Why Printers Need Data Security
Wireless printers give you the flexibility to place your devices anywhere, and having a printer that can be accessed from any device connected to your Wi-Fi network saves money in more ways than one. However, without the proper security software, end-user training, and setup, the only thing that may protect you against hackers is a password. Having a secure password is one of the most important parts of having a secure network, but that’s just the beginning. To keep your printers, network, business, and personal data safe, look no further. Here’s what you need to know about helping data security through smart printing.
Are Wireless Printers Secure?
Wireless printers, like any other connected device, can pose security risks if not properly secured. While wireless printing offers convenience and flexibility, it is important to implement appropriate security measures to protect sensitive information and prevent unauthorized access.
To achieve comprehensive data security, businesses should consider partnering with managed data security service providers.
How to Enhance Data Security on a Wireless Printer
If you already have a state-of-the-art printer, you’re usually set when it comes to data security. However, there’s still a chance that something might go wrong. Here’s a checklist of what you should do to ensure the printer is safe to use.
Update Default Security Settings
Even on a new printer, the default settings still have some configuring that needs to be done. On modern printers there are more than 250 security settings, so you must ensure your printer is correctly configured. There are security software tools that will help you like HP Security Manager, which will automatically lock all security settings so when a new printer is added to your network, the settings will already be set up.
Use a Strong Password
Like any personal password, you should choose a password with the same thought process and make it something strong that isn’t easily guessed. This password is the only thing that could stop a hacker getting into your entire network if you’re not using printer security software. You can use a password generator tool that provides strong passwords that are nearly impossible to break.
Enable Print Logs
These logs permit you to track user access and login attempts. It could also be the only way you’ll see if your printer was compromised. This observes your printer security before you see the network breach.
Buy Self-Healing Printers
These printers are a great way to defend against malicious activity on your printers. This technology actively identifies, ends, and recovers from any fraud without anyone having to interfere. Every time you turn on your PC, the self-healing printer validates the reliability of the code to keep your PC safe from cyberattacks through the printer.
Update Quickly
To keep your network, data, and printer safe, you should always keep the printer’s firmware updated and make sure to only download patches from the official sources. When you get an alert that new security patches are available, so do hackers and waiting can leave an opportunity for attacks.
Limit or Disable Network Printing
If you have an unprotected printer connected to any network, you should disable anything that includes printing over the internet. This goes for configuring your network settings as well. This can usually be done by pressing the Wi-Fi button off on the printer or by turning off the wireless printing through the printer’s control panel. Also turn the printer off when you’re not using it so there’s no connection that a hacker could use.
Use a Firewall
You need to have a protected and dependable firewall. If you use a Windows computer, the operating system already has one pre-installed, just make sure that it’s always enabled. If you want advanced protection, you can buy a specific firewall.
Two-Factor Authentication
To secure your wireless printer, you could set a personal pin and then use a two-factor authentication app to prove your identity on either your computer or phone.
Put Printer on Separate Network
Putting your printer on a separate, dedicated network won’t remove the threat of hackers, but it will stop them from using the printer as a possible entry point into your network.
Printer-Specific Security Risks
Printers can contain large amounts of sensitive data. Any connected device can pose a network security threat. Printers are particularly unsafe because many IT Specialists don’t take the steps, they need to protect the printer or the data that can be accessed through it.
Multifunction Printers Are the Most Vulnerable
Multifunction printers have an even larger range of vulnerabilities and threats. Below are some of the features that make these printers at risk:
Access to Print Data
Unauthorized individuals can access documents that belong to someone else simply by walking up to a printer.
Configuration Changes
This could allow someone to change the configuration of the printer and route printing jobs.
Print Data Disclosure
This is accessing the print data from the file system, memory, hard drives, and print jobs when printers are retired.
The Printer as Point of Attack
A compromised printer can be used in an attack on other applications. They can perform random malicious code or attack other systems.
Cloud Printing
The print job is rendered on public infrastructure and sent to the printer. A hacker can access the network through cloud printing channels.
Wireless Printing
This opens access for hackers. They can use Wi-Fi to carry out close attacks such as connecting the printer to a malicious network.
What Data Security Protects
It’s important to protect your devices and make sure your data is secure because once hackers get into your printer, they can do all kinds of vile things including:
- Getting copies of confidential documents that you have stored on your printer.
- They can send unauthorized print jobs.
- They can launch bot attacks on your computer.
Secure Your Data
Wireless printers help to make your business run smoothly. It’s your responsibility as a business owner to ensure that your products have the proper security measures in place. You should have an excellent IT team who’ll guarantee that your printers and network are safe and that your data has the proper security.
If you’re looking for data security services in Bloomington, Minneapolis, or St. Paul, feel free to contact DTS to get state-of-the-art data security and managed printing and IT solutions.