Print security has become a crucial yet often neglected priority for SMEs in the face of accelerating cyber threats.
According to the latest Quocirca Print Security Landscape 2024 report, the risks to print infrastructure are mounting, driven by hybrid work environments and increasingly sophisticated attacks. As businesses continue to digitalise, you must ask whether your print security measures are evolving to match these risks.
Key Findings and Implications for SMEs
- A Rising Threat Landscape
With 71% of organisations experiencing a print-related data breach in the past year, print security must be viewed as a vital component of cybersecurity. For SMEs, a data breach can lead to more than financial loss; it can disrupt operations and damage customer trust. This statistic underscores the urgency for proactive measures that secure print devices and workflows, particularly as the boundaries between digital and physical documents blur.
- Hybrid Work’s New Security Complexities
As SMEs adopt hybrid working models, print security challenges expand beyond the office. Unsecured home printers and remote access pose considerable risks, often leaving sensitive data vulnerable to interception. The report emphasises the need for centralised print management solutions that enable secure remote printing, ensuring that all documents are safeguarded, regardless of where employees are located.
- Increasing Investment in Secure Print Solutions
Notably, over 40% of organisations intend to increase their investment in secure print technology over the next year. This trend represents a strategic opportunity for SMEs to fortify data security without the complexity of full-scale transformation. Solutions such as user authentication, encryption, and automated monitoring help businesses stay agile while protecting critical data and strengthening compliance and employee awareness of cybersecurity risks.
- The Power of AI and Automation in Security
AI-driven solutions transform print security, enabling SMEs to leverage predictive analytics and real-time threat detection with minimal resources. These technologies offer an essential advantage for organisations looking to future-proof their print environments, reducing human error and ensuring compliance with evolving data protection regulations. With print-related breaches becoming more complex, automation can deliver rapid responses that empower SMEs to operate confidently.
Transforming Print Security from a Challenge to a Strategic Advantage
SMEs have a unique opportunity to turn print security into a strategic asset rather than a reactive concern. By working with print security specialists who understand the nuanced needs of smaller businesses, organisations can adopt tailored solutions that grow with their needs while ensuring regulatory compliance and data integrity.
At Pinnacle, we specialise in helping organisations of all sizes navigate the print security landscape with expert guidance and customised, secure solutions. Discover how we can support your business in building a resilient, compliant print environment that aligns with your growth ambitions.
We are here to explore tailored solutions that protect your data and prepare you for tomorrow’s security challenges. By investing in a forward-thinking print security strategy, SMEs can secure their data and gain a competitive edge—ensuring they are prepared for the digital challenges.