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Wednesday, January 25, 2017

Security Advisory for your Printer

Priceless Ink & Toner


This question is coming up more and more.

Can someone "Hack My Printer" to retrieve sensitive information?

 

We don't want to be Alarmist but the answer is YES they can.

Protecting yourself even through your printer is a wise decision. Here's what is accessible on most printers that store documents into memory or are connected through a Network with access shared with other work stations.

 

1. Out right document theft!
2. Snooping on network printer traffic
3. Print settings can be altered
4. Printer hacking and denial of service

 

Hackers can (and will) install malware to gain further access to your saved files and documents.

Here's the reason, we are bringing up this unpleasant topic. Recently, there has been quite a number of mergers and acquisitions in the Imaging Industry. We think you should know about the "Big One" that was approved recently.

Lexmark has been fully acquired by a Chinese firm called Apex Technology (a Government controlled enterprise).

Lexmark has been historically successful, in selling their printer equipment into our Government Agencies, Hospitals, Healthcare Facilities, Banking Institutions, Schools, Universities and many Private Industries. With today's high risk factor and concerns on hacking being discussed throughout the news cycle, we wanted to bring this one fact to everyone's attention. (This may not concern some but for many an ounce of protection is certainly worth it)

Don't allow the Printer Manufacturer to automatically download any new "Firmware" (software) into your computer or Network under the premise of an "update". Review the printer settings and uncheck the auto update feature.

These updates will not make your printer work any better but could provide access to your computer or a company's network and also lock you out or limit your choices of supplies you may be using.

Currently, there is ongoing class action lawsuit filed against Hewlett Packard for intentionally locking out tens of thousands of customers using aftermarket supplies without providing any warning or asking permission. Some companies just want to control you and your equipment.

Stay tuned for our next article on Printer Security...


Priceless Ink & Toner
Price-less Inkjet Cartridge Co.
3718 Tamiami Trail, Suite D
Port Charlotte, FL 33952
CONTACT
Phone: (941) 766 1200
Fax: (941) 766 0238


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Thursday, January 19, 2017

4 Print & Document Trends To Consider In 2017

If digital transformation is not on your New Year’s resolution list, it should be. This includes changing operations to take advantage of technologies such as cloud and software as a service (SaaS), as well as ensuring the security of these services.

Some businesses are sluggish to realize the benefits of extending this approach to print and digital document workflows or have overlooked it altogether. In 2017, there is a phenomenal opportunity for organizations to reap the benefits of the latest advances to drastically improve productivity, reduce costs, and increase document security.

Gartner says print services typically consume 1 to 3 percent of IT’s overall budget. Businesses that adopt digital transformation tools can reduce their spending in this area by up to 50 percent and use those savings on other IT projects. Following are four print and document trends organizations should consider in 2017.

1. Cloud-based enterprise services on the rise. IT departments are rapidly integrating with cloud-based services to reduce costs and meet the needs of remote and mobile workers. Consequently, enterprises are using hybrid or full public cloud services to integrate with their existing on premise systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), print services, and document repositories. In 2017, organizations should expect all enterprise software solution providers to have a cloud-based option.

2. Subscription-based models for print management. SaaS is not a new concept, but mature industries such as the print and document imaging industry have been slower than others to adopt it. In 2017, savvy customers looking for ways to efficiently manage infrastructure and operating costs will request SaaS for their print management.

3. Managed Print Services (MPS) for digital transformation. Recent research has revealed 80 percent of respondents who utilize MPS were looking to grow strategically through efficiency in digital transformation. As a result, customers are expecting more from their MPS providers in order to utilize their smart multifunction printers (MFPs) and interconnected software to support digitization initiatives. These often use direct integration with enterprise content management (ECM) and include automated document workflows to support the transition to paperless operations and to support an increasingly mobile staff.
MPS also helps you improve document security. Every day, organizations are at risk of document security risks they may not have even thought of: the MFP. It prints, scans, and copies an organization’s most sensitive information, and may be the place where all previous security efforts are rendered useless because confidential data is going undetected. In 2017, the same attention to security that is afforded to other IT areas will be needed for document handling to ensure a more comprehensive risk mitigation strategy. In 2017, businesses should demand MPS providers help deliver their digital transformation.

4. Increased 3D printing solutions. The rise of 3D printing, especially in education, will continue. With the right strategy, 3D printers can do more than just introduce modern technology into the education process. They are particularly valuable when it comes to strengthening students’ motivation to learn. While 3D printer adoption will continue, 2017 will see a demand for tools that help educators manage access and costs. Additionally, as multiple 3D printers arrive on their network, efficient workflows and the ability to recover costs through student pay-to-print options will be required.

Source: bsminfo.com

Need 3D printer supplies? Visit www.priceless-inkjet.com/3d-supplies

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About Priceless Ink & Toner Company

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Priceless Ink & Toner Company
Since 1999 we have been a major supplier of original brand (OEM), compatible replacement and remanufactured Premium Quality inkjet cartridges, laser toner cartridges and other printer supplies. Our customers range in size and include the United States Government, small and large businesses, schools and individuals. Each of our customers is equally important to us and is treated with the same friendly professionalism. Visit us at Price Less Inkjet Cartridge Co.