When you think about the security of your business’s data, are you thinking about your printer? Cyber-criminals breach a company’s device security in many ways, including through multi-function printers and devices. Don’t believe me? Check out this article about a cybersecurity company hijacking printers to spread awareness about the threats posed by unsecured technology.

Data breaches can be devastating to a business, not just financially but reputationally as well. As device usage soars you must protect your company’s data from threats. To help, we’ve outlined a few strategies below to help keep your company safe.

Mobile Device Guidelines For Your Employees

When the company gives a mobile device to the employee issue a usage guideline as well. These guidelines include clear rules about acceptable and non-acceptable use and the steps taken if the guidelines are ignored. The same goes for access to company networks, printers, scanners, and copiers.

Enforce Personal Cyber Policies In The Workplace

The prevalence of smartphones and computers requires employers to address the way their employees interact with devices in the workplace. Many companies choose to implement a personal mobile phone policy to ensure employees focus on their tasks or to reduce the risk of security breaches.

Employees should receive training on how to protect company data when implementing a usage plan if they use their own devices for company business. In addition, instill requirements for using strong passwords and addressing protocols for a lost or stolen personal devices.

Install Updates and Software Patches As Soon As They Are Available

In addition to security fixes, software updates can also include new or enhanced features or better compatibility with different devices or applications. They also improve the stability of your software and remove outdated features.

All these updates are aimed at making the user experience better. Ensuring your software is updated will keep cyber criminals out and prevent vulnerabilities from being exploited. Also, only download apps from trusted sources and log out after using mobile applications.

Have A Mobile Device Back-Up System

A system backup is a process of backing up the operating system, files, and system-specific useful/essential data. Backup systems for the mobile device are the same as for the computer.

A backup service, like Google Drive or Apple’s iCloud, automatically backs up things like your device settings, Wi-Fi networks, and app data. These services are free and don’t count against storage allotment. If anything happens to your mobile devices, your valuable data will be safe.

Create Strong Passwords

Be sure to use a strong password is advice we all constantly see online. Using a password manager helps here, as it can create strong passwords and remember them for you. But, even if you use a password manager, you’ll at least need to create and remember a strong password for your password manager. Most internet users have dozens of online accounts yet only a few passwords to protect them, making it easy for hackers to take advantage of this lack of security awareness.

The most common advice here is still the best. Ensure employees use passwords that are easy to remember but difficult to guess. Do not use partners, children, or pet names, and do not use numbers or letters in succession, like 1234 or ABCD. Use 8 characters and include uppercase and special characters.

Keep Your Printers, Scanners, and Copiers Secure

                As printers and copiers become more advanced, the possibility for security breaches rises. It is still incredibly common for a company to instill robust device security poilcies that do not take their MFPs and MFDs into account.

                Utilities like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Oauth go a long way in securing these overlooked devices. In addition, audit trails and user access control minimize the possibility of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands.

Device Security is Paramount, Now More Than Ever

According to one study, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $8 trillion annually in 2023. And it will only go up from there. Businesses today just can’t afford to take easy outs when it comes to data security.

With robust guidelines and proper accountability, data security can create peace of mind as opposed to headaches. And, if things do get beyond your control, Waltz can help with securing your print and multi-function devices. Reach out to a Solutions Specialist today to see how!