When it comes to cybersecurity, most businesses focus on securing their networks, computers, and servers. But what about printers? Despite being essential devices, printers often fly under the radar for security, making them a prime target for cybercriminals. In fact an unsecured printer could be the weakest link in your security chain.
Here are the top five print security risks and how you can lock them down.
1. Unsecured Printer Access: An Open Invitation for Intruders
Most modern printers are equipped with network connectivity, allowing users to print from any device within the organization. However, without proper security settings, anyone on the network could access the printer and its data. This could lead to unauthorized use, or worse, data breaches.
Lock It Down: Secure your printer with a strong, unique password and disable unnecessary protocols such as FTP or Telnet. Implement user authentication to ensure that only authorized personnel can access the printer. This can be done using PIN codes, smart cards, or network-based authentication methods.
2. Data in Transit: Vulnerable to Eavesdropping
When you send a document to the printer, it travels through your network, often in unencrypted form. This creates an opportunity for hackers to intercept sensitive information, such as financial records or confidential client data.
Lock It Down: Enable encryption protocols like SSL/TLS on your printer to secure data in transit. Consider using a secure print release function that requires users to authenticate at the printer before their documents are printed, preventing unattended sensitive documents from being intercepted.
3. Hard Drive Exploits: A Treasure Trove of Data
Many printers have built-in hard drives that store print jobs, copies, and scans. If these hard drives are not properly managed, they can be a goldmine for hackers, containing traces of sensitive information long after the job has been completed.
Lock It Down: Regularly wipe or encrypt the printer’s hard drive to protect stored data. Most modern printers have built-in features to automatically erase data after each print job. Additionally, consider using secure printing solutions that minimize data storage on the device itself.
4. Outdated Firmware: An Open Door for Attacks
Printer manufacturers frequently release firmware updates to patch security vulnerabilities. However, many businesses neglect to update their printer firmware, leaving them exposed to known exploits.
Lock It Down: Make it a habit to regularly check for and install firmware updates from the printer manufacturer. A Managed Print Services provider offers automated updates, ensuring your devices are always running the latest security patches.
5. Document Theft: Sensitive Information Left Unattended
How often have you printed something and forgotten to pick it up? Unattended documents on the printer tray are low-hanging fruit for anyone looking to steal sensitive information. From client contracts to employee records, it only takes a moment for confidential data to fall into the wrong hands.
Lock It Down: Implement a pull printing system, where print jobs are held on the server until the user authenticates at the printer. This way, documents are only printed when the authorized person is present, reducing the risk of sensitive information being left out in the open.
Printers are networked devices that require the same level of security as your computers and servers. By addressing these common print security risks and implementing robust protection measures, you can ensure that your printer is not the weak link in your organization’s cybersecurity defenses. Don’t wait until it’s too late; take proactive steps today to lock down your print environment and protect your business.
About United Business Systems
United Business Systems specializes in simplifying the complexity and management of office technology solutions for over 7,800 organizations nationwide. Services include Managed Print, Document Management and IT Services. Products include MFPs, Copiers, Printers and Wide Format Printers. UBS’s headquarters is in Fairfield, NJ with branch offices in Moorestown, NJ, Manasquan, NJ and New York.
For the latest industry trends and technology insights visit UBS’ main Blog page.
