Standard FTP transmits data in cleartext. If an administrator pulls firmware over an unencrypted FTP connection on a public network, the binary could theoretically be intercepted and replaced with a malicious payload via a Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack. A compromised printer is a dream target for bad actors—it sits on the network, sees every document, and is rarely monitored for outbound traffic.
For those with credentials, use a secure FTP client, double-check model numbers, and follow the installation procedure meticulously. As Kyocera continues to modernize, expect to see FTP replaced by more secure, user-friendly cloud and web-based delivery systems. kyocera firmware download ftp server
There is a pervasive myth in IT support that firmware fixes everything. "Have you updated the firmware?" is the modern equivalent of "Have you tried turning it off and on again?" Standard FTP transmits data in cleartext