Information technology security remains a top priority for most businesses, ranking just behind digital transformation as a key initiative, according to Independent Data Center (IDC). What many organizations overlook, however, is how closely these two priorities are linked. Without strong security measures, digital transformation cannot succeed.
Modern digital technologies such as big data, cloud, mobile, and social mean that every device connected to the network represents a potential security risk. Printers and multifunction printers (MFPs) are no exception. While many organizations have focused on securing networks and endpoints, they often neglect the vulnerabilities tied to their print and document environments.
At the center of this issue is the smart MFP. These devices act as intelligent business hubs, managing information from paper, the corporate network, and the cloud. But as connected devices, they can also serve as entry points for malicious activity. IDC research found that more than 30% of organizations have no formal security policies for managing printer and MFP access, even though over 50% of respondents expressed serious concerns about unauthorized device use.
The Critical Role of Managed Print Services (MPS)
The print environment is unique in that it handles both digital and physical data. This dual role means sensitive information can be exposed in multiple ways, from unsecured print jobs to unauthorized access to stored documents. The risks are real. Malicious attacks launched through an unsecured printer or careless employee use can lead to significant breaches.
That is why securing the print environment is essential. The MFP is a frontline asset that must be protected as part of the broader IT strategy. Partnering with a managed print services (MPS) provider can make a measurable difference.
MPS providers offer the expertise and tools to assess existing vulnerabilities, uncover gaps in infrastructure, and help prioritize the most pressing risks. They can also coordinate across business units to ensure the right stakeholders are involved in building a stronger, more secure document environment. By deploying secure managed print services, organizations can harden their infrastructure, protect critical content, and reduce the likelihood of future breaches.
Equally important, MPS providers help organizations shift from a reactive to a proactive security posture. Rather than waiting for breaches to occur, businesses can take preventive measures, ensuring their document workflows, devices, and networks are all protected by consistent policies and ongoing oversight.
Neglecting print security creates unnecessary risk. Treating it as an afterthought is equivalent to leaving a gap in your IT defenses. Organizations that fail to secure their print environment may find their broader digital transformation efforts compromised.
Why This Matters
Your customers trust you to protect their business. Printers and MFPs handle sensitive data every day, and if they are not secured, that data is at risk. A single breach can damage your customer’s operations, reputation, and compliance standing.
By positioning managed print services as part of their IT strategy, you can help customers close security gaps and strengthen their digital transformation efforts. Protecting the print environment protects their business and builds long-term trust in you as their partner.
Contact your SPR Representative to learn more.
