SECURE PRINT NETWORKS
Keep it safe With cyberattacks increasing, secure print networks are paramount for businesses of all sizes, especially in businesses with hybrid working arrangements, which can be a weak point in the chain.
For UK businesses and charities, cyberattacks are a very real threat. In 2023, 32% of businesses and 24% of charities recall any breaches or attacks from the past 12 months, according to government figures. The government research found that the percentage was much higher for medium businesses (59%), large businesses (69%) and charities with £500,000 or more in annual income (56%). This means that network security should be paramount, including the print network. Yet as Trevor Maloney, product marketing manager at Kyocera Document Solutions UK, notes, print security is still one of the most overlooked aspects of securing a network. “Any device that is connected to a network should be considered an ‘end point’ and this includes printers and MFPs,” he says. “As a result, any network could potentially be infiltrated by a cyberattack via these devices if they do not offer the most appropriate levels of security. “In this new world where home working is the norm, printers and MFPs are connected into the home network but rarely, if never are the same levels of security applied to a home network as those applied to a corporate network. “Therefore, it’s vital to setup the device correctly during the initial installation to ensure all the security features of the device are enabled to eliminate as far as possible any cyberattacks via a homeworker’s own network. As part of Kyocera’s dealer certification program engineers are trained on how to do this, including the firmware upgrade process. Also, in line with our philosophy, Kyocera makes things simple by providing the tools and support for users to update their device security.” Some of the most common breaches include forgotten printouts, unprotected access to a device and shared passwords, along with customer and partner contact details, adds Trevor. “However, cyberattacks continue to evolve, and as such companies cannot afford to be complacent. Therefore, it is very important when purchasing print devices
Trevor Maloney product marketing manager
that customers consider the security features available and the credentials of the supplier.”
Older risk Deyon Antoine, product marketing manager at Toshiba Tec, adds that any device connected to a network is a potential entry point for cybercriminals. “Just like computers, unsecured printers can give hackers access to your home network and data,” he says. “Older printers which are no longer supported, and firmware that is out of date are most at risk, as they are not prepared for new potential vulnerabilities, hackers may exploit vulnerabilities in these older firmware versions. “Home network security may not be as robust as those within the office and do not follow the same stringent IT policies enforced in the workplace.” Deyon adds that security threats are always present, and hackers are always looking at ways to infiltrate networks to steal data or disrupt business. He says the most common breaches are: l Ransomware locks or blocks users’ access to their own data or devices. Hackers often demand a ransom to restore access l Using weak or recycled passwords poses a significant threat. They can compromise security tools like firewalls and VPNs l Unencrypted file sharing can expose sensitive information to unauthorised parties l Unsecured home Wi-Fi networks can leave
kyoceradocument solutions.co.uk
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In this new world where home
working is the norm, printers and MFPs are
connected into the home network but rarely, if never are the same levels of security applied to a home network as those applied to a corporate network.
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