Workplace security print: the basics all business owners should know

Organisations need to be on high alert when it comes to security print threats. In 2015, over 90 percent of large companies reported that they had been subject to a security breach related to the printing devices connected to their network.

The threat is real and can result in serious consequences, such as fraud, theft, or the damaging exposure of confidential information. That’s what makes it all the more important to know what options are available to protect printed materials.

As a business owner, you should understand the way that your company could be affected and how you can counteract the risk. Most organisations already have measures in place to prevent cybercrime like hacking and malware, but commonly overlook their employees’ printing habits.

Printing confidential information on a shared printer is always risky, but there are several ways you can protect against potential issues.

1. Secure network printing

Certain models of networked printers enable you to send private print jobs, for example Xerox and HP both have this feature. It may mean employees entering a four digit PIN when sending a job to the printer and then reentering the PIN when collecting the document. This ensures printed materials aren’t left lying about for the wrong person to see.

2. Mobile print release

A modern addition to security print is the option to download a mobile print release app onto smartphones. The user downloads the app and is then able to release their print jobs on demand from the central print queue. Users can also choose which networked printer they want to release to.

3. Smartcard readers

This option allows you to enable secure pull printing by connecting an appliance to the network and allowing it to be used with any printer. This is the perfect answer for printers that don’t support embedded printer software.

If you really want to ensure that your confidential printing is all done securely, then sometimes the best option is to work with a trusted printing partner. Hague is a leading authority on security printing solutions and can provide documents and secure printing options like educational certificates, ID cards, custom cheques, and other sensitive documents.

All you need to do is fill in our online enquiry form if you want to find out more about the security print solutions our expert team can provide you with.