In recent months, security researchers have uncovered serious vulnerabilities in Brother printers and several related brands, raising alarms for both home and business users across the globe. For customers who rely on BROTHER printers for home UK, this discovery highlights how important it is to keep devices secure, updated, and configured properly.
According to Rapid7, a respected cybersecurity research firm, eight major security flaws have been identified across 689 Brother models, including printers, scanners, and label makers. Due to Brother’s manufacturing and supply chain partnerships, Fujifilm, Ricoh, and Toshiba devices are also affected by some of these flaws.
For those looking to buy Brother printer UK or currently using these devices, understanding these vulnerabilities and the available workarounds is crucial to protecting sensitive information and business operations.
The Scope of the Brother Printer Security Issues
689 Brother Printer Models Impacted
Brother is known for producing a wide range of devices — from compact home printers to enterprise multifunctional office machines. With millions of units sold worldwide, the discovery of such widespread vulnerabilities has enormous implications.
Rapid7’s research identified 689 Brother models as being affected by security flaws. These include:
- Standard Inkjet and Laser Printers used in homes and offices.
- Multifunction Devices (MFDs) that handle printing, scanning, copying, and faxing.
- Label Printers and Scanners, often used in logistics, retail, and healthcare.
This means that both individuals using a Brother printer in the UK for personal tasks and corporations managing large fleets of office equipment may face exposure.
Other Brands at Risk
Because Brother’s technology and components are integrated into other manufacturers’ devices, additional vulnerabilities extend beyond Brother itself. Rapid7 confirmed that:
- 46 Fujifilm models
- 5 Ricoh models
- 2 Toshiba models
are also affected. This highlights how supply chain dependencies can magnify the impact of a single manufacturer’s vulnerabilities.
The Most Critical Vulnerability: CVE-2024-51978
Of all the flaws discovered, the most dangerous is identified as CVE-2024-51978, which carries a CVSS severity score of 9.8 out of 10.
How It Works
- Each Brother device has a default password generated during manufacturing.
- By obtaining the device’s serial number, an attacker can easily recreate this password.
- With that password, hackers can gain full control of the device.
This not only compromises the printer itself but also potentially gives attackers access to the entire network the printer is connected to. For businesses, this could mean exposure of confidential data, disruption of workflows, or even entry points for ransomware.
Why It’s Hard to Fix
Unlike most vulnerabilities that can be patched via firmware updates, CVE-2024-51978 is tied directly to the manufacturing process. Brother must redesign the way it generates default passwords for future devices. This means existing devices may remain permanently vulnerable unless users apply strict workarounds.
Other Brother Printer Vulnerabilities
In addition to CVE-2024-51978, Rapid7 discovered seven other serious flaws that pose risks to Brother devices:
Sensitive Data Retrieval
Attackers can pull information stored on the printer, such as network details, email addresses, and scanned document data, which could then be used in targeted attacks.
Stack-Based Buffer Overflow
This vulnerability could allow hackers to trigger a remote code execution attack, essentially taking over the printer and running malicious commands.
Forced TCP Connections
Cybercriminals could exploit this flaw to manipulate network sessions, potentially redirecting or intercepting data.
Arbitrary HTTP Requests
Attackers can force the printer to send requests, which could lead to malware injection, phishing redirections, or network exploitation.
Device Crash / Denial of Service (DoS)
Printers could be forced offline, disrupting home and office environments. For businesses heavily reliant on printing workflows, downtime translates to lost productivity.
Password Disclosure of External Devices
If your Brother printer is connected to an external device (like a cloud service or file server), attackers might gain access to those passwords, opening another avenue for cyber intrusion.
Workarounds and Mitigations
While permanent fixes for some vulnerabilities may take time, Brother and Rapid7 have issued several mitigation strategies to help users protect their devices.
1. Change Default Passwords Immediately
Every Brother device should have its default password changed upon installation. For UK users looking to buy Brother printer UK, this should be your first step after setup.
2. Limit Network Access
Restrict your printer to a private network only, and avoid exposing it directly to the internet. Businesses should implement firewall rules to limit printer access.
3. Apply Firmware Updates
Brother has been rolling out firmware updates for specific models. Always check the Brother support website to ensure your device is running the latest version.
4. Monitor Network Traffic
Unusual traffic patterns from a printer could indicate exploitation. IT teams should log and review printer activity to spot suspicious behavior.
5. Disable Unnecessary Features
If you don’t use remote printing, cloud connections, or certain network features, disable them. Reducing the device’s attack surface lowers the risk of exploitation.
Impact on Brother Printer Users in the UK
For Home Users
For families using BROTHER printers for home UK, the risks may not seem obvious at first glance. However, even a home printer can serve as a gateway into your Wi-Fi network. If exploited, attackers could gain access to laptops, smartphones, or even smart home devices connected to the same network.
For Businesses
In the business world, the risks are magnified. Companies rely on Brother office printers for critical document handling. A compromised printer could expose:
- Employee records
- Financial information
- Contracts and business strategies
- Customer data
With compliance regulations like GDPR in the UK, failing to secure printers could result in legal liabilities and fines in the event of a data breach.
Why People Still Trust Brother Printers
Despite these vulnerabilities, Brother remains one of the most popular and trusted printer brands worldwide. The company is known for:
- High print quality across inkjet and laser models.
- Cost-effective cartridges and toners.
- Durability and reliability for long-term use.
- A wide range of home and business models tailored to different needs.
For shoppers looking to buy Brother printer UK , the brand still offers excellent value — but with the new awareness that security configurations must be part of the setup process.
Buying a Brother Printer in the UK SafelyBuying a Brother Printer in the UK Safely
If you’re considering purchasing a new device, here are some tips for buying and securing Brother printers in the UK:
1. Research Models Before Buying
Check whether the printer model you’re considering has any reported vulnerabilities or whether Brother has released firmware updates for it.
2. Purchase from Official Retailers
Always buy Brother printer UK from official retailers or Brother’s UK website to ensure you’re getting genuine devices with valid warranty and support.
3. Secure Out of the Box
The moment you set up a new printer:
- Change the default password.
- Update firmware.
- Restrict network access.
4. Regular Maintenance
Security isn’t a one-time task. Continue to check for updates and apply security best practices throughout the device’s life cycle.
The Future of Brother Printer Security
With Rapid7, JPCERT/CC, and Brother Industries working together, there is hope that future Brother devices will be manufactured with stronger security practices in place.
This includes:
- Unique, randomized default passwords instead of predictable serial-number-based ones.
- More frequent firmware updates.
- Stronger encryption and authentication mechanisms.
As the world becomes more connected, printers are no longer just printers— they are networked computers that require the same level of vigilance as any laptop or server.
Conclusion
The information in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details regarding vulnerabilities, affected models, and mitigation steps are based on publicly available research from Rapid7, Brother Industries, and related security organizations at the time of writing.
The discovery of eight major vulnerabilities in Brother printers and related devices from Fujifilm, Ricoh, and Toshiba shows that even everyday office equipment can pose serious cybersecurity risks. For users of BROTHER printers for home UK , these findings are a wake-up call to take printer security seriously.
For those planning to buy Brother printer UK, security should be just as important a consideration as print quality, speed, and cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which Brother printers are affected by these vulnerabilities?
Rapid7 identified 689 Brother models across printers, scanners, and label makers. In addition, 46 Fujifilm, 5 Ricoh, and 2 Toshiba models are impacted due to Brother’s supply chain. Users should check Brother’s official advisory for their specific model.
2. Can I fix these vulnerabilities with a firmware update?
Some vulnerabilities can be mitigated with firmware updates provided by Brother. However, the most severe flaw (CVE-2024-51978) is linked to the manufacturing process and cannot be fully resolved through updates alone. Workarounds like changing default passwords and restricting access must be applied.
3. How can I protect my Brother printer right now?
You should immediately:
- Change the default password.
- Apply the latest firmware updates from Brother.
- Restrict the device to your private network (no public internet exposure).
- Disable unused features like remote access or cloud printing.
4. Are Brother printers still safe to use?
Yes — Brother printers are safe to use if configured correctly and updated regularly. They remain among the most reliable and cost-effective printers in the market, including BROTHER printers for home UK, but users must apply security best practices.
5. Should I still buy Brother printer UK despite these issues?
Yes. Brother continues to be a trusted global brand with excellent print quality and affordability. If you plan to buy Brother printer UK, just make sure to follow security steps during setup — especially changing passwords and checking for firmware updates.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the details regarding vulnerabilities, affected models, and mitigation steps are based on publicly available research from Rapid7, Brother Industries, and related security organizations at the time of writing.