Print smarter, stay secure
Have you noticed an increase in client inquiries or concerns specifically related to printer and document security of late? If so, what are the most common issues they are raising?
We know that security threats are no longer just an IT concern—they impact every aspect of business operations. As businesses adopt new technologies to stay competitive, the need for robust security measures becomes even more critical and one often overlooked area is printer security, which, if not adequately protected, can expose businesses to significant risks.
Printers, especially modern multifunction printers (MFPs), store vast amounts of sensitive data, making them attractive targets for cyberattacks. Unauthorised access to print data, manipulation of print jobs, cloud printing vulnerabilities, and the potential for printers to serve as entry points for broader network intrusions are just a few of the threats we face today.
It would be interesting to know if your clients are becoming more proactive in seeking advanced security features or if they rely on our guidance to understand the importance of these features.
Some of our key recommendations for enhancing printer security include:
- Regularly updating the printer’s operating system to fix known vulnerabilities.
- Changing user pins and passwords regularly to minimise unauthorised access.
- Enabling two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
- Turning off unused services to reduce potential attack vectors.
- Isolating printers on a separate network to prevent them from being used as gateways for network intrusions.
Our commitment to security extends beyond basic best practices, ensuring that sensitive information remains protected throughout its lifecycle. Our MFPs and printers contribute positively to any business ecosystem as they are equipped with features such as HDD encryption, USB port lockdown, firmware validation, and secure print release. These advanced security measures are designed to safeguard our client’s data and support seamless integration with existing IT infrastructures.
We work closely with our clients to identify vulnerabilities and implement tailored security measures, because we recognise that every business has unique security needs, and we understand that not only do they need protect their critical information assets, but also enhance operational efficiency. Empowering businesses to thrive in today's digital age by providing secure, reliable, and sustainable solutions is our goal.
As we take a proactive approach to security for our clients, I encourage all Kyocera staff and partners to review your own printer security protocols and ensure that they are being followed consistently. When last did you change your password? By staying vigilant and adopting these practices ourselves, we can help our clients protect their data, build trust, and maintain a competitive edge in the market.
It would be great to hear from you on this topic. How prepared do you feel your clients are to handle potential security breaches related to their printing infrastructure, and what additional support or resources do you think they would benefit from? Together, we can print smarter, stay secure, and drive greater success for our clients and for Kyocera.
Greg Griffith - Product Marketing Team Lead - KYOCERA Document Solutions South Africa
