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Understanding Security Risks in Printer Management
Recent findings from HP Wolf Security shed light on a significant yet often overlooked vulnerability within small businesses: the security of their printer management practices. The report titled “Securing the Print Estate: A Proactive Lifecycle Approach to Cyber Resilience” unveils alarming statistics that underscore the urgent need for enhanced security measures for printing devices.
Key Findings That Alarm Small Businesses
Among the 800 IT and security decision-makers surveyed, only 36% reported promptly applying firmware updates to their printers. Managing security issues eats up approximately 3.5 hours per month, revealing the strain on small business resources.
Steve Inch, Global Senior Print Security Strategist at HP Inc., remarks that modern printers aren't mere office tools; they’re sophisticated, connected devices that may harbor sensitive data. If left unprotected, these printers become entry points for malicious actors looking to exploit data for extortion or other harmful purposes.
Four Lifecycle Stages Where Risks Arise
The HP report identifies four stages in the printer lifecycle where businesses frequently overlook security:
- Supplier Selection & Onboarding: A staggering 60% of IT decision-makers fail to engage cross-departmental teams when evaluating printer security standards, leading to potential security blind spots.
- Ongoing Management: Without routine firmware updates, businesses remain vulnerable, demonstrating an alarming lack of awareness regarding printer maintenance needs.
- Remediation: Only 35% of decision-makers can identify at-risk printers. This inadequacy opens doors to unnoticed security breaches.
- Decommissioning: A concerning 86% cite data security risks as deterrents against safely recycling old printers, leading to uncertainties in wiping data.
Actionable Insights for Small Business Owners
To safeguard against potential breaches, small business owners should consider several actionable strategies from the report:
- Engaging Cross-Departmental Teams: Prioritize the involvement of procurement, IT, and security in the printer selection and onboarding process to create strong security standards.
- Establish Regular Update Protocols: Implement a routine schedule for firmware updates, reducing the time spent on managing security issues.
- Educate Employees: Provide training for staff on the importance of printer security management, giving them the tools necessary to recognize vulnerabilities.
By addressing these areas, small business owners can position themselves to not only prevent costly data breaches but also cultivate a more resilient operational structure in today’s digital landscape.
To learn more about investing smarter and securing your business’s future, click here for free information, no obligation.
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