Your Printer Company Now Sells Endpoint Protection — Will Others?

The Evolving Landscape of Printer Security

As the lines between traditional hardware providers and cybersecurity vendors continue to blur, printer brands are increasingly stepping into the cybersecurity space. However, this shift does not come without risks. Despite advancements in security measures, business printers can still serve as an easy backdoor for hackers to access corporate networks.

Canon, a company traditionally known for its cameras and office printing hardware, has recently introduced a tiered cybersecurity subscription aimed at protecting endpoint devices, documents, and data. This new service reflects the growing need for comprehensive security solutions in an era where digital threats are becoming more sophisticated.

Canon’s New Security Subscription

The subscription service includes two tiers: Enhanced and Premium. The Enhanced tier offers basic features such as firmware updates and data backup, while the Premium tier introduces more advanced capabilities like proactive monitoring, threat detection, and rapid device recovery. These features aim to provide businesses with a more robust defense against potential cyber threats.

However, the launch of this service comes amid significant security concerns related to Canon's print infrastructure. Recent reports have highlighted high-severity driver vulnerabilities and possible network breaches that have been advertised on underground forums. These issues have raised questions about the reliability and security of Canon's products.

Security Vulnerabilities and Risks

Just days before the announcement of the new subscription service, Microsoft’s offensive security team disclosed a critical vulnerability, CVE-2025-1268, affecting Canon’s printer drivers. This flaw, which scores 9.4 on the CVSS scale, could enable attackers to halt printing or execute arbitrary code under certain conditions. Canon issued advisories and urged users to update vulnerable drivers, particularly those tied to several production and office printer models.

While patching is essential, the persistence of such flaws highlights the broader risks that poorly secured print infrastructure can pose. In addition to these vulnerabilities, there have been reports of underground listings offering root-level access to Canon’s internal firewall systems. Although the company has not confirmed any such breach, security analysts continue to monitor claims circulating on dark web forums that purport to offer access allowing attackers to create backdoors or move laterally through the corporate network.

A Strategic Move?

Against this backdrop, Canon’s new Subscription Security Services may be seen as both a response to reputational risk and an attempt to reposition itself as more than a printer supplier. While these services resemble endpoint protection platform (EPP) features, they are focused solely on Canon’s device environment.

Whether this strategy gains traction depends on more than just Canon’s execution, as there is still a fair amount of skepticism around traditional hardware companies taking on roles typically reserved for antivirus and cybersecurity providers. For businesses managing large fleets of print devices, consolidating protection through the hardware vendor may offer convenience, but it raises questions about scope, integration, and oversight.

If others in the hardware sector begin offering similar subscriptions, the market could see a gradual expansion of what constitutes EPP. This trend could lead to a more integrated approach to cybersecurity, where hardware providers play a more active role in protecting their customers' digital assets.

The Future of Printer Security

As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the importance of securing all endpoints, including printers, cannot be overstated. Businesses must remain vigilant and proactive in addressing potential vulnerabilities. While Canon's new subscription service represents a step forward, it also underscores the need for ongoing innovation and collaboration within the industry.

In conclusion, the convergence of hardware and cybersecurity is an inevitable trend that will shape the future of enterprise security. As companies like Canon navigate this complex terrain, the focus must remain on delivering reliable, effective, and comprehensive security solutions that meet the ever-changing needs of modern businesses.