Every connected device contributes to the efficiency, and the vulnerability, of your manufacturing operations. From production scheduling to supplier contracts, printers and multifunction devices (MFDs) handle a surprising amount of sensitive information. Yet, these same devices are often left outside the scope of cybersecurity strategies.
A recent report found that 61% of organizations experienced a print-related data loss in 2023. While most manufacturers secure their networks and servers, they often overlook the printers that sit on those same networks quietly storing, transmitting, and processing sensitive data.
Why manufacturers need print security
Print security is essential in manufacturing because printers handle sensitive supply chain data such as designs, contracts, and compliance documents. Unsecured printers can expose this information to cyberattacks, data breaches, and operational disruptions.
It’s about ensuring the integrity of your supply chain data, protecting intellectual property, maintaining compliance, and avoiding costly downtime.
How unsecured printers can put supply chains at risk
Manufacturing supply chains depend on the seamless flow of accurate, confidential information - everything from engineering blueprints to supplier purchase orders. Unsecured printers can introduce vulnerabilities that threaten this flow in multiple ways:
- Exposure of sensitive data: Without secure print release or user authentication, confidential documents can be left unattended in output trays, visible to anyone passing by.
- Network intrusion: Printers connected to your corporate network can be targeted to gain unauthorized access to other systems or sensitive databases.
- Data interception: Files transmitted to or from printers without encryption can be intercepted during transfer.
- Device tampering: Outdated firmware or unmonitored devices can be manipulated to change configurations, reroute jobs, or disrupt workflows.
- Operational downtime: Malware targeting printers can stall critical documentation processes, delaying production or shipments.
Each of these issues can lead to more than lost data - they can cause lost trust. In a global supply chain where reliability is paramount, an unsecured printer can have ripple effects across your entire production ecosystem.
Key benefits of print security for manufacturers
A secure print environment does more than protect data. It safeguards your entire operation. Manufacturers who invest in print security gain:
- Protection of intellectual property and proprietary designs. Blueprints, prototypes, and technical drawings stay confidential and traceable.
- Security for customer and supplier information. Access controls prevent unauthorized users from viewing sensitive documents.
- Compliance with industry regulations. Features such as audit trails and document tracking help meet standards like ISO 27001 or SOC 2.
- Reduced downtime from cyber intrusions. Proactive monitoring and updates minimize interruptions to production.
- Stronger overall supply chain resilience. Securing every data touchpoint, including print devices, builds confidence among partners and stakeholders.
By viewing printers as integral endpoints in the security chain instead of just office tools, manufacturers can better align their cybersecurity and operational goals.
Solutions to improve print security for manufacturers
Building a secure print environment doesn’t have to be complicated. The process begins with awareness and is strengthened by consistent, layered protections.
- Conduct a print security assessment.
Identify every device on your network, its configuration, and who can access it. Many breaches stem from unmonitored or outdated printers. - Enable user authentication and secure release printing.
Require employees to authenticate using badges, PINs, or credentials before documents are released. This simple step prevents sensitive printouts from being left behind. - Encrypt print data in transit and at rest.
Ensure that information moving between workstations, servers, and printers is encrypted, and that stored data on devices is wiped regularly. - Regularly update firmware and monitor activity.
Printers need the same attention as other networked devices. Firmware updates close security gaps, while real-time monitoring detects unusual behavior early. - Educate your teams.
Employees are often the first line of defense. Training staff on secure print practices helps reduce accidental data exposure and reinforces company-wide accountability.
Organizations that implement these best practices often find that improving print security also streamlines workflows and reduces unnecessary printing - delivering both security and efficiency gains.
How managed print services support print security
Managed Print Services (MPS) make print security easier by putting strong protections in place and keeping an eye on your printers and printing processes. When manufacturers team up with a reliable managed print provider, they get expert help to keep sensitive production data safe, stay on top of compliance, and keep things running smoothly. Here’s how managed print services provide print security in manufacturing:
- Identify risks and weak spots with detailed print security checks.
- Establish user authentication and secure release printing, so only the right people can pick up documents.
- Use encryption to protect print data while it’s being sent and when it’s stored, keeping information safe from start to finish.
- Update printer firmware regularly and monitor activity to catch threats early.
- Provide ongoing monitoring and proactive support
For more actionable strategies and expert tips, download the Lean Manufacturing MPS Playbook today. Discover how a tailored Managed Print Services approach can drive efficiency and security across your manufacturing operations.
FAQs: Print security and manufacturing
Protecting your production, one print job at a time
In manufacturing, productivity depends on trust - trust in your systems, trust in your data, and trust in your partners. Printers are an often-forgotten piece of that puzzle, yet they hold the keys to sensitive information that keeps your business moving.
If you’re ready to strengthen your print environment, EO Johnson can help. Our Managed Print Services combine secure print release, encryption, user authentication, and ongoing monitoring—protecting your data, your uptime, and your peace of mind.
Contact EO Johnson today to learn how secure print solutions can protect your supply chain and power your productivity.
