HP Inc. released The Workflow Wakeup report, which takes a comprehensive look at how everyday technologies, including printers, can help small businesses improve security and prepare for the future of work.
As Indian small and medium businesses (SMBs) modernize their workplaces, cybersecurity is increasingly becoming a boardroom priority. However, the Report finds that print security remains a critical gap within many SMB’s cyber defense strategies. A new study of 200 IT Decision Makers and 600 knowledge workers in India shows that 51% of SMBs say print security is a low priority in cybersecurity strategies.
Ipsita Dasgupta, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, HP India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, said, “As India’s MSMEs digitize and adopt hybrid ways of working, cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue, it is a business risk. To compete globally, our MSMEs need to move toward an ecosystem where security is built in by design and integrated across every touchpoint, from the cloud to devices in the workplace, including printers. As technology partners, we have a critical role to play in helping MSMEs embed security across their technology environments, enabling them to reduce risk and build resilient businesses with confidence.”
Key findings from HP’s SMB study include:
- Policies don’t work or are bypassed: Over half (52%) of SMBs see users trying to bypass print rules or restrictions, while 52% worry existing document processes could lead to a data or privacy issue. A further 49% lack visibility into who prints what and where, while 40% are unsure if print security meets industry compliance standards.
- Print security assumed: 75% of knowledge workers assume printers on the office network are secure, while 48% don’t think of printers as a security threat. However, 49% do worry about printing confidential information and the wrong person finding it.
Despite low prioritization, 71% of SMBs acknowledge that print security needs improvement, and 61% frequently worry about the security risks that outdated systems pose. Their top five printer security concerns include:
- Cybersecurity risks linked to connected printers
- Employees misprinting, misfiling and mishandling sensitive materials
- Keeping the organization’s entire fleet of printers secure
- Unauthorized access to print files or queues
- Cloud vulnerabilities related to scanned documents
The data also suggests these risks are addressable when organizations put the right controls in place. Of SMBs that have adopted smart printing technology, 88% say that smart printing has made their organization more secure. Respondents cite three key reasons: providing clearer visibility into printing and scanning activity across users and locations (90%), meeting compliance and security standards (85%), and enforcing smart rules and restrictions more effectively (83%).
“Printers today operate as connected endpoints within modern IT environments. Without the right visibility, access controls and policy enforcement, they can introduce risk into everyday document workflows. Smart printing technology helps strengthen printer security, enhance compliance, and protect sensitive information — while maintaining operational efficiency”, Satish Kumar, Senior Director, Print Category, HP India added.
Prashant Chaudhary
An android fan and A Computer Engineer who fell in love with the world of Internet Marketing. Worked on different SEO techniques for small to large Internet properties at Initial days of my Career. I am in love with my passion for Blogging and running several blogs in variety of category.
