Printer Security Supply Chain Risks for PE Firms

Printers and Label Printers in the Supply Chain: The Hidden Security Risks PE Firms Can’t Ignore

In the fast-paced world of supply chain management, efficiency and precision are non-negotiable. For private equity (PE) firms investing in supply chain companies—whether logistics providers, manufacturers, or e-commerce players—every operational detail matters. Label printers and networked printers are unsung heroes in this ecosystem, ensuring products are tracked, shipments are organized, and inventory is managed seamlessly. But as a fractional CTO who’s led tech transformations worth millions, I’ve seen firsthand how these devices can become a gaping security hole if overlooked. In 2025, with cyber threats evolving and supply chains under pressure, PE firms must address these risks to protect portfolio value. Let’s unpack the known security issues with printers and label printers in the supply chain, why they matter to your investments, and how to mitigate them—before a breach derails your growth strategy.

The Supply Chain’s Reliance on Printers and Label Printers

Supply chain operations thrive on precision labeling. From barcodes on warehouse pallets to shipping tags on e-commerce packages, label printers are critical for tracking goods across the globe. Desktop label printers, mobile units, and industrial models (like those from Zebra Technologies or Brother) handle everything from inventory management to last-mile delivery. Meanwhile, networked printers in offices and warehouses print sensitive documents—think invoices, contracts, and compliance reports—that keep the supply chain moving.

The rise of e-commerce and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models has only amplified this dependency. By 2025, the global cloud ERP market, often used to manage label printing workflows, is projected to hit $40.5 billion, growing at a 13.6% CAGR since 2019. Digital printing now dominates smaller, customized label runs, meeting the demand for unique packaging in DTC supply chains. But as these devices become more connected—via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or cloud systems—they also become prime targets for cyberattacks, especially in a supply chain context where a single breach can ripple across the entire network.

Known Security Issues with Printers and Label Printers

Printers and label printers, often dismissed as low-risk peripherals, are increasingly vulnerable in 2025’s interconnected landscape. Here are the key security issues PE firms should watch for in their supply chain portfolios:

1. Unsecured Data Transmission
   Modern printers and label printers are networked devices, often integrated with cloud-based ERP systems or IoT frameworks. When a warehouse worker prints a shipping label via a mobile label printer, that data travels over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Without encryption, cybercriminals can intercept it, exposing sensitive details like product SKUs, customer addresses, or pricing. In a supply chain, this could lead to counterfeit goods entering the pipeline—a nightmare for PE firms managing brand integrity.
2. Device Vulnerabilities and Outdated Firmware
   Printers are notorious for being “set-and-forget” devices. A 2024 Quocirca report noted only 16% of IT leaders are confident in their print infrastructure’s security, down 3% from the prior year. In 2023 alone, Lexmark, HP, and Canon reported critical vulnerabilities in their printer firmware, including remote code execution flaws. Label printers, often used in high-volume settings like warehouses, face similar risks. If firmware isn’t updated, hackers can exploit these gaps to install malware, disrupt operations, or steal data. For a supply chain firm, this could mean halted shipments or tampered labels, costing millions in delays.
3. Lack of Access Controls
   Many printers and label printers lack robust authentication. Without secure print release mechanisms (e.g., requiring a PIN or badge to print), anyone can access sensitive documents left in the output tray. In a supply chain context, imagine a warehouse where a contractor prints a label with a client’s shipping details—those labels could be picked up by an unauthorized party, leading to data leaks or fraudulent shipments. Worse, hackers can spoof a printer’s identity on the network, gaining access to broader systems.
4. Remote Work and BYOD Risks
   The shift to hybrid work has introduced Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, where remote workers use personal printers for work tasks. A 2025 print security report highlights that 65% of IT professionals see cloud security as a top concern, with 72% expecting it to grow. In supply chain firms, remote employees might print labels or manifests from home, but personal printers often lack enterprise-grade security. This creates a backdoor for hackers to infiltrate the corporate network, potentially exposing supply chain data like vendor contracts or logistics routes.
5. Supply Chain-Specific Threats: Tampering and Spoofing
   In supply chains, label printers are particularly vulnerable to tampering and spoofing. Hackers can alter label data—changing a barcode to redirect a shipment—or spoof a printer to send fake commands. This could lead to mislabeled products, delayed deliveries, or even counterfeit goods entering the supply chain. For PE firms, such disruptions erode portfolio value and damage client trust, especially in regulated sectors like food and beverage, where label accuracy is critical for compliance.

Why PE Firms Should Care

For PE firms specializing in supply chain, these security issues aren’t just IT problems—they’re financial risks. A single breach can lead to:

• Operational Downtime: A hacked label printer in a warehouse could mislabel thousands of packages, halting shipments and costing millions in delays.
• Regulatory Fines: Non-compliance with data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) due to unsecured print data can result in hefty penalties.
• Reputational Damage: Counterfeit or mislabeled goods can erode customer trust, a critical asset for supply chain firms.
• Portfolio Devaluation: Supply chain disruptions directly impact revenue, lowering the valuation of your investments.

I’ve seen this play out in a $31M supply chain optimization project I led—unsecured printers nearly derailed a major acquisition by exposing sensitive logistics data. PE firms can’t afford to ignore these risks in 2025, especially as cyber threats grow more sophisticated with AI-driven attacks.

Mitigating Printer Security Risks in the Supply Chain

Here’s how PE firms can help their portfolio companies secure printers and label printers, ensuring operational resilience and protecting value:

1. Adopt Zero-Trust Architecture
   Implement zero-trust frameworks for all networked devices, including printers. This means continuous authentication (e.g., requiring user verification before printing) and micro-segmentation (isolating printers from critical systems). In a supply chain warehouse, this ensures a compromised label printer can’t spread malware to the ERP system managing inventory.
2. Leverage Cloud-Based Security
   Cloud printing solutions, increasingly popular in 2025, offer scalability and security. Tools like SAFEQ Cloud ensure compliance with data sovereignty laws while providing real-time threat monitoring. For supply chain firms, this means secure label printing across distributed locations—crucial for e-commerce fulfillment centers.
3. Enforce Access Controls and Encryption
   Require authentication for all print jobs (e.g., print roaming with PingID) and encrypt data during transmission. In a supply chain setting, this prevents unauthorized access to labels printed in a busy warehouse, protecting sensitive shipment details.
4. Regular Firmware Updates and Audits
   Schedule automatic firmware updates for all printers and label printers, addressing vulnerabilities like those reported by Canon and HP. Conduct regular security audits to identify weak points, especially for remote devices used by supply chain staff working from home.
5. Invest in Managed Print Services (MPS)
   MPS providers offer continuous monitoring and maintenance, reducing the burden on internal IT teams. For PE firms, this is a cost-effective way to secure print infrastructure across portfolio companies, ensuring consistency in high-volume environments like logistics hubs.

The Sousan Group: Your Partner in Supply Chain Security

Printer and label printer security isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a strategic one. As a fractional CTO, I’ve helped supply chain firms save millions by fixing IT vulnerabilities, from breaches to tech debt. My plans—starting at $2,500/month—deliver tailored strategies to secure your print infrastructure, optimize tech acquisitions, and drive portfolio growth. Ready to safeguard your supply chain investments? Book a 10-minute call with me to explore how we can protect your operations in 2025.

Conclusion

Printers and label printers are the backbone of supply chain efficiency, but they’re also a hidden risk PE firms can’t ignore. In 2025, with cyber threats on the rise and supply chains under pressure, securing these devices is critical to protecting portfolio value. By adopting zero-trust models, leveraging cloud security, and partnering with experts like TheSousanGroup, PE firms can mitigate these risks and ensure their supply chain investments thrive. Don’t let a printer breach be the weak link in your strategy—act now to secure your future.