Why print and scanning remain an unmitigated risk
How an unsecured printer can become the backdoor that undoes your entire security stack.
The paperless office, once considered a pinnacle of digital transformation, now presents a new form of risk for businesses, particularly in regulated industries like finance and law. These sectors handle sensitive records and data that must be retained, making data security paramount. While companies diligently encrypt data in transit and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA), network segmentation, and endpoint detection, they often overlook the security of physical printers.
Printers are no longer mere output devices; they are networked endpoints with access to confidential cloud environments. Many IT decision-makers view print security as a low priority, yet print-related losses can be traced back to data leaks from unencrypted hard drives, unpatched firmware, and print history revealing documents left in output trays.
Managed Print Services (MPS) can introduce new risks, such as third-party cloud servers lacking end-to-end encryption, and granting external vendors administrative access can serve as a backdoor for attackers.
The rise of hybrid work further complicates matters, as remote workers often use unmanaged devices and unsecured Wi-Fi networks, offering little visibility into their printing activities. The FCA's expectations for data governance extend to physical documents, making print security a critical aspect of compliance. Even companies that encrypt data in transit, enforce MFA, and segment their networks can still face exposure if printers or MPS vendors become vulnerable.
To mitigate these risks, security should begin at the print queue. Content-aware and cloud-based print management platforms can help by centrally managing printers, automating driver installations, and enforcing secure pull printing. These platforms can prevent unauthorized document printing and escalate flagged jobs automatically. By integrating with cloud-based security solutions, businesses can enforce consistent security policies across all endpoints, including printers.
Ultimately, printers should be treated as endpoints, requiring endpoint detection, firmware patching, and strict governance, especially in remote work settings. Companies must vet MPS vendors and treat print infrastructure as seriously as any other networked device. By doing so, they can close the security gaps and ensure the protection of sensitive data throughout its lifecycle.
Written by urgent.news from TechRadar's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
