Every day we hear another story stories about stolen data or a digital security breach. You can’t even scroll through Facebook without news stories on leaked info or unsecured email servers. So, how do you ensure that you are protected when even the most even the most security-savvy appear vulnerable?
In addition to worrying about overall network security, businesses must also focus on individual devices and equipment. As it turns out, multi-function products are full of valuable information that hackers would love to get their hands on.
By now you know that Multi-function Printers (MFPs) are more than just printers; they function like computers with sophisticated network connections and accessibility. These outstanding features make them indispensable to the way we do business, but it also makes them difficult to secure.
When it comes to security your multi-function device, start right in your office. Setting password requirements and access controls can help reduce security risks. Be sure that employees have limited access and print only when necessary. (Bonus: this also reduces print waste!) Decreasing the number of physical documents laying around is a good first step towards securing your data.
When it comes to safeguarding the information on your MFP, that security must extend to all devices that print to it. It is no longer just desktop computers—the mobile workforce can print from nearly any device including mobile phones and tablets. Develop strict access guidelines and be sure that anyone who accesses your MFPs does so from a secure, authorized device.
Anything that passes through your MFP is stored on its hard drive. That means every document scanned, printed, copied, or faxed from your multi-function product is saved somewhere. When in use, be sure you are using encryption to protect data and when upgrading to new equipment, make sure you completely remove all information from the hard drive.
Remember, having an MFP is like having another computer on your network, and following smart, simple steps can help secure your entire network. Apply the same level of compressive security to all devices on your network to ensure you are protected. At SumnerOne, we have been helping to secure Columbia multi-function devices for years.
Originally published October 10, 2016, updated September 25, 2018