Every day millions of employees around the world use multifunction copiers to do their jobs. And, most of those people never think about the data that passes through those devices. But, if you are a business manager, IT manager or network administrator, not only is it your job to know, but also to secure.
Print and Protect
Virtually all printers and copiers created after 2002 came with built-in hard drives. You can think of these as a necessarily evil if you will—they allow these indispensable devices to complete more tasks, but they also increase our vulnerability. Although the initial intent of adding hard drives was to make printing faster and easier, they currently enable us to complete many jobs right from the MFP. These devices are no longer just printers; they offer sophistication and efficiency, but at what risk?
The Need to Know
You need to know what cyber-criminals know—they if your devices are not properly protected, there are weak spots that can be exploited. First and foremost, most employees don’t even realize that there are hard drives on printers and MFPs. One of the first steps to security is education, so be sure that while you are working to secure your business systems, you are also educating staff on how they can help protect information.
Core Security Measures
One of the biggest threats to your business systems and print equipment is the fact that hackers are innovative—they are always looking for the latest ways to take advantage of vulnerabilities. In such an interconnected world, security is no longer an add-on option; it must be an integral part of your overall security plan.
Data Protection
So, just how much data is at risk from unsecured MFPs? Well, the good news is that the newer, more sophisticated models have built-in security measures like firewalls, encryption, and password requirements. The bad news is, that may not be enough to stop the threats.
So, what can you do to ensure the security of your business systems? First, make sure your device meets specific industry certification standards. Second, always implement access controls and optional data protection packages. And, of course, work with a reputable partner like Hilyard’s.
We have been helping clients secure their data for more than 50 years, and we stay on top of the latest in tech to ensure you get the best service possible.
Want to learn more about how to secure your data? Read our recent blog post on how to protect your printers from hackers.
