SME PRINTER SECURITY
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for SMEs. “Manufacturers are responsible for the initial device security via the firmware and most of the major vendors do a very good job of adding functions and features to ensure devices can be configured to be secure, much of this is standard IT security around networking, passwords, removing unwanted ports, etc “Cybersecurity measures can prevent and reduce cyber-attacks on SMEs and their sensitive digital data and records, but they cannot stop the non- sanctioned printing and distribution of sensitive information,” he says. “To overcome this, SMEs should invest in managed print solutions that can oversee and control who, what, where and why sensitive documents are being printed. Clear audit trails are necessary as is the capability to prevent printing of key documents without clear authorisation. However, this is difficult to do. As such, using a non-intrusive smart app monitors printer usage is key. Real time data analytics are collected to check on how specific documents are being printed in line with the company’s policy.” Janis adds that any applications that print to the devices also need to be secure, especially with the continued growth of working from home (WFH), where connectivity may be over home networks with no corporate security enabled. “A hacker may be able to gain access via a print device to a corporate laptop,” he adds. “The latest remote printing software do contain security features, but they do need to be configured and maintained properly to
ensure that protection is maintained. “Working with their partner, SMEs need to address cybersecurity as a whole, ensuring that print devices are factored into their threat analysis and solutions. They also need to ensure WFH and hybrid working users are adequately covered.” Partner role Chris Bates, business unit manager – print, UK & Ireland, TD SYNNEX, adds that SMEs need to be aware the need to secure applications that use print devices, especially for those that WFH on an ongoing basis – something that some business owners/managers don’t always appreciate. “Many of the latest remote printing solutions do have security features, but they need to be configured and maintained properly.” He adds that SMEs should also ensure they do everything they can to secure print devices and there are various ways they can do this. “It’s something to which their trusted supplier partner should draw their attention,” he says. “The TD SYNNEX security practice can help with specific protection solutions for the whole of their business – and print should be a part of that. “A lot of print is now managed remotely, and TD SYNNEX provides partners with an easy way to monitor and manage their customers’ print estates with our OpenMPS service. This has built-in security with support for SNMP – including the latest release v3-SHA2 of the protocol. This delivers a high degree of security for device monitoring and more vendors
Janis Kemers VP print and supplies TD SYNNEX
A matter of concern The scope of the issue of printer security was highlighted by research by Quocirca, which showed that it is a very real threat to businesses, especially SMEs.
Quocirca’s Global Print Security Landscape Report 2022 found that organisations are struggling to keep up with the print security demands of the hybrid workplace. Workers continue to rely on print, and the distributed nature of the print infrastructure has expanded the risk environment. As a result, print-related data losses are frequent but, despite 53% saying security is a top priority, few businesses have implemented key print security measures. The study analysed the views of 531 IT decision makers (ITDMs) from SMEs, mid-sized organisations and large enterprises based in the US and Europe. Key findings included: l Printing remains critical or very important for 64% of organisations. 44% of ITDMs expect office print volumes to increase and 41% think home print volumes will rise over the next 12 months
l 68% have experienced data losses due to unsecure printing practices. Each breach cost an average of £631,915, with SME customers suffering the biggest impact from customer loss due to a breach l 53% say they are finding it harder to keep up with print security challenges and demands. This rises to 61% among CIOs, compared to 44% of CISOs l Only 26% feel completely confident that their print infrastructure will be secure when offices fully reopen. This rises to 37% among managed print service users, who are also more likely than other respondents to say that keeping up with print security challenges has grown easier l Only 28% of ITDMs are very satisfied with their print suppliers’ security capabilities. However, this rises to 42% among those that use a managed print service.
quocirca.com
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