Most businesses today have at least one wireless printer, scanner, copier or multifunction device in their office. Unfortunately, many businesses overlook the vulnerability of wireless devices on their network leaving them open to attack. The damage of unprotected wireless devices in your office can be devastating and can impact much more than just the device; without a firewall in place, you're granting open access to your entire network for anyone who hacks into your printer. A skilled hacker can retrieve anything on the network: proprietary information, employee personal data, anything. They can install malware or viruses and corrupt other devices, even take down your entire network. Unfortunately once this happens, there is little you can do. You can protect yourself by taking a proactive approach. Securing your wireless printer is an important first step. Here are four of the most important areas to focus on: 1. Install Firewalls - A firewall adds an extra layer of security to protect your network from hackers trying to access print devices. If they can crack into the printer, they won't be able to go any further easily. 2. Clean Hard Drives Regularly - Your printer has a hard drive. Clean it frequently, daily if possible. This way if anyone does manage to break into the device, they will not obtain much information, making their efforts fruitless and leading them to go elsewhere. 3. Encrypt Your Network - Encryption protects information as it travels from device to device. Strong encryption, like SSL, ensures that even if access is gained, the data is undecipherable. 4. Limit Access - Keep control of your network. Only allow known devices that are authorized access. ALWAYS! Like any other technology, wireless offers advantages as [...]
