The aging Telnet and FTP networking protocols are considered obsolete and unsafe by many security experts. Due to this advisory, tech company HP has decided to close access to network prints through this remote access ports.

HP said that some of the company's new business printers will disable remote access through the FTP and Telnet protocols by default, according to Computer World. The company added that users can still activate these ports if they want to.

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The United States National Institute of Standards and Technology have flagged FTP and Telnet as less secure methods of remote access. "HP has started the process of closing older, less-maintained interfaces including ports, protocols and cipher suites," HP said in a statement.

In addition to disabling these unsecure ports by default, HP said that it is also releasing a firmware update for some of the company's existing business printers. The update will integrate new and improved encryption and password settings to ensure that these devices are not easily accessible to hackers.

In a statement acquired by The Register, HP South Pacific head Ben Vivoda said, "Networked printers can no longer be overlooked in the wake of weakening firewalls to the growing sophistication and volume of cyberattacks."

As older protocols like FTP and Telnet are slowly becoming obscure, HP said that it will start integrating more modern and secure techniques to improve printer security. HP has adopted several new security protocols for its network printers including the integration of firewalls.

HP's effort to secure its printers opened a controversy when the company released a firmware update for its OfficeJet printers that rejected ink cartridges manufactured by third-party companies. The update created a huge backlash which prompted HP to change its stance and release a firmware update that allows third-party ink to be used on its printers.