Print security may not be the first thing that comes to mind when discussing a company’s overall cybersecurity, but it is essential to protecting an organisation’s sensitive information.
With the rise of hybrid work arrangements and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats, IT professionals need to consider how they can further reinforce their data protection and systems security by better understanding the potential security risks associated with unchecked printing processes and equipment, and the ways they can effectively improve their print environment.
A recent study by Canon Oceania in collaboration with IDC Asia/Pacific revealed that 78% of organisations in Australia and New Zealand have experienced a print-related security breach in the past 24 months. This highlights how crucial it is for businesses to turn their attention to their print environment and ensure that necessary measures are being taken to protect their company and client data.
Office printers often store sensitive data temporarily in their memory. If not properly secured, this data can be accessed by unauthorised individuals, compromising intellectual property and confidential business information. For instance, a breach could occur if a hacker gains access to a networked printer and retrieves confidential documents, such as financial records or personal data that reside on the hard drive, which could lead to identity theft or financial fraud.
Accordingly, more companies are set to modernise their document management and printing process, with research showing that 46% of ANZ organisations have adopted a plan to deploy cloud-based printing in the next 24 months and another 30% plan to deploy cloud-based printing in the next 24 months.
For CIOs and C-Level executives, the repercussions of a print security breach extend beyond the immediate financial losses and operational disruptions. The Canon Oceania and IDC Asia/Pacific research showed ANZ organisations suffered data and productivity loss, impacts to business continuity, negative publicity and reputational damage, and a loss of customer trust, revenues and intellectual property, not to mention fines and employee turnover as a result of print security breaches. Moreover, breaches often put intellectual property and other sensitive data at risk, which can increase staff turnover as the organisation grapples with remediation efforts.
The damage to brand equity and trust can be long-lasting, particularly in industries where confidentiality, compliance and data integrity are paramount. Customers and stakeholders expect their data to be handled with the utmost care and privacy, and a failure to secure print environments can erode this trust, leading to customer attrition and a tarnished brand reputation.
Already we have seen the government introduce stringent measures to protect our nation’s privacy. Many industries in Australia and New Zealand (ANZ) such as Finance, Health, and Manufacturing are increasingly subject to strict regulations regarding data protection. Lack of print security can lead to non-compliance penalties if sensitive information is leaked or improperly handled, resulting in hefty fines and legal repercussions for Australian businesses
As businesses navigate a world where cyber threats constantly evolve, focusing on print security is becoming essential to any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
One way CIOs and C-level executives can address their print environment security is to establish a relationship with a Managed Print Service (MPS) provider, such as Canon. Through an MPS providers’ support, businesses can organise robust security protocols including regular firmware updates, encryption, user authentication and secure release printing, with solutions like uniFLOW Online offering one example that can address a number of these challenges listed.
This will ensure that measures are demonstrably effective and comply with relevant data protection laws and industry regulations, particularly for sectors such as finance and healthcare. Different brands offer varied products and solutions, so it’s important to look for a solution that complies with zero trust and data sovereignty principles for a robust print security strategy.
Now that work from home and hybrid work options are increasingly more available to employees, CIOs and C-Level executives also need to consider how the shield of protection can extend to home offices and mobile printing. This includes training up employees of safe print procedures including identifying print-related phishing scams and unsecure internet networks.
Print security is not just an IT issue—it is a critical business concern that demands the attention of CIOs and C-level executives. The potential risks associated with unsecured print environments can have severe implications for an organisation’s reputation, financial health, and long-term success.
As the business world continues to evolve, so too must our approach to security. Print security may seem like a small piece of the puzzle, but in today’s complex landscape, it is a piece that cannot be ignored.
Mitchell Filby is managing director & founder of First Rock Consulting.