When You Think "Cybersecurity," Do You Think... Printer?
You’ve locked down your laptops. You’ve tightened your firewalls. But what about the printer quietly sitting in the corner?
It’s more than just a paper-pusher. It’s a full-fledged network endpoint, often overlooked and underprotected.
And that’s a problem. Because the printer is where confidential client data, contracts, HR files, and invoices move from digital to physical. If that handoff isn’t secure, your whole cybersecurity strategy can be at risk.
Printers: The Overlooked Security Gap
Think about it:
- Sensitive documents sitting on trays
- Unencrypted data traveling across networks
- Default passwords that never got changed
These small moments add up. And each one creates an opportunity for data to end up in the wrong hands.
Modern printers are no longer simple machines, they’re smart, connected devices. That makes them powerful. And vulnerable.
Add a Simple Pause with Secure Print Release
One of the easiest ways to tighten security? Add a pause.
Secure print release (also known as pull printing) holds documents in a queue until the user is physically at the device to release them.
This puts you in control of every page. It’s a simple shift that prevents documents from piling up, and keeps private info private.
Lock Down the Details with MFP Hardening
Multifunction printers act like computers, and should be protected like them.
A few simple practices can make a big difference:
- Require user logins before accessing the device
- Enable data encryption
- Keep firmware updated regularly
The result? Devices that are not just productive, but resilient against today’s threats.
Protect Documents from Start to Shred
Every document has a lifecycle: created, printed, scanned, stored, and, eventually, destroyed.
Each step matters. That’s why more businesses are closing the loop with:
- Centralized print management
- Automated workflows for digital documents
- Certified document destruction to keep data from resurfacing
When the entire chain is secure, your data stays that way, from first click to final shred.
Start Strong. Stay Secure.
In a world where cyber risks are growing and data regulations are tightening, small oversights can have big consequences.
Printer security isn’t just about protecting paper. It’s about protecting people, reputations, and peace of mind.
And the good news? It’s easier than you think to take control.
Secure every page. When you partner with Applied Innovation, you’re choosing smarter technology that protects your people, your paper, and your peace of mind.
Ready to tighten up print security?
Let’s talk about a strategy that works for your business.