Data security used to be a concern relegated
to large enterprises. Small and medium size business (SMB) owners were more
likely to worry about their information security as customers than in a
business context. But as the digital age evolves, the security threat landscape
is becoming more complex, and SMBs are increasingly in the crosshairs. Nearly half of all cyber attacks target small businesses, and
the losses aren’t small. In fact, the
average loss for every 100 compromised records is $25,450 – to say nothing of the damage a breach could do to your
company’s reputation.
Although a Xerox
study showed that more than
40% of businesses still rely primarily on paper processes, most don’t make
print security a priority, choosing to focus instead on their desktops, laptops
and servers – if there’s a security plan in place at all. Hackers know this.
Many businesses don’t appreciate the
seriousness of the risk. Today’s new multifunction printers are going beyond
print, scan, fax and copy to truly help SMBs increase productivity and improve
the way they work. But left unsecured, any intelligent networked device can act
as an open door to the network if left unprotected. Reports of MFPs being
hacked through open ports is becoming more common and demonstrates the need to
ensure devices are protected from unauthorized access.
Another surprising risk comes from your people
themselves. From BYOD to paper left in the printer tray to simple mistakes made
by a busy employee, team members, though well intentioned, can be a serious
security risk, one that is likely to fly under your radar. Fortunately, there
are several ways to minimize the risks to your business, and they are
surprisingly easy to manage.
Assess the Threat
If you’re a larger organization with a diverse
printer fleet, you should strongly consider enlisting the help of a Document
Management Services (DMS) provider to assess device, fleet and
enterprise document security. An assessment will locate the existing points
of vulnerability and help you put a customized security plan in place that
takes into account all factors, from user access to what to do with the device
and its stored data when it’s time to upgrade.
Integrate Device Protection
Hard drive encryption
is standard on most MFPs, along
with data overwrite features. Data overwriting can help you safely upgrade to a
new device when the time comes, without worrying what information is leaving
with it. A sound, comprehensive device protection service ensures that your
MFPs do not provide open access to the network, and that all open ports are
closed as needed. Lastly, enabling automatic firmware and software updates
means you never have to worry about installing patches or making other manual
adjustments. You’ll always have the most up to date protection, without any
interruption to your workflows, or assigning additional responsibilities to
your team members.
Secure Your network
There are a number of ways to make your MFP more secure. The most common way is to encrypt print jobs to make it safe for sensitive documents to be printed via a wired or wireless network. Xerox MFPs use a comprehensive set of capabilities to prevent malicious attacks and unauthorized access. Those devices enabled with Xerox® ConnectKey® Technology also feature McAfee® Embedded Control technology which uses application whitelisting technology to protect its devices from corrupt software and malware.
Regain Control
Few business owners restrict print access
because most don’t realize the threat posed by unrestricted printing. While
your team members will likely never put your business at risk deliberately,
mistakes like leaving critical data in a printer tray can easily lead to a
breach – not to mention the print costs that add up when people print documents
they don’t need. PIN and pull printing enables print jobs to be saved
electronically on the device, or on an external server, until the authorized
user is ready to print them. The user provides a PIN code or other
authentication method such as a swipe card, or fingerprint to release the print
once they’ve arrived at the printer. No more wasted paper, and no more
unsecured information sitting in the printer tray. Access controls can also
ensure that only authorized users can access your MFP’s functionalities, an
important feature when you’re using a printer with app technology, or one that
holds sensitive information on its hard drive.
Monitor Your Devices
Now and Into the Future
The more devices and employees you have, the
more complicated the task of understanding what is being printed, scanned and
copied where and by whom. A knowledgeable DMS partner can integrate print
management tools that will allow them to monitor and track the usage of every MFP
in your organization, giving you valuable feedback like which devices are being
used, how, and by whom. This is an important piece of the puzzle as it not only
protects the security of your devices and the information they store; it can
ultimately lead to reduced costs and a more effective document management
system.
For most businesses, print security is an
overlooked risk and an under-appreciated benefit. By entrusting a DMS provider
to build an integrated approach to print security, you can protect your most
valuable asset, your data, in a way that is hassle and headache free.
Optional: Contact us today and let’s have a
conversation about how Document Management Services can help you protect your
business.
