6 Ways To Secure Your Office Printer
Cyber security is essential in the modern office. Ensuring all connected devices like computers, phones and tablets are protected is vital to ward off intrusion from cyber criminals that can prove to be devastatingly expensive and disruptive.
However, when it comes to connected devices, the humble printer is often overlooked. Because printers are connected to the internet and the office network, they are just as important to secure as any other connected device.
Don’t let your printer become an access point for cybercriminals. By following the six methods to secure your office printer in this guide, you can rest easy that you are protected from malicious online attacks.
First of All, Why Securing The Office Printer is Important
Securing your office printer is crucial for protecting sensitive information, preventing data breaches, and reducing the risk of cyberattacks.
Many organisations focus their security efforts on computers and mobile devices, but HP secure printing is often neglected. A study by HP found that 56 per cent of companies ignore printers in their endpoint security strategies. This is like leaving a door wide open for criminals to just walk straight through.
According to the Global Print Security Landscape report by Quocirca over 60 per cent of organisations suffered at least one print-related data breach annually.
The Ponemon Institute’s 2020 Cost of a Data Breach Report found that the average cost of a data breach is $5.75 million AUD. In addition to the financial cost, data breaches can damage a company’s reputation and erode customer trust. Securing your office printer can help prevent data breaches and minimise the potential impact of a breach.
By implementing security measures such as password protection, encryption, and regular firmware updates, you can minimise the risk of a print-related data breach and safeguard your company’s reputation and financial wellbeing.
Change the default password
Many printers come with a default password that is widely known and easily guessable. Hackers can use this information to gain access to your printer and potentially the entire network. Changing the password to something strong and unique can prevent unauthorised access and protect your company’s sensitive information.
Enable printer security features
Most printers come with security features that can be enabled to enhance their security. These features can include encryption, secure printing, and user authentication. Encryption is particularly important as it can prevent attackers from intercepting print jobs and accessing sensitive information.
Secure printing requires users to authenticate themselves before their print job is released, ensuring that only authorised individuals can access the documents. User authentication requires users to enter a password or use an ID card before they can use the printer. Enabling these features can help protect your printer and prevent data breaches.
Update firmware regularly
Just like with any other device, printers need to be updated regularly to address security vulnerabilities. Manufacturers release firmware updates that patch vulnerabilities and improve security. This is your easiest to access and best shield against cyber criminals.
Not only do these firmware updates beef up your security, but they also help improve performance. There may be bugs you are not aware of or new features available that a simple firmware update will rectify.
You can install firmware updates manually, but it is best to have your office printers set to install them automatically, as they become available. Check in the settings for the option to automate firmware updates because remembering to download and install them manually could lead to vital updates being skipped.
Use a secure network
Connecting your printer to a secure network is another important step in securing your office printer. A secure network can help prevent unauthorised access to your printer and protect your company’s data. You can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to create a secure connection between your printer and the network, or you can use a wired connection instead of a wireless one. Additionally, you can create a separate network for your printer that is only accessible to authorised users.
Implement a print management solution
A print management solution can help you monitor and control the use of your printer, ensuring that only authorised users can access it. This type of software can also help you track print jobs, monitor usage, and enforce print policies. By implementing a print management solution, you can reduce the risk of data breaches and ensure that your printer is being used in a secure and efficient manner.
Dispose of old printers properly
Cybersecurity isn’t just about securing the printers you are currently using, it is vital to take the proper steps when it comes to getting rid of old printers as well. You can’t simply throw your old printers in the rubbish for a range of reasons. E-waste is becoming a growing global problem and chemicals in your printer can leach into the environment. Your old printers will still have plenty of sensitive data housed in them as well, which cybercriminals can exploit. If there are any storage devices in the printer, they should be removed and destroyed by professionals to ensure your data does not fall into the wrong hands.
There are numerous E-waste recycling companies around that deal primarily with businesses. They can ensure that not only is your data safe, but the parts and components from your printer will not be hitting landfill.
In summary, your office printers should be held in the same regard as computers and other connected devices when it comes to cyber security. By using the tips mentioned you can ensure there is not a vulnerability in your office network that cybercriminals can exploit, costing your business thousands and potentially impacting your customers and clients as well.
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With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more