IT departments struggling to secure printer endpoints

Only 26% of respondents were completely confident that their print infrastructure would be secure when offices fully reopen. Confidence was higher among users of managed print services (37%), who were also more likely than other respondents to say that keeping up with print security challenges has grown easier.

Commenting on the findings, Quocirca research director Louella Fernandes said: “Despite rapid digitisation over the past 18 months, organisations continue to rely on printing. Now, however, printer estates have expanded to include home offices and employee-purchased devices, increasing the risk of accidental data loss and cyber attacks. Organisations are finding it harder to keep up with print security challenges and they are suffering costly breaches as a result.”

Given that several print-related vulnerabilities surfaced in 2021, from a security standpoint, printers need to be treated as any other endpoint device. “As more intelligence is added to even basic printer models, their potential to be weaponised by bad actors increases,” Fernandes warned.

She said businesses also have low visibility and control over home-based devices and document disposal. “Organisations should implement good print security, including revising BYOD [bring-your-own-device] policies to include home print devices, employing content security solutions and conducting formal risk assessments.”

Fernandes said there was an opportunity for organisations to work with printer companies to improve enterprise security. “There is a clear opportunity here for suppliers to support customers in securing their print infrastructure and lower the risk of data loss,” she added. “Our research found that, at present, organisations don’t see the value print suppliers can add on security – they are far more likely to consult a managed security services provider if they have any concerns.”