We’ve all been there: you walk up to the printer to get your print job and notice there’s already a stack of papers in the tray. While trying to separate your job from the previous pages, you inevitably see what’s printed. At that moment, you could be handling confidential information: pay stubs, personnel files, and company data. This is a data breach that happens every day in offices across the world, and it can become a serious issue.
This is one of the ways your printer can be insecure and cause data breaches. Here’s how you can get your printer or MFP on board with your office security.
KEEPING YOUR INFORMATION SAFE
Did you know that there are several ways your printer could be compromising your data security? In today’s business world, companies are always aware of their information security, but too many haven’t even considered the risks their printers may pose.
RISK #1: UNSECURED PRINT RELEASE
The first risk we’ve already illustrated; this common situation arises when jobs are sent to the printer and are viewed by unauthorised individuals. This can be rectified with a simple setting switch: require employees to use secure release printing. With secure release printing, an individual has to be physically in front of a machine before it prints.
RISK #2: UNENCRYPTED DATA
Too many companies don’t encrypt data sent to their printers, but this is a good way to handle printer security. This way, your printer hard drive will be wiped as soon as a job is completed.
RISK #3: UNCLEARED HARD DRIVES
Did you know that your printer may be saving a copy of every document every printed, scanned, or copied on it? This can become an issue in the future when you recycle or sell your printer to upgrade. Be sure to wipe all printer hard drives before you recycle, throw away, or sell them.
For more information about keeping your company secure with high-quality technology, contact us today.
