Many organizations today rely on multifunction systems (also called all-in-one printers) to bridge the gap between paper documents and their digital counterparts. It’s this digital multi-functionality that constitutes the major difference between a multifunction system and a single-function printer; it’s also why the former poses a potential security risk.
How Your Printer Poses a Threat
To get a better idea of what’s going on inside your multifunction system, think about what happens every time you scan a document. For the device to perform the selected functions after scanning, an image of the document is stored on the unit’s hard drive. And therein lies the problem.
What You Can Do
Hackers never stop coming up with new ideas to steal information, and breaking into your multifunction system is one of their newest dirty tricks. Fortunately, IT professionals are onto them, and they’ve developed solutions to protect your MFP—and your network—from these devastating break-ins. Whether you’ve got an in-house IT team or outsource to Managed IT Services, there are several steps you can take to protect your multifunction systems and your network.
1. User Authentications
Don’t rely on the manufacturer’s default password to protect your data. Change the password and meet with your Managed IT Services provider to learn about other sophisticated protocols like ID cards and pull printing.
2. Safeguard Your Hard Drive
Eventually, you’ll need to replace a device. Before you let any multifunction system leave your location, contact your Managed IT Services technicians to remove the hard drive or overwrite the stored data.
3. Update Old Technologies
If your aging multifunction system can’t keep hackers at bay, you’ll want to invest in a new one. The money you spend to lease or purchase a device with the latest security features will more than pay for itself by safeguarding your network.
To learn more about protecting your network, request a technology review at Monster Technology today!