- More than half of SMBs say printers are a low priority in their cybersecurity strategy
- Many have recently reported printer-related data loss incidents.
- Printers should be treated as smart, connected devices
New research from HP has stated that more than half (57%) of SMBs agree that printer security is a low priority in their cybersecurity strategy, revealing a worrying lack of awareness about a lesser-known but often exploited attack vector.
More than half (56%) noted at least one printing-related data loss incident in the past year, highlighting printers as a growing security vulnerability.
However, today, one in two SMBs can’t even see who prints what or where documents are printed, which speaks volumes about broader security visibility.
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HP is concerned about the increase in attacks on printers
On the cybersecurity front, 45% of companies are unsure whether their printing environment meets industry compliance standards, and a lack of employee training could further exacerbate the problem. Two in three knowledge workers assume network printers are secure and half don’t even consider them a threat.
“A single misdirected scan or uncollected print job can leak payroll data, customer records, or contract details, all without any obvious sign that anything is wrong,” wrote HP Office Printing Solutions division president Aurelio Maruggi.
Looking ahead, around two-thirds (69%) of SMEs recognize that they need to improve printer cybersecurity, not only in relation to cloud vulnerabilities, but also unauthorized access to print queues, printing errors and sensitive documents left on the printer itself.
By incorporating its own technology, HP says 88% of organizations using smart printers have improved visibility, policy enforcement and compliance support.
HP also highlights the need to restructure printers from dumb peripherals to “connected, intelligent endpoints integrated into daily work.” At this point, they may be treated more like other endpoints.
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