With some reports estimating over seven million incidents of cybercrime and online fraud occurring in 2015, it would be a mistake to discount the risks associated with using a wireless printer. After all, anytime data is transmitted wirelessly, there is a chance it could be intercepted. When you think about all the sensitive information that is printed in your company, this threat may then seem quite real. Try the following tips to minimize the risk of a security vulnerability associated with wireless printing:
Use WPA2: This security certification program essentially password protects your print job capabilities just as you would require login credentials to access wireless internet. By controlling access to your wireless printers, you can also monitor who is printing what and detect when someone attempts to gain unauthorized access to your systems.- Keep Security Software Updated: Many printers come with some form of built-in security, but the installed version can only be effective for so long. Regularly check for more updated versions of your printers’ security software and install them as they become available to be protected from the latest threats.
- Use Data Encryption: Just as your emails and other document sharing methods are encrypted during transmission, you should make sure your printer data is encrypted as well. This ensures that, if the information is intercepted by a nefarious third-party, they will not be able to decode the stolen data.
- Train Your Staff in Printer Protocol: No matter what measures you take to secure your wireless printers, they won’t be as effective, if your staff doesn’t know how to properly use equipment or keep protection programs up to date. Provide training to your employees about safe printing practices.
These tips don’t just apply to large businesses; the threat of a security breach through wireless printing systems can affect businesses and even individuals just as easily.
With a little forethought and effort, however, you can greatly decrease these risks to be able to print without fear.