In today's digital era, understanding printer security is essential because it plays a crucial role in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring adherence to regulatory standards. Despite its importance, printer security is often overlooked in office cybersecurity strategies, leaving organizations vulnerable to potential threats.
Printers, especially multifunction devices, are integral to modern office environments, connecting to networks, cloud services and mobile devices. This connectivity, while enhancing productivity, also introduces security risks. Without proper security measures, printers are at risk of becoming entry points for cybercriminals seeking to access confidential data or disrupt operations.
Additionally, industry regulatory standards often require organizations to protect data privacy and integrity, making printer security a compliance necessity. By prioritizing printer security, organizations can prevent unauthorized access, data breaches and ensure that sensitive information remains protected, thereby maintaining trust and compliance in an increasingly interconnected world.
In this guide, we’ll be addressing printer security from the following angles:
Once you better understand how printer security is related to your overall organizational security posture, you’ll be better prepared to manage your printer security risk.
In today's interconnected world, multifunction printers and copiers are more than just office equipment; they are sophisticated devices that integrate with networks, cloud computing programs, mobile devices, IoT technology and more.
While many organizations and IT departments are vigilant about securing their computer networks, others may unknowingly overlook print security vulnerabilities. This oversight can lead to significant security risks, including data breaches and compliance issues.
Printer security is crucial for protecting sensitive data from cyber criminals and internal threats. As your trusted partner, we at Troyka-TC (GFC) are committed to providing you with the information you need to make the best decisions for your organization.
Printers, like any other networked device, can be susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Common threats include unauthorized access to stored data, interception of print jobs and exploitation of unpatched firmware. Additionally, multifunction printers can be an entry point for malware and other malicious activities if not properly secured.
Internal threats, such as employees accessing confidential information without authorization, also pose significant risks. In addition, printers often temporarily store documents (which could contain sensitive information). Therefore, ensuring that this data is protected from both external and internal threats is paramount.
A business technology needs assessment is the best way to evaluate your print fleet, optimize equipment, determine security risk factors and develop a print fleet roadmap aimed toward your business goals.
However, while every business is unique, here are five printer security best practices that our customers have found to be insightful.
Industries such as healthcare, education, finance and government must adhere to strict regulatory compliance requirements related to data security and privacy. Regulations like the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), mandate that IT administrators keep data secure, private, accurate and reliable.
GFC's print security specialists can help ensure compliance with these and other federal regulations through our comprehensive Managed Print Services. We work closely with our manufacturer partners and customers to stay on top of emerging security risks, ensuring that your organization remains compliant and secure.
At GFC, we offer print devices and secure print management solutions from award-winning manufacturers. In addition, our print security specialists will help you refine your security protocols to better protect your print fleet from both cyber criminals and internal threats.
We’re your office technology partner, ready to help you address your print security risk, with best practices and solutions that will enhance your organization's overall security.
Searching for more information about printer security? Download our Cybersecurity for Your Printer infographic to learn about the top five concerns for printer fleet cybersecurity and the five printer security solutions designed to help ensure that your data remains secure.
