Protecting Your Business: Security Advancements in Copiers and Printers
In today’s interconnected workplace, security threats come in many forms—and copiers and printers are no exception. Hackers can target these devices to access sensitive company data, making it essential for businesses to ensure that their printers and copiers are secured. Luckily, the industry’s biggest players—Xerox, Toshiba, HP, Epson, and KIP—have made significant strides in improving the security features of their machines, ensuring your office equipment stays as safe as your network.
Why Security Matters for Office Equipment
Modern copiers and printers often store data on internal hard drives, manage print jobs over Wi-Fi or Ethernet, and are sometimes connected to the cloud. These factors make them a potential point of vulnerability. According to a study by Quocirca, 68% of organizations reported print-related data breaches in 2020. To combat these risks, manufacturers are introducing innovative security solutions.
Xerox: Setting the Bar with Embedded Security
Xerox has been at the forefront of security, partnering with companies like McAfee to provide embedded security in their copiers and printers. Xerox printers use McAfee Embedded Control to prevent unauthorized access and instantly block any threats, ensuring your data is always safe. Their Secure Print feature also allows users to release documents for printing only after entering a PIN, preventing sensitive materials from being left on the printer tray.
HP: Defending Against Cyberattacks
HP’s Sure Start technology in printers ensures that the BIOS (the critical system startup code) is safe from malware. In the event of a security breach, the printer automatically detects and repairs itself. HP also offers Run-time Intrusion Detection, which constantly monitors for abnormal activity and responds to threats in real-time.
Toshiba: Encryption and Data Overwrite
Toshiba’s e-STUDIO line incorporates advanced Data Overwrite Security features, which automatically overwrite data after each print job. This eliminates any residual data that could be accessed by unauthorized users. Toshiba devices also support encryption of both print and scan data, further protecting sensitive documents.
Epson: Network and Document Security
Epson’s Secure Network Access features ensure that only authorized devices can send data to your printers. Epson copiers and printers also offer Secure PIN Release and user authentication, ensuring that sensitive documents aren’t printed unless the authorized user is physically at the machine.
KIP: Compliance and Monitoring
KIP’s wide-format printers come with advanced security features designed for industries like architecture and engineering. KIP provides tools for audit logs and monitoring to ensure compliance with strict security requirements in government and corporate environments.
Best Practices for Office Security
While these brands offer top-tier security features, it’s crucial for businesses to implement best practices. Ensure that copiers and printers are included in your company’s IT security policy. Regularly update device firmware, require user authentication for all print jobs, and disable any unused ports or services to reduce potential points of attack.
By choosing secure, modern copiers and printers from trusted brands like Xerox, HP, Toshiba, Epson, and KIP, you’re making a crucial investment in safeguarding your business’s data.