Print Security Is Just As Important As Cyber Security

The importance of print security often takes a backseat to the overwhelming focus on cybersecurity. However, print security remains a critical aspect of data protection, especially for businesses that rely on outsourced print management companies. While outsourcing print-related tasks can offer numerous benefits, it also introduces potential vulnerabilities that could compromise sensitive information. In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of print security when using an outsourced print management company and explore some essential measures businesses can take to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of their printed documents.

Data Protection and Confidentiality:

Regardless of the industry, businesses often handle confidential information that needs to be printed, such as financial reports, customer data, legal documents, or internal memos. When outsourcing print management, these sensitive documents are entrusted to a third-party service provider. Therefore, it is crucial to establish robust security protocols and contractual agreements to safeguard against unauthorised access, theft, or mishandling of confidential data. The print management company must adhere to strict data protection regulations and industry best practices to ensure the privacy of the information they handle.

Physical Security Measures:

Print security is not limited to digital threats alone. Physical security plays a vital role in protecting printed documents. Outsourced print management companies should have stringent access controls, video surveillance, and other physical security measures in place to prevent unauthorised personnel from accessing sensitive documents. These measures include secure storage facilities, restricted access areas, and properly trained staff who understand the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of printed materials.

Secure Printing Infrastructure:

Printers and multifunction devices (MFDs) are potential weak points in print security. By using an outsourced print management company, businesses can leverage the expertise of professionals who specialise in implementing and maintaining secure printing infrastructures. This includes securing network connections, implementing encryption protocols, and employing secure print release mechanisms to prevent unauthorised individuals from intercepting or retrieving sensitive documents from print queues.

Secure Document Disposal:

The disposal of printed materials is often overlooked but poses a significant risk if not handled correctly. Outsourced print management companies should have proper procedures in place to ensure secure document disposal, such as shredding or incineration, to prevent sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. It is essential to establish clear guidelines and audit mechanisms to verify that these procedures are followed diligently.

Regulatory Compliance:

Many industries, such as healthcare, finance, and legal sectors, are subject to stringent regulatory requirements regarding data protection and privacy. When outsourcing print management, businesses must ensure that the service provider complies with relevant regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), or Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS). Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to severe legal and financial consequences.

As businesses increasingly turn to outsourced print management companies, it is crucial to recognise the importance of print security. Protecting sensitive information and maintaining the trust of customers, clients, and partners should be a top priority. By implementing stringent security measures, businesses can ensure that their confidential documents are handled with the utmost care and safeguarded against unauthorised access or disclosure. Working closely with outsourced print management companies that prioritise print security and comply with relevant regulations is essential to create a robust print security framework and minimise the risks associated with outsourcing print-related tasks. Remember, print security should never be overlooked, as a comprehensive data protection strategy encompasses both digital and physical aspects of information security.

CDP Financial and Security Printing

CDP are experts in financial and security printing, with our APAC accreditation and our Inland Revenue Certificate of Approval, we guarantee that any item printed is not only compliant with all regulations pertaining to financial print but is also expertly designed.

When it comes to financial and security printing, you can rest assured that you will receive the best, most secure, and cost-efficient service around.

To learn more about this, look at our “Financial and Security Printing” page. Contact us directly if you’d like to enquire or get more information.