Print security is increasingly critical in today’s digital-first landscape, especially for SMEs.
According to the Quocirca Print Security Landscape 2024 report, print security risks are mounting, fuelled by hybrid work models and more sophisticated cyber threats. As businesses adapt and grow, it’s essential to ask whether your print security measures are robust enough to meet these evolving challenges.
Key Findings and Strategic Implications for SMEs
- A Rising Threat Landscape
With 71% of organisations reporting print-related data breaches in the last year, it’s clear that print security is no longer a secondary concern. For SMEs, these breaches don’t just mean financial loss—they can disrupt operations, erode customer trust, and damage reputation. This statistic underlines the urgency for proactive security measures to comprehensively secure print devices and workflows, especially as digital and physical documentation becomes more integrated.
- Hybrid Work’s New Security Complexities
As SMEs embrace hybrid working models, print security challenges expand beyond office walls. Unsecured home printers and remote access often expose sensitive data to significant risks. The report stresses the importance of centralised print management solutions that ensure secure remote printing and safeguard all document workflows, no matter where employees are located.
- Increasing Investment in Secure Print Solutions
Over 40% of organisations plan to increase investment in secure print technology over the next year—a trend SMEs can leverage to boost their data protection strategies. User authentication, encryption, and automated monitoring provide scalable security, enabling businesses to protect data while enhancing compliance and building employee cybersecurity awareness.
- AI and Automation for Enhanced Print Security
AI-driven solutions are reshaping print security, allowing SMEs to utilise predictive analytics and real-time threat detection even with limited resources. AI and automation offer invaluable advantages for organisations looking to future-proof their print environments, reducing the likelihood of human error and ensuring compliance with increasingly strict data protection standards. As print-related breaches grow in complexity, automated responses can help SMEs operate securely and confidently.
Turning Print Security from a Challenge into a Strategic Advantage
SMEs have a unique opportunity to transform print security into a strategic advantage. By collaborating with experts who understand the specific needs of SMEs, organisations can adopt tailored print security solutions that align with their growth and compliance objectives.
Ethos is committed to helping organisations of all sizes navigate today’s print security landscape with expert guidance and customised, secure solutions. Discover how we can help you build a resilient, compliant print environment designed to scale with your ambitions. Reach out to Ethos to explore tailored solutions that protect your data and prepare you for tomorrow’s print security challenges.
By investing in a proactive print security strategy, SMEs can safeguard their data, enhance trust, and gain a competitive edge that prepares them for future digital challenges.