When business leaders implement data security, they often focus on the main areas of risk—such as employee computers, personal devices, and servers. However, it’s important to recognize that anything connected to the office network may technically be at risk of a cyberattack or data breach—including multi-function printers. If your office printing equipment is currently unprotected against these dangers, here are a few different ways you can increase security.

5 Ways to Secure Your Printer

1. Purchase Equipment With Built-In Protections

If you need new printers for the office, consider investing in equipment that offers built-in security features. While the exact features can vary from product to product, most devices today have malware defenses that can detect and respond to data threats immediately—such as by powering down the printer if a detectable threat is present.  

2. Use Firewall Strategies

While servers, computers, and other parts of the network may have the appropriate firewall, many IT specialists don’t extend the same protections to multi-function printers. If your system is unprotected, place a firewall behind the device immediately to prevent cyberattacks. This firewall will monitor network activity and block data requests that were never requested by a validated party.

3. Encrypt Internal Hard Drives

Encryption is the process of encoding incoming and outgoing data so that if a hacker were to obtain it, they would not be able to decipher it. Whenever your office is installing new printers, make sure your IT team is encrypting the hard drive on the device.

While they may seem insignificant, printer hard drives can contain a lot of sensitive information—such as digital copies of confidential documents and customer data.

4. Update Firmware Regularly

Multi-function printers contain firmware—an application designed to facilitate various internal processes. However, if the firmware develops a bug, it will need to be updated to ensure the system continues to work—and isn’t left exposed to a security threat.

5. Utilize PINs

When you have several employees sharing an office printer, it’s a good idea to equip them all with unique PINs. Staff members will need to enter these PINs to retrieve documents from the device. While this layer of protection isn’t necessarily intended to block cyberattacks, it can help ensure that others in the office aren’t accidentally ending up with sensitive documents.

When you need secure multi-function printers, Laser Line can help. Providing managed print services in Maryland, D.C., and Northern Virginia, these specialists can monitor your device activity and take steps to safeguard it from security threats. And if you need new equipment, this HP® Partner can install products with built-in protections—such as the HP Sure Start security feature. To learn more about their services and products, visit this printer repair provider online or call the Jessup, MD office at (410) 636-1700.

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