The 2020 Guide to Secure Printing and Preventing Dangerous Data Breach
When you think about your business getting hacked, the first thought that springs to mind might be your website or email server. It’s hard to envision your office printer as a security threat, but the fact is that they are vulnerable and hackers have their eye out for entry to your business.
In 2020, it’s more important than ever to make printer security a top priority for your business. Here is what you need to know to keep sensitive information secure, along with the risks of having an unsecured printer.
What are the Risks of an Unsecured Printer?
Without securing your office printer, you run the risk of the following scenarios and consequences.
- Access to passwords that can unlock POP3 email accounts or FTP. This allows hackers to get inside your email, website, and other areas where sensitive information is stored.
- Reset printers that allow hackers to bypass protection mechanisms, resulting in a data breach.
- Manipulate or capture print jobs.
- Force your printer offline.
Keeping your office printer secure offers peace of mind and will also save you money in the long-run. To avoid this list of headaches, here is how you can make sure that your printer and copy machines are secure.
Change Dangerous Default Login Credentials
When you first plug in a printer or copier into the wall, it already has default login credentials in place. While it’s easy just to accept this information, it is dangerous in the sense that it’s easy for hackers to gain access to the information.
According to LastPass, 80% of data breaches are from weak passwords. Furthermore, 29% of breaches are a result of stolen credentials. Take a few minutes and set up custom login credentials and keep your data safe.
Get to Know Your Printer’s Security Features
You have a lot on your plate, but it’s worth investing time and learning about a printer or copier’s security features. In fact, there are several security features that are a must-have for your protection.
- User authentification: Ensuring that each person identifies themselves to approve access.
- Network monitoring: Informing you of threats or suspicious activity.
- Stored data protection: Any information that your printer stores should be encrypted, making it possible to be read by hackers.
- Pull-printing: This enables the job to be erased once it’s finished printing.
Network Access Restrictions
By using network access restrictions, you can ensure that printers connected to a specific set of IP addresses can use the machine. This blocks out any potential hacking attempts no matter where they occur from in the world.
Hire a Secure Printer IT Professional
If you have any doubts about keeping your printer or copy projects secure, American Lazer can help. We are your local IT professionals who have over two decades of experience with printer and copier security. Contact us to learn more by calling 866-922-9003.
