Why Bring Your Own Printer could be a recipe for trouble
Within a modern, productive hybrid workspace program is a plan for distributed printing. This should be directed by the organization's IT management, but recent surveys show that most remote workers use their home printers and networks to print work documents. Download this eye-opening solution brief showing how "Bring Your Own Printer" is a recipe for trouble.
What are the security risks of BYOP?
Using personal printers, known as Bring Your Own Printer (BYOP), can expose organizations to significant security risks. Many home printers lack robust security features, and poor personal security habits, such as not changing default credentials, can make them vulnerable. A study found that 56% of internet-connected printers tested were susceptible to cyber-attacks, which could allow attackers to gain access to sensitive documents stored in the printer's memory.
How does BYOP affect compliance?
BYOP can lead to compliance violations, particularly when employees print confidential information like payroll or medical records at home. With varying printer makes and models, tracking these prints becomes challenging. Only 1 in 3 employers currently monitor printed documents, which raises concerns about ensuring that sensitive information is handled securely and in compliance with regulations such as HIPAA or GDPR.
Can BYOP impact productivity?
While remote work has generally boosted productivity, BYOP can hinder it. Consumer printers often perform at lower levels than enterprise printers, with remote workers missing features like faster print speeds. Additionally, employees must manage their own printers, leading to potential downtime due to maintenance or supply issues. This setup can disrupt workflows and limit access to productivity-enhancing applications typically available on enterprise printers.