February 2, 2023

Data Leakage through Printing: Real World Cases and Prevention

Paying attention to printing can greatly help an organization’s cybersecurity. While securing PCs and phones is common, protecting office printers matters too. We will look into the threats of printing network security here. Plus, we’ll talk about how to stop data from leaking.

Printers can fall victim to cybersecurity problems. Educating your team about safe printing and the dangers of data breaches is vital. If printers are easily accessed, they become a target for hackers. So, using secure devices and setting up encrypted wireless networks is a big step in protecting important data.

Preventing printers from storing digital copies of files is also key. With this step, the chance of someone getting unauthorized access to sensitive data drops a lot.

Next, let’s explore real stories of data leaks through printing. We’ll see how bad data breaches can be and learn important ways to keep data safe on printers.

Scary Cases of Data Leakage through Printing

Data breaches aren’t just digital threats. They also happen through printers. This can lead to the spread of harmful messages and leak sensitive info. Two major incidents show how serious this issue is.

Printing Hateful Fliers on Campus

Back in 2006, a hacker took aim at college printers. They used them to spread hate, printing anti-Semitic, racist, and anti-LGBTQ fliers. More than 50,000 pages of harmful content were put out, showing how open printers are vulnerable. This event is a big warning about the dangers of not securing printers.
Spyware Attack on Heartland Payment Systems

Heartland Payment Systems also faced a cyberattack. It leaked personal payment info from millions. This caused big financial harm and showed printers are at risk too. The incident emphasized the critical need for printer security to protect important data.

It’s crucial to protect printers from data breaches. To do this, use strong security like encrypted networks and safe printing rules. Regularly check for security holes. Plus, make sure to collect printouts promptly to lower security risks and manage sensitive info wisely.

Protecting Against Data Leakage in Printing

Commercial printers and MFPs are key for managing documents. But they can lead to data leaks. They store details like print jobs and faxes, making them at risk for breaches.

Printers keep data for a long time, often weeks. This ongoing storage raises chances of it being seen by people who shouldn’t. Being on a network is risky too, as hackers might get to the printer’s data through the network security.

Printer Security Protocols

For safety, strong security methods are needed. This includes who can access the printer, how they verify who they are, and hiding the data so others can’t read it.

Data Erasure Technology

Deleting stored data securely is crucial. Data erasure technology does this job well. It removes all traces of printed data. So, if a printer is reused or thrown away, no one can get that old data.

Media Sanitization

Getting rid of used paper and digital data right is also vital. Companies need to clean out any data left on prints or in the printer. This can be through shredding paper with data or making sure to delete digital logs.

Proper Printer Disposal

When printers are thrown away, the data must be safe. Organizations should wipe the printer’s hard drive clean. This way, no one can get the old data, even if they find the printer itself.

Focusing on these key points helps keep data safe on printers. It lowers the chances of someone getting their hands on valuable, private information.

Preventing Data Breaches and Leaks in Printing

Data breaches can harm businesses by either losing or sharing secret information. To avoid these dangers, firms must set up solid security plans. These plans should fight against common breaches and keep data safe from enemies.

Keeping printers in safe spots helps. Access to printers should only be for the right people. This reduces the chances of data loss. Using safe ways to keep and send data, like encryption, makes it hard for data to get stolen during these times.

Using strong passwords is key. Good password rules and changing passwords often helps stop hackers from getting in. Also, always update your anti-malware tools to fend off viruses.

Getting rid of old gear right is crucial, too. Erasing data fully before throwing away devices or media is a must. Also, pick trusted companies for security help and always update your software. This makes it harder for bad actors to break in and leak data.