In this digital age, businesses of all sizes focus on securing their mobile devices, desktops, and software. The last thing any business wants is malware or viruses threatening its data security and exposing sensitive information to hackers. However, if you’ve taken every precaution and are still noticing data leaks, it’s time to consider the printer security importance in protecting your organization.
Even your seemingly harmless digital printer could become a weak link in your cybersecurity efforts. Rather than allowing that to happen, trust our specialized team to help you understand the most common printer threats, their consequences, and the best practices to secure your printing environment.
The Threats You Face With a Lack of Printer Security
According to Quocirca, about 59% of businesses experienced data loss in 2019. Later studies showed those numbers rose to 68% within three years and will likely continue increasing, especially among smaller businesses that hackers often target. Understanding the printer security importance can help mitigate the following threats:
Malware Infection
Hackers can install malware onto a printer with the intent of spreading it to other connected devices. This allows them to block, corrupt, or steal data, sometimes demanding a ransom or exploiting sensitive information.
Phishing
Phishing attacks enable hackers to steal data to create fake sites or login pages, tricking employees or customers into revealing confidential information.
Printer Tampering and Document Stealing
Printer settings can implement strong security features like passwords and restricted access. However, reverting to default settings leaves your printer vulnerable. Hackers may reroute print jobs to their locations or extract saved data from the printer’s hard drive, emphasizing the importance of printer security in your overall cybersecurity plan.
How To Secure Your Printer
Now that you understand the printer security importance, let’s explore how to prevent these vulnerabilities from putting your business at risk.
Strengthen Password Security
Just as you protect mobile devices, desktops, and online accounts with strong passwords, the same applies to your printer. For maximum security, implement two-factor authentication and require employees to sign in and out when using the printer. By increasing access controls, you reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access and ensure robust network security.
Encrypt Print Data in Transit
Print jobs are vulnerable not only at the printer but also while in transit. Encrypting your network ensures data confidentiality and prevents digital interception. This step also secures the printer’s hard drive, making the stored data unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
Erase the Hard Drive Regularly
Even with encryption, avoid saving sensitive data to the printer’s hard drive. Regularly erasing your print history enhances information security and deters cybercriminals. Moreover, this practice reduces the risk of unauthorized printouts, reinforcing the importance of printer security in protecting your business assets.
Conclusion
Recognizing printer security’s importance is essential in today’s technology-driven business landscape. From malware infections to data theft, printers are a critical endpoint that hackers can exploit if left unsecured. By implementing strong passwords, encrypting data in transit, and erasing printer hard drives, businesses can mitigate risks and ensure a secure operating environment. Take the necessary steps today to protect your business from printer-related cybersecurity threats.
Used with permission from Article Aggregator