Published: December 13, 2024
Our new bulletin Cyber Threat Watch has been created to help small businesses stay up to date on the latest threats, news, and events affecting their business. The content has been curated to make cybersecurity easy and accessible for both technical and nontechnical readers.
Featured Cyber News — Print Security in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments
As remote and hybrid work arrangements become the norm, businesses face growing security challenges, especially with printers. These devices, often seen as harmless, can become entry points for cyber threats and potentially expose sensitive business data if not properly secured.
This is particularly concerning for small and mid-sized businesses, where limited resources and expertise can make it difficult to tackle such risks. However, by understanding printer vulnerabilities and adopting protective measures, businesses can significantly reduce these threats.
Why Printers Pose Security Risks
Printers in remote and hybrid work environments are especially vulnerable due to the following issues:
- Unsecured Home Networks: Home printers often lack robust security controls, which make them susceptible to attacks. Data breaches resulting from these vulnerabilities may expose sensitive business information and damage your organization’s reputation.
- Possibility of Unauthorized Access: Inadequate controls may allow unauthorized users to access or misuse confidential documents. Stolen or exposed information can erode trust and cause legal or regulatory consequences.
- Susceptibility to Malicious Software: Multifunction printers (MFPs) connected to your home network can be entry points for malware, which can spread to other devices and, if not detected, compromise your organization’s overall security.
These vulnerabilities can become more significant when employees print sensitive documents at unsecured locations, such as at home.
How to Strengthen Printer Security in Remote and Hybrid Work Environments
To protect against these risks, take the following steps to secure home printers and safeguard your business.
- Secure Home Networks: Use strong passwords and firewalls to protect your home network where printers are connected. Ensure that home Wi-Fi is encrypted and only accessible by trusted users to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access.
- Update Printer Firmware: Update your printer’s software and firmware regularly to address known vulnerabilities and enhance security. Many printer manufacturers release updates that patch security flaws, so it’s crucial to stay current with them.
- Restrict Printer Access: Set up access controls, such as requiring a PIN when printing sensitive documents, to ensure that only authorized users can access your home printer.
- Enable Encryption: Enable built-in data encryption features to protect sensitive documents during the printing process. Using company-approved tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) also adds another layer of protection for sensitive information.
- Monitor Printer Usage at Home: Review your printer’s usage logs and settings regularly to identify any unauthorized or unusual activity. Check whether printed materials are left unsecure at the printer.
- Establish Printing Policies: Develop and enforce clear company policies for secure printing practices. These policies should outline instructions for securing home devices, acceptable printing methods, and guidelines for handling sensitive documents.
- Train Employees: Educate staff about secure printing practices, such as avoiding printing sensitive documents on unsecured networks and properly disposing of sensitive documents.
By adopting these measures, businesses can significantly enhance print security for remote and hybrid work environments while safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches.
Conclusion
Remote and hybrid work environments present unique security challenges, especially regarding the use of home printers. While the risk is significant, it’s manageable with appropriate tools, policies, and training. Ultimately, proactive measures to secure printing and other remote work activities safeguard not only sensitive information but also the trust and reputation that businesses depend on in today’s digital landscape.
The NCSS encourages businesses to adopt comprehensive security practices and stay informed about evolving technology trends. We recommend you consider becoming an NCSS member to access a wide range of our services. For more information, visit our Small Business page.
References
https://www.darkreading.com/vulnerabilities-threats/hybrid-work-vulnerabilities-print-security
https://www.ysoft.com/safeq/blog/print-security-trends/
https://wifitalents.com/statistic/remote-work-cybersecurity/
https://www.redcentricplc.com/network-security/top-5-security-concerns-of-remote-working/
https://www.whitakerbrothers.com/blogs/news/how-to-keep-documents-safe
https://www.papercut.com/blog/print_tips/how-to-make-printing-work-in-a-hybrid-environment/
https://www.papercut.com/blog/print_tips/how-to-manage-print-in-a-hybrid-work-environment/
About the NCSS
The National Cybersecurity Society (NCSS) is committed to improving the online safety and security of the small business community through education, awareness, and advocacy. As a 501(3)(c) organization, the NCSS uses funds from charitable donations and grants to develop educational materials, webinars, weekly cyber tips, videos, and how-to-guides. The organization’s goal is to enable and empower small and medium businesses to obtain cybersecurity services, assist them in understanding their cyber risk, and advise on the type of protection needed. We want to continue to grow our community and encourage you to tell other small businesses we are here to help.
The NCSS is committed to respecting the use of images in our communication efforts. Accordingly, unless otherwise specifically noted, the graphics in our bulletin are sourced under license from Adobe Stock. The header and footer images were designed and purchased through a contract with Eyedea Advertising & Design Studio.