Tips for Mitigating Printer Security Risks in the Networked Multifunctional Devices

From the moment a print job is completed, it is exposed to a variety of data security risks as the data travels over the network, and resides on the server of the remote printing device, from where it can be hacked. Moreover, the printed document can be left on the desk, or discarded. All these data security risks should be considered while devising printer security risk solutions. Protecting the confidentiality of personal data stored in the printing devices is vital for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) compliant privacy and data security strategy. Data security breaches not only harm the organization due to the leakage of sensitive information to unauthorized users but in more serious cases of security breaches, the organization may have to shut down its IT operations for not implementing robust security risk solutions.

In terms of data security, printers are often given a relatively low priority. However, this assumption is not correct as printers are directly connected to the internet for sending faxes, and hard copies, and as such present a variety of data security risks. Modern networked and collaborative printing environments create an ecosystem with a variety of data security risks through viruses that spread over the network. Though a printer often sits disregarded in the corner of an office, remember that it is a computing device with storage capabilities and network connections. Multifunction devices (MFDs) have Wi-Fi capabilities to support faxing capabilities[GC1] , thus requiring a higher level of security risk solutions so that these can be protected as much as any other user terminal.

Printers with a high level of security risk solutions

Given that office printers in Singapore provided by the world’s leading printer manufactures, such as Fujifilm, are shared and tend to be centrally located, there is a risk that a printer malware engineer could inject malware into it, or change the hard disk. Wireless printing opens up even more access points for attackers, like getting the printer connected to a malicious network, and then executing a harmful code. That’s why, Fujifilm has rolled out printing devices with a high level of security risk solutions, both in terms of software and hardware, that make it more difficult for the attackers to attack them.

Placing the printer on a separate, dedicated network could be an effective security risk solution. Though this won’t entirely eliminate the threat of data attacks, it will certainly stop the attackers from using the printer as a potential entry point for attacks. Also, the employees should be trained in the best practices related to security risk solutions, such as using two-factor authentication, changing the PIN and passwords regularly, and turning off the services that are not being used.

Implement a robust data storage and retention policy

Advanced and sophisticated printers by Fujifilm have their own firmware with built-in features for mitigating data security risks, which is also updated regularly. Also, take care to change default credentials for additional data security. Once a secure credential is set, it should also be changed regularly. Data storage on the printers is done for convenience, ease of access, and to provide full control to the user. A good printer security risk solution would be to ensure that only the necessary data and credentials are stored on the printer. A solid data retention policy that allows data storage only for a short period of time would also help in addressing printer data security risks.

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Created on Jan 10th 2023 04:16. Viewed 136 times.

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Haydon Construction  Haydon Construction This article provides useful tips for organizations to mitigate security risks associated with networked multifunctional printers. It highlights the importance of implementing proper security measures and staying up-to-date with the latest technology to protect against potential cyber threats. Mar 24th 2023 04:38

Montana Elder Law  Manager This article provides valuable tips for reducing security risks associated with networked multifunctional printer devices, such as implementing user authentication and regular firmware updates. Mar 31st 2023 03:57