Document security is a big job, and many people, networks, and machines have a role to play. Let's take a closer look to find out how your printers could be helping--or hurting--your document security processes.
The Bad News: Printers are a Risk
Office printers are a huge part of document security, and it's not just because they're responsible for transferring and communicating your data.
The truth is that these machines are often left out of security processes, which means they've become a huge target for hackers. In fact, when trying to gain access to a company--especially a small business--, hackers will usually start at the printer.
If left unprotected, printers can be a goldmine of sensitive data and network information. They may even allow hackers to access the rest of your business, which could quickly become a security nightmare.
That's why it's crucial to act as soon as possible.
The Good News: You Can Help
Now that you know the role printers play in document security, it's time to turn them into benefits instead of risks. Here are a few simple things you can do!
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Change your passwords. Default printer passwords are easy to guess or otherwise bypass.
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Monitor your networks. 24/7 monitoring helps identify unusual activity, suspicious behavior, and other red flags that could indicate your printers are under attack.
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Keep printers in mind. When brainstorming document security solutions and approaches, consider the entire document life-cycle--including its time on the printer.
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Remember the real world. Hackers aren't the only risk your printers face. Remember to consider real-world issues, too--like documents left on the printer tray.
At the end of the day, only one thing matters: regardless of how you choose to defend your printers, you must defend them. Your document security--and your entire company--depends on it.
Worried about document security? Looking for more ways to protect network printers? Contact us today!
