Is Your Multifunction Printer’s Hard Drive at Risk?

http://multifunction%20printer

There’s so much to know when it comes to printer security that it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. However, there’s one simple thing you can do that will make a huge difference–but many companies don’t realize it. Read on to find out why something as small as your multifunction printer’s hard drive can be key to your security procedures!

Hard Drives in Peril

Your multifunction printer is on your side. Its job is to work hard while making your life easier–and one of the ways it does that is by saving and storing data about what you print. Now, this may sound nefarious, but the truth is that multifunction printers do this in order to process information quickly and efficiently, not to take down your business from the inside. However, that doesn’t mean someone else isn’t trying to do just that. Hackers will often target unprotected printers, hoping to access the gold mine of a neglected hard drive overflowing with sensitive information.

Get Tech Savvy

Don’t rush to crush that hard drive! Here are a few safe and savvy ways to protect your hard drives without impacting printer performance.

Overwrite.

If you’re returning a leased multifunction printer, it’s important to overwrite or “flush” the hard drive before it leaves your care. Don’t send sensitive data out the door!

Encrypt.

Encryption protects what’s on your hard drive just in case a hacker gains access. It makes data unreadable to anyone who isn’t meant to have it, which is excellent news for your printer security.

Plan.

There are three types of hard drive management you can take advantage of:

  • immediate, which automatically overwrites hard drive data;

  • regular, which is scheduled just like printer maintenance and clears your hard drive completely,

  • and complete, which empties your hard drive at the snap of your fingers.

It’s best to combine these approaches to complete hard drive protection.

Want to learn more multifunction printer tips and security tricks? Contact us today to get started!