Today, the list of technology-related security challenges facing businesses appears very lengthy indeed. Yet enterprises of every size simply cannot afford to overlook these issues. Most experts recommend including all office equipment usage protocols in a firm’s master plan for bolstering information technology security (including printer repair and service). This article discusses the need to consider two broad categories of potential weaknesses when evaluating printer security.
Two Potential Achilles Heels?
The ancient Greet poet Homer described a warrior named Achilles as invincible, except for one heel. According to legend, his mother had immersed him in the magical River Styx as a baby in order to render him secure against an adversary’s weapons. The water coated his entire body, except for a tiny area where she held him by one heel. Achilles later perished when an arrow pierced this one vulnerable spot.
To this day, an “Achilles Heel” frequently refers to an undetected fatal weakness. In terms of the security issues surrounding their printing services, modern businesses must address not one, but two distinct potential sources of failure: technology and human behavior. Managers benefit by considering both of these crucial elements in formulating detailed plans to prevent data breaches.
A Pervasive Problem
The Insurance Information Institute cites chilling research concerning the scope of identity fraud and data theft. Reportedly, this problem reached a new level during 2017, when a staggering 16.7 million people became victims of criminal activity caused by stolen identity information. Last year, several different types of identity frauds concerned large numbers of consumers:
- New and existing credit card account fraud;
- Miscellaneous fraud (including social media, email, and medical account fraud);
- Tax fraud;
- New mobile phone account fraud.
This situation holds serious implications for businesses of all sizes due to the widespread nature of the problem. Protecting a firm, its employees, it business partners, and its customers from data thefts today requires proactive planning.
Surprisingly, some research indicates small businesses often represent primary targets of identity thieves. These companies reportedly account for 62% of data breaches. They often lack the robust IT security measures developed by large corporations.
Include Office Printers And Printer Repair Services in Security Planning
Security experts encourage businesses to incorporate every aspect of their printing and copying machines in their information technology security planning. Today, most printers form components within IT networks. These machines possess the capability to retain information of potential interest to identity thieves on their hard drives: social security numbers, credit card numbers, driver’s licenses, and other personal data. Choosing a trustworthy repair service which implements security planning has never proved more essential!
