A few years ago, no one thought they'd have to redesign their entire business plan around a pandemic. Now, however, everyone is facing new challenges and expectations--and without a "rulebook" for a post-pandemic world, companies like yours are bound to have questions.
Today, we're taking a closer look at print security and what you can do to protect your machines from everything that comes with the often-cited "new normal."
New Print Risks From the Pandemic
Print security always has been and always will be a critical part of the business world--but it took on an entirely new identity thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. That's because business itself was forced to change, and printing along with it; naturally, new risks emerged and companies had to face unprecedented challenges.
Here's a look at just a few print security problems spawned during the pandemic:
- Rapid change
When COVID-19 first hit, businesses scrambled to make arrangements in the midst of restrictions and stay-at-home orders. All this rapid change led many to adopt a "whatever works" approach--and while that might have gotten you through the worst days of the pandemic, it probably opened you up to a lot of risks. That's because changing too quickly makes it difficult to keep track of all your print security elements, especially when your focus is elsewhere.
- Remote workforces
Remote workforces have a lot to offer, but they come with print security risks, too. For example, home offices may not have the same level of protection as on-site environments, which means unsecured devices may be connecting to your printers.
- Scams
It wouldn't be a print security discussion without a few words on digital bad-guys, right? Unfortunately, the pandemic led to new kinds of cybercrime that companies weren't expecting--like scam calls related to COVID-19. These new approaches are just one more challenge of a post-pandemic world.
How to Improve Your Print Security the Smart Way
Although it's easy to get stressed out by all those risks and considerations, there's good news: You don't have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. Instead, you can get smart about print security and built new approaches that won't flinch in the face of new challenges. The pandemic changed just about everything; here's how to let it change your print security in a good way:
#1: Adapt, don't panic.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by pandemic risks, you might be tempted to completely redesign your print security approach. Instead, take a deep breath and remember that many of these new challenges share roots with the same issues you've always faced. All you have to do is make sure your print security solutions are broad enough to protect you no matter what that scam call looks like or how many different home offices connect to your network.
#2: Try managed print services.
Managed print services is a great tool for navigating new print security needs. A managed print provider can help you analyze your current environment and make changes that support your post-pandemic reality--for example, implementing a zero-trust policy to make mobile printing more secure.
#3: Don't be afraid to simplify.
If you do a lot of remote or hybrid work, you might still be using many of the solutions you chose to get you through the pandemic. Now that things are settling down, it's smart to simplify and get rid of anything that doesn't create a stronger print security environment. Consolidate devices, get rid of redundant software solutions, and make sure you have policies in place so everyone interacts with your printers in the right ways.
#4: Anticipate change.
The pandemic isn't exactly over, which means more change might be on the horizon. To keep from falling back into that "whatever works" approach, build flexibility into your print security solutions. That means choosing a framework that allows new technology to be added and new threats to be dodged.
Print security changed a lot during COVID-19, just like everything else. However, with the right approach, you can make sure that change was for the better.
Are you worried about post-pandemic print security? Want more tech tips? Contact us today for all the help you need!
