Intelligent CIO Africa Issue 85 | Page 48

FEATURE : PRINT SECURITY to reduce breach risk by moving clients to a managed , single-vendor fleet . Interestingly , however , users of MPS were more likely to report security breaches than those with no MPS . This may be due to the fact that MPS is more likely to uncover a data breach .
In fact , MPS users are generally happier with the security capabilities of their supplier than those not using MPS . 39 % are very satisfied , compared with 23 % of non-MPS users . Satisfaction is much higher in the US , 50 % very satisfied , and lowest in Germany , where only 17 % are very satisfied .
As more employees return to the office and the longterm shape of hybrid working unfolds , businesses need to work to improve confidence in print security . Now is an ideal time to draw on the expertise of suppliers and conduct comprehensive print security assessments , allowing organisations can gain the insight they need to address security gaps and move forward with greater certainty .
Quocirca research identified a significant disconnect between the views of CIOs and CISOs on print security , which may be preventing companies from determining the true level of risk . Independent , in-depth risk assessments are a vital tool to give senior leaders objective evidence of print security gaps across devices and document workflows and enable consensus on the actions needed to protect the enterprise .
Quocirca ’ s research shows that progress may be impeded by differing perceptions of print security risk between CIOs and CISOs . CIOs and CISOs have differing views on the level of challenge and risk associated with staying ahead of print security issues . CISOs are more positive , only 28 % say it has become harder to keep up with print security challenges , compared to 50 % of CIOs and an overall average of 39 %.
Similarly , only 45 % of CISOs are concerned about the risk of unsecured printers , compared to 72 % of CIOs . These figures indicate that the two key influencers over security and data protection in the enterprise are not aligned in their perception of the risk residing in the print infrastructure .
Quocirca ’ s Print Security Landscape 2023 is based on the views of 507 IT decision makers in the US and Europe .
Managed print services
According to Quocirca ’ s Print Security Landscape 2023 , there is a clear opportunity here for MPS vendors
It is imperative for organisations that do not currently have robust measures in place to safeguard their documents sooner rather than later . Third-party providers can play a significant role in enhancing secure practices around remote printing devices . While many organisations already invest in third party services , only 32 % are satisfied with their security offerings . As such , it is crucial for organisations to collaborate with vendors that prioritise security from the ground up , ensuring it is implemented at every stage of the printing process .
Businesses should aim for services that offer a comprehensive , 360-degree approach to security , covering devices , software , networks , and cloudbased services . Many rely on third-party vendors that specialise in secure information management , to help ensure that sensitive documents are protected throughout their lifecycle , from storage and transmission to printing and disposal .
Leveraging external expertise can help strengthen organisational print security measures , promote a holistic approach to print security , and ensure a culture of secure practices is in place . In doing so , businesses can mitigate cyber-attacks by safeguarding the confidentiality and integrity of their printed materials , particularly when using remote end-devices .
There are many security vulnerabilities associated with the print ecosystem that will only be exacerbated when remote devices are brought into the mix , and proper consideration needs to be given to issues such as endpoint security , data protection , and zero trust policies . p
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