AI IN PRINTER SECURITY
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Fleet Services, and wrap it all in managed print governance and user education,” he says. “Partners now need a vendor that is highly capable across the whole ICT landscape, not just around the supply of managed print. Kyocera is perfectly placed to support dealer growth in a market where AI is a driving force.”
Threat and solution While AI attacks are growing, it is still a developing medium – and while it present threats, AI can also be part of the solution. Rick says that fully autonomous, AI- driven attacks designed specifically to target printers are still in their early stages. “However, AI is already widely used as an enabling layer across broader cyberattacks that affect printers as part of the network, particularly for phishing, recon, credential analysis and exploit selection,” he adds. “Because printers are widely deployed, always connected, and often less closely monitored than other endpoints, they are attractive targets for attackers using AI- powered tools.” But AI should also be part of the solution. “Pair AI assisted detection with a zero trust print posture: Secure Boot and run time integrity at the device, strong authentication and pull print and remote patching with full audit trails,” says Graham. “Kyocera’s K Level firmware, Kyocera Net Manager and Kyocera Fleet Services deliver that layered defence in practice.” Reseller actions With AI threats developing, resellers have an important role in helping customers to understand the threats and put in place effective defences. “Businesses, especially SMBs, are generally not aware of the threat to printers,” Graham says. “Many SMBs still treat printers as ‘just peripherals’, even as hybrid work widens the attack surface. The channel’s job is to turn print into a managed, identity controlled, and continuously monitored service, not a blind spot that is forgotten and not considered an AI security risk for the end-customer.” Resellers should start with an assessment, standardising the fleet wherever possible, and switch to pull print and MFA at the panel, adds Graham. “Enforce TLS/802.1X, lock down ports, schedule firmware updates via Kyocera
Rick agrees that resellers play an important role in secure print
environments, particularly for customers without dedicated security expertise. “This starts with hardening devices at the deployment stage by changing default credentials, disabling unused services, enabling encryption and applying strong authentication as standard,” he says. “Beyond initial setup, resellers can help reduce ongoing risk by ensuring firmware is kept up to date, promoting secure print workflows, advising on network segmentation, and enabling basic monitoring and logging. “Just as importantly, resellers should position printers as part of the customer’s broader IT and security strategy, not standalone devices. By offering clear guidance, resellers can help customers stay protected while strengthening long- term trust and relationships.”
Graham Foxwell product marketing lead
kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk
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The channel’s job is to turn print into a managed, identity controlled, and continuously monitored service, not a blind spot that is forgotten and not considered an AI security risk for the end- customer.
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Growing threat Threats from AI will continue to grow in the coming months and years. “Connectivity is rising, and AI tooling is advancing, so probing of print endpoints will only intensify,” says Graham. “A multi layered model, secure firmware, strong identity, encrypted workflows and proactive monitoring remain the most effective way to stay ahead.” n
printinthechannel.co.uk
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