Data security is a subject no business, regardless of size, can take lightly. However, the majority of small businesses are doing just that: taking security too lightly. According to a recent survey by the Cyber Readiness Institute (CRI), 60 percent of small businesses do not have a cybersecurity policy in place. These companies are ‘ostriching’, and unfortunately, like most other problems, ignoring security risks will not make it them away.
One often-overlooked vulnerability when it comes to security risks is our beloved printers. Despite being ignored by many IT departments, once networked, these invaluable devices can provide attractive entry points to hackers and other bad actors. That’s why it’s important for businesses to properly manage their copiers, printers, and fax machines to prevent unauthorized access to your network. The problem for many smaller companies is that they lack the resources to properly manage these devices.
That’s where the cloud can help small businesses with security. Hosted, cloud-based models for Managed Print Services (MPS) enable smaller companies to affordably and effectively manage their printing devices. They benefit from not only the standard perks of having their print environment managed by a team of trained, certified, and experienced professionals, but from some of the benefits offered by enterprise-class MPS solutions as well. Included in these benefits are secure networks.
Modern copiers and printers are smart devices that are connected to computers, servers, and cloud resources. As such, an insecure print infrastructure is a huge security risk for a business. By utilizing a cloud-based MPS solution, you’ll mitigate this risk through a number of preventative measures, such as data encryption, advanced security software, whitelisting, unauthorized access detection, and audit trails, as well as automatic disk and log wiping. All of these security measures are available to you when you take advantage of a cloud-based Managed Print Solution and will give you added layers of protection as well as much-needed peace of mind.
Your company likely still relies on copiers and printers to facilitate your workflows. Are you equipped with the staff and resources to adequately manage these devices and reduce the security risks they can prevent when networked? Golden Gate Office Solutions’ verified Managed Print Services solutions can help you gain control of your print environment and improve its security. To learn more about MPS, contact us today.
