Universities handle an enormous amount of sensitive information, from student records to research data. But one often-overlooked security risk comes from an unexpected source—printers. Without the right protections in place, networked printers can be a gateway for cyberattacks and data breaches. How can universities strengthen their printer security and protect their valuable data?
The Risks of Unsecured Printers
In large educational institutions, printers are used by hundreds of students, faculty, and staff each day. This heavy traffic makes printers a potential vulnerability. If a printer is connected to a network but lacks proper security protocols, it becomes an easy target for hackers. Documents stored in print queues or unencrypted data transfers can be intercepted, exposing confidential information.
Key Printer Security Measures for Universities
To mitigate these risks, universities can take several important steps to secure their printers:
- Implement User Authentication Restrict printer access by requiring user authentication through ID cards or unique login credentials. This ensures only authorized users can print sensitive documents.
- Encrypt Print Jobs Secure data as it travels between devices by encrypting print jobs. This prevents unauthorized users from intercepting and viewing sensitive information.
- Enable Secure Print Release With secure print release, documents are only printed when the user physically releases them at the machine. This prevents abandoned print jobs containing sensitive information from being left on the printer.
- Regular Firmware Updates Keep printers secure by ensuring they’re regularly updated with the latest firmware. These updates patch vulnerabilities and enhance security features.
- Monitor Print Activity Use print management software to monitor print activity across campus. By tracking user behavior and usage patterns, universities can detect suspicious activity or potential breaches.
How UBT Can Help Universities Secure Their Printers
Printer security is often overlooked, but it’s a critical part of safeguarding university data. At United Business Technologies, we offer managed print services designed to keep your printers secure. From implementing encryption and secure print release to monitoring print activity, we provide the tools and support your university needs to protect its data.
Contact us to learn more about our printer security solutions and how we can help your institution.