The Weakest Link – Your Office Printer?

The Weakest Link - Your Office Printer?, RYAN Business Systems

If a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, your network is only as secure as your least-secure device. For many businesses, this weak link is frequently the office printer. With a hard drive, network connection, and other vulnerabilities, printers represent a significant risk. As many as 60% of businesses have had a cyber breach involving a printer. These attacks can take weeks, or even months, to recover from, making protection essential.

Every device you have on your network is a potential entry point for hackers looking to steal your information or disrupt your business. Networked printers provide convenient print access for many employees, but are often overlooked when it comes to the security plan. Leaving your printer unguarded is leaving your entire network vulnerable.

How can you secure your printer?

Increasing your printer security can dramatically affect the security of your entire network. There are some simple steps you can take:

  • Always encrypt your data, and disable any printers, ports, and protocols that are not in use.
  • Keep firmware up to date and only use authorized sources for updates.
  • Be sure to implement a mobile strategy that makes security a high priority, using strong encryption.
  • Periodically delete data off the printer’s hard drive, and be sure it is fully erased or destroyed when you are getting rid of the printer.

In addition to these steps, creating a strong security protocol can help. User authentication and pull-printing are two techniques that can dramatically enhance your security. Management tools can help ensure compliance with your security strategy across your network.

Printers are a necessary part of many office environments, but they can put your business at risk if not secured. Contact us today to find out how increasing the security of your printer can help protect your business from dangerous and expensive cyberattacks.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *