices found in small to large offices. Today, cybercriminals have found ways to launch their phishing attacks through them. They don’t have to breach your email account to get in. How do you safeguard your business from this? While it’s a growing concern, you can tackle this problem efficiently with correct guidance and support. Let’s delve into this area quickly.
· Understanding how hackers send phishing emails through office devices
Most businesses today use productivity and collaboration platforms like Microsoft 365. One popular feature of Microsoft 365 is called “Direct Send.” Unfortunately, scammers have learned how to leverage this feature to deliver phishing messages. It’s difficult for the average employee even to question their credibility. As a result, these messages can easily bypass security layers and be delivered successfully. They often appear as regular voicemail notifications or documents: something anyone might open without a second thought. Once a user clicks a link or opens an attachment, hackers gain the opportunity to steal login credentials and other sensitive information. They may also install malicious software on the network.
How are hackers able to use office devices for these purposes? Every company invests in security plans, yet many forget to cover devices like printers and scanners that handle crucial documents containing sensitive information. As a result, hackers find an easy way to exploit these resources. The only way to defend your systems against this risk is by strengthening your cybersecurity strategies from every angle. You should establish security layers even for office devices to prevent malicious activities from harming your business. For support, you can rely on a Managed IT Services provider; they can guide you thoroughly and take the necessary actions to protect your infrastructure. Without proper steps, you’re setting yourself up for a major unwanted incident.
· The reason for concern over ‘Direct Send’ abuse
The Direct Send feature doesn’t require authentication to send emails. It’s an efficient but low-security functionality within the Microsoft platform. Many companies use it to allow business applications and networked printers to send emails within their domain. This feature makes use of internal infrastructure where email authorization or security checks is not required. As a result, the level of vulnerability is high. In 2025, Microsoft introduced the “Reject Direct Send” feature to help businesses counter phishing attacks. Unfortunately, activating this feature without proper precautions can be risky; your Direct Send traffic may stop working entirely. That’s why it’s best to leave this area to IT solutions experts.
· Techniques to protect your business from phishing attempts
Companies that offer full-range IT services can be trusted to include office devices in your cybersecurity planning. They will continuously update, configure, and monitor these devices. To ensure complete protection against potential threats, they begin by securing your email system and implementing various verification methods and spoof detection tools. You can also expect them to alert your business about any suspicious activity, such as printers unexpectedly printing, flashing lights, or beeping abnormally. At the same time, your staff can be trained to recognize suspicious emails, including those that appear to come from internal sources. They will be taught how to double-check anything unusual. Service providers will also monitor the source of messages and send alerts for any abnormal behavior.
Strengthening your business’s security against potential scams is essential. If you outsource this task, you can address major concerns like this more efficiently.
