SMB PRINT SECURITY
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securing their print environments through strong, modern authentication mechanisms including multi-factor authentication, single sign-on integrations, and support for zero-trust architectures. “Our platform ensures end-to-end encryption and strict access control, so that only the right person can retrieve the right document, at the right time,” he adds. Staying on top of threats But with the threat landscape growing and evolving at an unprecedented rate, resellers need to ensure that a print security solution keeps on top of it. “Resellers need to ensure that they work with print vendor brands that they trust to keep on top of cybersecurity,” says Chris. “The main role for the reseller is to make sure customers are aware of the potential threats and to ensure their customers’ devices are kept up to date. “Customers will want to purchase the most secure print devices that they can afford. Highlighting the security features of a print device is a good way for a partner to add value.” Matúš says SMBs are becoming more aware of compliance, data protection and sustainability. “While cost is always a factor, security and reliability are increasingly seen as value drivers, not expenses,” he says. “Resellers can stand out by offering solutions that evolve with the threat landscape – that means regular updates, continuous monitoring and integration with modern identity providers.” It is important to support
tampered with, and it’s a good idea to disable unused ports.” Leigh adds that encrypting discs and making sure that they are wiped at end of life, should be practiced. “Also, disabling obsolete and unwanted protocols, applying encryption and enabling secure follow-me printing to ensure privacy and avoid data leakage,” she notes. Stuart says the basic principles are the same for organisations of all sizes. “The user, the device and the document has to be secure,” he says. “That means only authorised users can release their document from a device. The connected device must be secure and not offer any on-ramps to the network or confidential data, while the document – whether it’s digital or physical – should be protected to prevent it being a source of data leaks.” Effective print security starts with solid housekeeping: regular patching and firmware updates, strong password policies, disabling unused ports and consistent auditing, Ian adds. “For SMBs without large IT teams, solutions such as Xerox’s Cloud Fleet Management make this easier by automating updates, enforcing compliance, and providing a central dashboard to manage device security across the fleet,” he adds. “This improves protection and frees partners and customers from time-consuming maintenance.” Matúš notes that for SMBs, print infrastructure is often overlooked when thinking about cybersecurity. “Yet, every document sent to a printer can contain sensitive data – and every device connected to a network can become an entry point for an attack,” he adds. “A good print security solution therefore needs to protect not just the device, but the entire workflow: from document submission and user authentication, through spooling and transmission, all the way to the physical release of the document at the printer.” Matúš says MyQ helps SMBs by
Contributors
Ian Fox
www.xerox.co.uk/en-gb
Chris Bates
uk.tdsynnex.com
customers in determining the appropriate level of security
for the level of risk and having
options available to strengthen defences against current and future threats, Leigh adds. “At a base
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