The importance of keeping your print devices up to date

February 10, 2025

Cyber security is a top priority for modern businesses. While companies often focus on securing their networks, emails, and workstations, they sometimes overlook a key vulnerability – print devices. Keeping your printers up to date is crucial for protecting sensitive information and maintaining operational efficiency.

Why printer security matters

Printers are no longer just standalone devices; they are network-connected endpoints that store, process, and transmit data. Outdated firmware, unsecured connections, and unpatched vulnerabilities can make them an easy target for cyber threats. A compromised printer can lead to data breaches, network infiltration, and unauthorised access to confidential documents.

The benefits of keeping your printers up to date

1. Enhanced security: Regular firmware updates patch security vulnerabilities that hackers might exploit. Keeping your print devices up to date reduces the risk of malware infections and unauthorised access.
2. Improved device performance: Firmware updates often include bug fixes and performance enhancements. Updating your printers ensures they run smoothly, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
3. Compliance with industry regulations: Many industries have strict data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA). Ensuring your print devices are updated helps you remain compliant and avoid costly penalties.
4. Protection against cyber threats: Cybercriminals target printers to intercept print jobs, access stored data, and infiltrate business networks. Updating your print devices strengthens your defenses against these attacks.
5. Increased efficiency and features: New firmware updates often introduce advanced security features, better integration with cloud services, and improved print management tools, allowing businesses to optimise workflows.

The risks of not updating your print devices

1. Vulnerability to cyber attacks: Hackers exploit outdated firmware to gain access to sensitive data and company networks. Without updates, your business remains at risk of breaches and malware infections.
2. Compliance violations: Failing to update print devices may lead to non-compliance with data protection laws, exposing your organisation to fines and legal consequences.
3. Operational disruptions: Older printer firmware can cause frequent errors, connectivity issues, and slow performance, leading to decreased productivity and increased IT support costs.
4. Exposure of confidential information: Printers store cached data from previous print jobs. If left unprotected, sensitive business information may be accessed by unauthorised individuals.
5. Increased IT burden: Without updates, IT teams must deal with repeated security incidents, troubleshooting, and manual patches, diverting resources from more strategic tasks.

How we can help

At Dataquest, we specialise in Managed Print Services (MPS) that ensure your print devices are always secure, up to date, and operating at peak efficiency. Our solutions include:

– Automated firmware updates to protect against security threats
– Real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance
– Secure print solutions to prevent unauthorised access
– Compliance support to meet industry security standards
– Expert guidance to optimise your print infrastructure

Secure your print environment today

Don’t let outdated print devices be the weak link in your cybersecurity strategy. Get in touch with our team today to learn how we can help safeguard your print environment while enhancing efficiency and compliance.