MFP SECURITY
CONTINUED
what third party print hardware or software products will be added to it; they are working to review customers’ existing print policies to see if they are robust enough and address the security and print challenges posed by hybrid workers as well as those that are office-based. “I think we should recognise the commendable and on-going effort the channel puts into keeping its customers as secure as they can be.” Rick Dove, pre-sales technical specialist at Epson UK, adds that making significant investment in a solid IT infrastructure is the first and most important step in mitigating against these risks. “IT is often seen to be working on a shoestring budget, which keeps existing systems operational rather than updating and improving software and hardware,” he says. “In the ever-evolving world of IT, investment must be made in updating old systems that lack modern security functions. “As well as keeping systems up to date, employing IT staff that have network security experience is also extremely important, as is ensuring non-IT staff are also trained and literate in the fundamentals of IT security. Simple procedures such as regular firmware updates for devices, operating system updates for computers and servers and performing regular network security checks can help mitigate attacks.” MFP security is something that resellers should be talking regularly to customers about, he adds. “The best place for resellers to start a conversation with customers about keeping MFPs secure is document security,” he says. “If a customer allows jobs to be printed with no authentication for print release, printed documents can sit endlessly on the printer output tray, often with confidential information, exposed to many people until the user has the chance to collect them. “Document security is just as important as IT security and there are many solutions in the marketplace that can be implemented to tackle these security challenges, so it is very important for the reseller to communicate these to the end customer. For example, applications that are compatible with certain Epson printer models such as Epson Print Admin bring secure print release and job management, which can massively improve a customer’s security. “Discussions around aging devices are also important to have with customers. Resellers should communicate to customers the importance of keeping old devices up to
Rick Dove pre-sales technical specialist
epson.co.uk
As well as keeping systems up to date, employing IT staff that have network security experience is also extremely important, as is ensuring non- IT staff are also trained and literate in the fundamentals of IT security. ” “
date with the latest security measures. And to be wary of the manufacturer no longer supporting the device with updates and to consider a replacement.” He adds that IT end of life planning needs to be encouraged to help businesses remove such obstacles and ensure all devices have a planned lifetime alongside a replacement plan, thereby minimising the risk of a potential threat. Ongoing threat Security for MFPs will continue to be a focus in the future for manufacturers as new MFPs come to the market, Rick adds. “Manufacturers understand the importance of advancing security measures in a device as well as other areas of innovation,” he says. “Manufacturers are at the forefront of innovation to introduce measures such as anti-malware engines that will fool-proof devices to any potential intrusion. “New solutions protection measures paired with guidelines on data handling and network security will undoubtedly increase awareness among customers and end users, and therefore result in an increased focus on security all round. “As intrusion methods and tools become more streamlined and readily available for hackers, customers need to be ready to meet ever evolving threats. Manufacturers must also remain vigilant when responding to security threats and provide the tools customers need to secure their device in full.”
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