Today, it is paramount that businesses of all sizes take the adequate steps to protect themselves from hacking attempts and data breaches. One thing that is often overlooked, however, is a business’ printing network.

There are multiple risks that come along with using a network printer, and those risks are multiplied when your network printing isn’t properly secured. Here are 7 ways to be sure your printers are protected:

Unplug

The most effective way to eliminate the risks associated with having a shared network printer is to unplug it. In other words, don’t make it a network printer. If your business will be able to manage with the printer directly connected to one computer via the USB port, there is no reason to open your business up to the risks of having a network printer. This will keep your printer’s access, and the things you print, private.

Use a Password

Just about every network printer out there can be accessed remotely by entering in a password. This is the most important step you can ever take in protecting your network printer: Change the default password to something unique! Failing to do so is an easy backdoor for anyone wanting access to it.

Firmware

You might not think that you need to worry about updating your printer’s firmware, but the reason why manufacturers release updates is so they can patch security issues. Not updating means your printer will have known security gaps that can cause real issues.

Secure Everything

You need to manage your printers by regularly updating passwords, checking for firmware updates, and securing access to your printer(s). Also, be sure to have a firewall setup so your printer isn’t vulnerable to outside probing and attacks, and also be certain to secure your Wi-Fi networks.

These things will help you secure your infrastructure, but you also need to be sure to secure both your data and the printers themselves. Go beyond changing the default password and also be sure to implement access control. If your printer has a hard drive, it should be encrypted. After a print job is complete, be sure that all traces of it are erased from the printer’s memory and hard drive. When securing your data, be certain that you only send print jobs across a properly secured network. Use encryption at all times.

If you take these precautionary steps to protect your printing network, your business will be significantly more protected from potential security breaches. Perhaps most importantly of all, be sure to inform your employees about proper protocol and demonstrate to them what a secure printing process looks like. Detail extra steps they need to follow in securing data, and always keep them up-to-date on the best security practices.