Why Office Print Security Matters More Than Ever

Printers are one of the most overlooked entry points for cyber-attacks. Discover why print security has become a business critical priority and how modern devices can protect your data, people and reputation. 

Every device connected to your organisation’s network is a potential entry point for cyber threats – and printers are no exception. While laptops and mobile devices often get the security spotlight, office print devices (whether in corporate offices or home workspaces) remain one of the most overlooked digital vulnerabilities.

Today’s multifunction printers are intelligent, cloud connected platforms powering workflows, collaboration and digital transformation. But with greater capability comes greater exposure.

Quocirca's latest Print Security Landscape report found that 56% of organisations had experienced a print related data loss in previous 12 months – with the average cost of a print-related data breach totalling £820,000. It’s a timely reminder that print security deserves the same attention as any other endpoint.

Why print security is a business priority

Today’s work is hybrid, dynamic and cloud first, and print devices have evolved to match – supporting remote connections, cloud apps, document workflows, and automated processes.

Global security guidance highlights that in a digital workspace, organisations must maintain a multi layered security approach spanning data, devices and networks to prevent breaches and ensure resilience. 

Because printers now sit at the heart of connected workflows, it is essential to protect the storage, sending and receiving of sensitive information to protect brand trust and to meet compliance and governance requirements.

Four major print security risks

1. Theft of printed assets from the document tray or being able to access previously scanned documents from the memory.
2. Remote cyber-attacks that aim to make the system fail by submitting phoney print jobs to use the device as a Trojan Horse to launch DDoS attacks by threat actors.
3. Network vulnerability due to an unsecured print device that can act as a gateway into your wider corporate network.
4. Data breaches of secure information such as customer data, confidential documents and financial details caused by hackers or internal agents getting access to the printer cache.

How the latest MFPs protect modern print environments

Modern office print devices use innovative technologies to provide enhanced protection against security threats.  As standard, you need to ensure your print supplier can offer the following:

The ability to lock down printers

Access control, authentication and other built-in security features ensure only authorised individuals have access to specific printers and features. Access can be provided and recorded via the use of individual print codes, proximity badges, security cards or multi-factor authentication via pin and card.

Printer and data encryption

Built-in encryption and Data Overwrite Security enhancement are incorporated to ensure all data passed from the device to the network is encrypted. Any temporary data stored on the device is overwritten.

Device management

Modern office print devices utilise advanced technology and automatic software updates to ensure optimum protection from digital security threats. Being permanently connected allows the device to ensure it’s always running with the most up-to-date firmware and that a standardised security policy can be deployed across multiple devices.

Secure end of life disposal

Redundant hardware requires careful management. Just as you would wipe any laptop clean before disposal – office printers must be managed in the same way. Your print partner will provide certified end of life cleansing or hard drive removal to ensure all data is removed prior to disposal in an audited manner that documents every step of the process for your records.

How to find your perfect and secure office print solution

Making sure you have secure office print devices is essential for the future security and safety of your organisation.  That’s why it’s important to find a print solution that suits your organisation and a partner who understands and values the importance of security.

Different print partners have different methods for ensuring the security of your print devices.  We encourage you to survey the market for one that matches your business’s values.

We value office print security

If office print is a crucial part of your business then you need to trust that it is safe, stable and secure. By choosing Ricoh, you’ll be confident that your devices minimise the risk of a breach.

Looking to improve your print setup? Get started by trying our free Print Infrastructure Assessment. Answer seven simple questions and you’ll receive a tailored report on your print needs in seconds.