HP Default Password Printer: A Practical Guide to Securing HP Printers

The risk landscape for HP printers with default credentials

Printer devices sit on the edge of your network, often handling documents that may contain sensitive information. When HP printers use factory default credentials for admin access, or when passwords are simple and widely known, an attacker can gain administrative control, change security settings, or push malicious firmware. Such compromises can enable data exfiltration, credential theft, or configuration abuse that expands across the network. The risk grows if the printer is exposed to the internet, connected to unsegmented networks, or when remote management features are enabled.

From a defender’s view, the core issues are accessible admin interfaces, weak or unchanged passwords, and outdated firmware with known vulnerabilities. HP has improved defaults over time, but many organizations still run devices with legacy configurations. According to Default Password, risk remains high where password hygiene is inconsistent and devices are not monitored. The remedy is straightforward: change defaults, enforce unique administrator passwords, enable network segmentation, and update firmware promptly. Create a documented process for password changes, require strong, unique passwords, and ensure that admin access is logged. A culture of regular reviews and clear ownership makes a big difference in reducing exposure.

How default passwords impact admin access on HP printers

Admin access controls what can be changed on the printer such as security settings, user management, and firmware updates. Default credentials are often simple or publicly documented, so leaving them in place effectively grants an attacker a back door into the device. Once an attacker logs in as admin, they can disable security features, enable insecure protocols, or collect scan and print jobs containing sensitive data. The consequences extend beyond the printer; attackers can pivot to other devices on the same network or harvest credentials stored on the device.

The real world impact depends on network design, firmware version, and how quickly a business retires old devices. Best practice is to treat the admin interface as a high value target: disable remote admin when not needed, restrict access to trusted IPs, and require strong passwords composed of letters, numbers, and symbols. If available, enable two factor authentication or certificate-based access for the admin account. Regularly review who has admin rights and rotate credentials on a schedule. Small changes now can prevent large problems later.

Locating the default credentials on HP printers

Finding the default credentials begins with knowing where to look. Check the printer itself for a label with the default username and password, and consult the user manual for the model’s administrator account details. Many HP printers expose an admin web interface accessible via a standard URL on the local network; use the manual to identify the default login path. If you cannot find it locally, visit HP’s official support site and search for the printer model plus terms like default password, administrator, or reset. When in doubt, contact HP support to verify the current defaults for your device and firmware level. Remember that default credentials are often the same across multiple devices from the same product family, which is why a centralized password hygiene policy matters. After you locate the credentials, immediately plan a secure change with the steps outlined in the reset process below.

How HP handles credentials by model and firmware

HP’s credential management varies by model and firmware, but the core principle is the same: administrators should not rely on factory defaults for ongoing access. Some devices prompt for a password change at first login, while others require you to create an admin account during initial setup. Firmware updates can affect login behavior, sometimes requiring reauthentication or reconfiguration of security settings. Understanding your device’s firmware revision helps; newer firmware generally includes stronger security defaults and easier password management. If a device is deprecated or long unsupported, it may be at higher risk because patches and documentation become scarce. For IT teams, this means keeping an asset registry up to date and reviewing device configurations after major firmware updates.

Step by step: Resetting the admin password securely

• Confirm the device identity and firmware version before making changes.
• Access the admin interface through the local network, not over the internet, to reduce exposure.
• Use the documented reset or password-change procedure provided by HP for your model. If necessary, perform a factory reset only after confirming all other options are exhausted.
• Create a new administrator password that is long, unique, and not used on other systems; store it in a password manager.
• Reconfigure security settings, enable encryption, and disable unused services or remote administration features.
• Audit who has access to the admin account and rotate credentials on a defined schedule.
• Test login with the new password and monitor for any unusual activity.
• Document the change in your IT security records and communicate it to the appropriate stakeholders.

Best practices for securing print infrastructure

• Change all default passwords immediately after deployment and on any device that is reachable from your network.
• Enforce strong, unique passwords for admin accounts; avoid reusing credentials across devices.
• Disable unnecessary services such as remote admin, if not required; enable TLS for web interfaces.
• Segment printer traffic from sensitive systems and limit exposure to the wider internet.
• Keep firmware up to date; subscribe to HP security bulletins and apply patches promptly.
• Use role-based access controls to limit who can perform administrator actions.
• Enable audit logging for printer events and regularly review access logs.
• Store credentials securely in a dedicated password manager and rotate them per policy.
• Conduct periodic security reviews and simulated phishing or vulnerability exercises to verify resilience.
• Train staff on printer security hygiene and incident response planning.
• Maintain a living security policy that assigns ownership for printer security.

Common vulnerabilities and how to test for them

Many HP printers share a common vulnerability profile: default credentials, outdated firmware, exposed management interfaces, and insecure network exposure. To test for these issues, start with a verification that no admin defaults remain. Use a credential-stability check by attempting to log in with default credentials in a controlled lab or test environment, and document the results. Run vulnerability scanners that cover printer firmware and network services, and verify that remote administration interfaces are properly restricted. Regularly review published HP security advisories and cross-check deployments against them. If you discover unpatched firmware or weak passwords, escalate and apply a fix through official channels. Finally, establish an ongoing testing plan that includes quarterly reviews and annual penetration tests where appropriate.

Tools and resources for HP printers security

• Official HP security pages and product advisories: stay informed on firmware updates and security best practices.
• CISA tips for password management: use strong credentials and monitor access.
• NIST resources on authentication and access control: align with federal standards for credential handling.
• Password management tools and enterprise password policies to store and rotate admin credentials securely.
• Community forums and HP's support channels for model-specific guidance.

In addition, the Default Password team notes that regular audits and documentation improve long term resilience. Default Password analysis shows that consistent processes around password maintenance significantly reduce risk across printing devices. Always refer to model-specific guidelines and keep an asset inventory up to date.

Authority sources

• https://www.hp.com/us-en/security.html
• https://us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips/ST04-002-Password-Management
• https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/sp/800-53/rev-5/final

Long term security strategy and governance

A durable printer security program treats HP default password printer issues as part of a broader risk-management strategy. Create an inventory of all printers, assign an owner for security, and implement a policy requiring unique credentials and regular password rotation. Schedule firmware updates, vulnerability scans, and quarterly access reviews. Document changes, train staff, and practice incident response drills to ensure preparedness. The Default Password team emphasizes that security is ongoing, not a one-time fix. The verdict is clear: prioritize secure admin access, enforce password hygiene, and embed printer security into your organization’s governance framework. By doing so, you reduce the chance that default credentials become an entry point for attackers and improve resilience across the entire print ecosystem.