SMB PRINT SECURITY
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devices,” he adds. Leigh says that there are now
level devices should be hardened and accompanied by software that is secure by design,” she says. Stuart says that resellers play an excellent role as conduit between manufacturers and end users. “They must keep the dialogue open; sharing customers’ security concerns and challenges with manufacturers, while ensuring customers are informed about any manufacturer updates – like patches – that need to be implemented, as well as guiding end users through the security features on a device to ensure that they’ve been activated,” he says. Proactivity is also key, Ian notes. “Resellers should initiate security conversations early, offer audits and highlight the risks of ageing devices or unsupported software,” he adds. “Revisiting long-standing hardware contracts is important too, as older MFPs may not meet modern standards for encryption or patch management.” Future Chris notes that as cybersecurity is now inherent to every IT solution, and as the protection on the core network and on client devices like laptops and smartphones gets more advanced, printers will become targeted more often. “All resellers should make their customers aware of the need to secure their print
expectations that devices are hardened and come with ‘the basics’ such as disc encryption. “At the same time, high profile cyberattacks have focused attention on the need for greater resilience in the face of a cyberattack,” she adds. “For example, having the ability to print offline printing to support business continuity processes.” AI is likely to have a big impact on SMB print security going forward. Matúš expects AI to play a dual role as a threat amplifier and defence enabler. “The future of print security will rely on intelligent threat detection, adaptive authentication, and tighter integration into organisations’ overall cybersecurity posture,” he adds. Stuart agrees that AI is a double-edge sword. “Against that backdrop, we’re pushing for a 2026 that’s saturated with advice, guidance and best practice on staying safe in a rapidly evolving and deepening threat landscape,” he adds. Ian says the next phase of print security will be defined by AI-driven threat detection, tighter cloud integration, and growing demand for managed security services. “As awareness increases around data privacy, compliance, and emerging risks such as AI-assisted cyberattacks, partners that offer proactive, cloud-based print security will be best placed to support their SMB customers,” he says. n
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The future of print security will rely on intelligent threat detection, adaptive authentication, and tighter integration into organisations’ overall cybersecurity posture.
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