Article Cybercriminals Are on the Prowl: HP Wolf Security Keeps Printers Protected
Explore world-class print security that’s always on the lookout.
By Isabel Ticlo / 25 Oct 2021 / Topics: Endpoint management Mobility
With more employees working from home, cybercriminals are prowling endpoints for gaps in data protection. Users everywhere are upping their screentime, and hackers are taking notice. In fact, since the start of the 2020 pandemic, cyberattacks have increased 400%.
Whether it’s via a malicious email, bad link or fake profile, all it takes is one click for an infiltrator to bypass enterprise-level defenses. Now, more than ever, businesses need to stay one step ahead with embedded, fortified security features.
A new breed of endpoint security
Home offices may not be well equipped to meet cybersecurity expectations, even if their employer provides Virtual Private Network (VPN) access, because personal Wi-Fi networks and connected devices remain potential targets. Hybrid work therefore demands diligent monitoring and teamwork between employees and IT departments to make sure every endpoint is verified and outfitted to defend against evolving threats.
Common security risks at large:
- Phishing emails: Hackers often masquerade as a trusted friend or colleague in order to entice their victims to share sensitive information, either about the individual themselves or the company they work for.
- Ransomware attacks: Usually through encryption, these attacks will threaten or block access to a user’s critical data or computer system. In order to regain said access, the victim company will need to pay the ransom.
- Unsecured networks: If a third party is able to intercept and access a personal network, all of the emails, files and passwords stored on that device become fair game. Similarly, employees who use their work devices for personal projects, or who transfer work files to personal drives, may be creating more pathways of entry for attackers.
Protecting the pack: Printers first
Printers are a massive piece of the security puzzle, especially knowing that 64% of Information Technology Decision-Makers (ITDMs) reported data loss from unsecured printing practices within the first six months of remote working. Think about it: Printers receive critical files every single day, ranging from banking records to documents containing personally identifiable information. In fact, today, “71% of employees are accessing more company data, more frequently, from home … than they did pre-pandemic,” including customer and operational data (43%) and financial and HR records (23% each).
Whether you have a wired or wireless device, sending these critical documents to the printer itself generally requires a Wi-Fi connection — which is what hackers are hungry for because it creates an avenue for them to break through.
In order to prepare for worst-case scenarios, companies can start by training employees on proper security protocols for these print devices. Users both at home and in the office will need to know which red flags to look out for — including disabled firewalls, default passwords, unsecured networks, outdated software and more. Once confidence is instilled here, businesses can turn their attention to upgrading their print fleet to ensure optimal protection against backdoor intruders. One solution worth investing in is HP Wolf Security — a solution built on more than 20 years of security research and innovation.
From self-healing firmware and in-memory breach detection to threat containment via isolation, HP Wolf Security for business reduces attack surfaces and enables remote recovery from firmware incidents. It’s designed to help fill the gaps where security teams run into uncertainty. After all, while 96% of organizations increased their cybersecurity spending in 2020, 78% still stated that they lacked confidence in their IT security posture. HP Wolf Security can help provide peace of mind.
Keeping the wolves at bay
So, what does it mean to have smart security for your printers? Layers of hardened security built on cyber-resilience are a good place to start. And, with a myriad of things top of mind for today’s remote workers, it helps to have printers that can defend themselves thanks to HP Wolf Security. Top printer security features include:
- HP Sure Start: This technology works behind the scenes and after hours by validating the integrity of the BIOS whenever you power on your device. If you’re working, so is HP Sure Start. When a threat is detected, a safe “golden copy” BIOS will be implemented upon automatic restart.
- Run-time intrusion detection: Real-time, 24/7 monitoring keeps data out of the wrong hands by detecting and stopping attacks as they arise. Any anomaly found will trigger an instant reboot alongside the self-healing process.
- Whitelisting: By now, you’re probably well aware that a single, compromised network will expose the entire system. By ensuring the functions, controls and security codes of your printer are tamper-free, whitelisting maintains authentication across printers.
- HP Connection Inspector: There’s no stopping attackers once they get that first foot in the door. Having a powerful inspector to monitor outgoing network connections means that suspicious requests are less likely to sneak by undetected.
- HP Security Manager: If a reboot is required, this will make sure everything is where it’s supposed to be and all the right boxes are checked off. If something seems fishy, the solution will make adjustments in the device’s security settings.
The self-healing capabilities detailed above address the four primary steps in the cycle of security for an automatic reboot: checking the operating code, checking firmware, checking printer settings and providing continuous monitoring. Together, these processes act as the first line of defense against impeding attacks.
Safeguard your systems.
Cybercriminals have a nasty bite, so don’t let up on your cybersecurity best practices even for a second. This is especially imperative as the lines between home and office environments continue to blur and create new risks. Hackers will stay nearby, waiting for the moment you grow weary. So, stay ahead of the threat, remain vigilant, and keep your passwords, photos, scans and prints for your eyes only with HP Wolf Security.
Ensure your teams stay secure. Leverage always-on, always-watching print security from Insight and HP.
Key takeaways
- Cyberattacks increased 400% since the start of the 2020 pandemic.
- Print security is key to keeping sensitive business data safe at work and at home.
- HP Wolf Security is designed to deliver 24/7, stress-free protection anytime, anywhere.
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