17 Apr Copier Security Checklist: How Tucson Offices Can Prevent Data Leaks Through Printers
Copier security is a collection of proactive, preventive measures that are designed to prevent unauthorized access to your machines. This protects sensitive, confidential, and proprietary information that is stored on or transmitted by smart devices and Wi-Fi connected copiers and multi-function printers. At Arizona Business Equipment, we don’t just lease printers and copiers, but we also offer personalized guidance on secure printer solutions in Tucson. Here is our recommended copier security checklist for local Arizona business owners who want to prevent data leaks and breaches.
Control Access to Devices and Require Authentication
The best way to prevent a data breach is to control access to your copiers and printers. Modern devices act as data storage devices, holding onto images of anything that is transmitted, scanned, printed, or copied. You can reduce the risk of unauthorized access by:
- Enabling user authentication on each device, requiring staff to input a pin or password or swipe their ID cards to access the menu
- Change the default credentials, such as the administrator password, to something stronger
- Limit administrative control to authorized IT staff, and set up other role-based access controls for other staff and interns
- Implement ‘pull printing’ or ‘follow me’ settings to hold documents until the staff member is actually at the machine
Ensure Robust Data Protection and Encryption
You must also make sure that confidential information is protected. This will prevent data from being intercepted as it travels between devices on your network. We recommend:
- Enabling hard drive encryption to make the data on the copier’s internal drive unreadable
- Setting up data overwriting or automatic file wiping to kick in after the completion of large jobs
- Encrypting all network communication to prevent breaches
Integrate Comprehensive Network Security Protocols
Unsecured copiers are vulnerable to hackers who can infiltrate your entire network. You need comprehensive network security protocols to protect all of the devices on your network:
- Utilize firewall protection and never connect devices to public or unsecured internet connections
- Disable unused protocols to prevent data theft or malware infections
- Keep Wi-Fi enabled or smart equipment on a secure, separate network
Get Local Office Equipment Security Assistance from Arizona Business Equipment
Arizona Business Equipment leases modern, high-tech copy machines and printers that are equipped with robust security features. We also offer ongoing maintenance of copiers, printers, and scanners to ensure they are secure and function as efficiently as possible. Our managed printing services include personalized solutions from office equipment experts with experience in printer security and copier data security. We’ll help protect you from unauthorized access, employee malfeasance, data breaches, hackers, and other security concerns. Because we are a locally owned and operated company, we can provide fast turnaround for tech support and security concerns, and we also offer unique insights into the security measures our fellow local business owners need. To learn more about our five-star copier and printer security tools in Southern Arizona, call us at (520) 888-2679 or contact us online.