Over the past few years, we've witnessed a surge in cyber threats directly linked to printing breaches. Robust security measures in managing print processes within any business structure – small or large – are important. However, many small and medium-sized businesses are unaware of what exactly they can do to implement strong security measures. Therefore, in this blog post, we will now outline what measures you can take to strengthen your print environment.
Don’t wait until an incident occurs: Proactive security management
Taking a proactive approach to security management is key to mitigating risks and minimising the impact of potential breaches. Waiting until an incident occurs is no longer an option. Organisations need to proactively identify vulnerabilities, implement robust security measures, and educate employees about best practices for data protection.
Your employees must understand that every endpoint within their organisation, including printers, can serve as a potential entry point for malicious actors. Printers, despite being seemingly harmless pieces of office equipment, are frequently overlooked in cybersecurity strategies and hence become soft targets.
That is why, with the help of the latest technologies, print infrastructure can now be the third-eye you need, automatically identifying possible vulnerabilities before they are exploited. This strategy includes constant monitoring and periodic assessments of printer software for unpatched flaws or outdated systems.
Enhancing your IT environment: Boosting strength without relying on new tools
While investing in new security tools can be effective, it is not always necessary to strengthen your IT environment. There are several steps you can take to enhance security without adding complexity. Here are some practical strategies to consider:
Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Keeping your software and systems up-to-date is essential for addressing security vulnerabilities. Ensure that all devices, including printers, are running the latest firmware and have the latest security patches applied.
Implement Secure Policies: Enforce secure printing practices by utilising password-protected printing, encryption, or user authentication methods. These measures prevent unauthorised access to sensitive documents and reduce the risk of information leaks.
Train Employees on Security Best Practices: Human error is often the weakest link in an organisation's security. Educate your employees about the importance of strong passwords, phishing awareness, and safe printing practices. Regular training sessions can significantly reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
Monitor and Audit Print Devices: Regularly monitor and audit printer activity to identify any suspicious or unauthorised printing. Implement print management software to help track and manage print jobs, ensuring data security and reducing waste.
Implement a Secure Printing Solution: Not only does it ensure the safety of sensitive data, but it also saves time, reduces costs, and boosts productivity. With its advanced features, secure printing allows employees to effortlessly print without having to worry about their documents falling into the wrong hands.
Konica Minolta’s new printer series can help
Konica Minolta’s new bizhub i-Series printers respond to print security concerns with a new advanced firmware upgrade that delivers even greater protection against malicious activity. It provides increased visibility and information of security related topics throughout the organisation, enabling everyone to be more alert and responsive for its protection. In case of a threat detection, the anti-virus makes sure that the IT administrator will be immediately notified with enriched information about the type and origin of the threat, whilst end-users can see the current state of the anti-virus via the home screen.
With the new “Authentication Attack Detection” function, it is now possible to block unauthorised attempts deriving from brute force attacks, attempts to crack passwords and other access data, or to infiltrate devices from outside. In the event of such an attempt being made with the new function in place, the IT admin is informed and can take appropriate action.
Additionally, the simple interface and intuitive controls of the bizhub i-Series make secure printing accessible to every user, eliminating the need for extensive training or IT support.
To learn more about these cutting-edge printers and how they can benefit your organisation, visit
The new bizhub i-Series | KONICA MINOLTA.
