Print-related security incidents commonplace: report

Research from Konica Minolta Australia has found that 56% of Australian organisations and 52% of New Zealand organisations experienced a print-related security incident during the past 12 months, highlighting significant gaps in print security governance despite continued investment in cybersecurity across networks, endpoints and cloud environments.

The research, based on a survey of 400 senior IT decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand, is the first in a three-part digital workplace research series developed in partnership with global analyst firm Omdia.

“These figures genuinely surprised us,” said John Harding, General Manager – Managed Services, Konica Minolta Australia. “Organisations have invested heavily in strengthening their cybersecurity posture, yet the research shows print continues to sit outside many governance frameworks. Print environments have become an integral part of the broader IT ecosystem and should be managed with the same level of governance and security oversight.”

While organisations continue investing in cybersecurity and securing networks, endpoints and cloud environments, the report suggests print environments have not kept pace with broader governance and security practices.

The report identifies several areas where print security risks are increasing. Hybrid work has created new vulnerabilities around home and remote printing, while longstanding control gaps such as inconsistent authentication and limited use of secure release printing continue to expose sensitive information.

The findings also highlight the growing importance of print security. As print environments become more connected to cloud platforms, business applications and identity systems, organisations are placing greater weight on security controls when selecting technology providers. Almost three-quarters (72%) of Australian organisations and 61% of New Zealand organisations expect to increase investment in print security over the next 12 months.

“Modern print environments process, store and transmit sensitive information every day. Strengthening print security does not always require a complete technology overhaul,” said Paul Colarelli, Product Marketing Manager, Konica Minolta Australia. “For many organisations, the priority is to strengthen authentication, apply security controls consistently, and manage print as part of the broader cybersecurity strategy.”

Among the most common print security challenges identified by the research are home and remote printing vulnerabilities, unsecured print jobs left on devices, inconsistent authentication across sites, and gaps in secure release printing. These findings highlight the need to strengthen print security as part of broader cyber resilience strategies.

“The research shows that even in a well-known vector like cloud printing that we continue to suffer from incidents and operational resilience challenges,” said Trevor Clarke, Chief Analyst, Omdia. “The survey results show we expect the AI era to introduce more risks and security threats; however, we can’t let our pursuit of the new (such as agentic AI) reduce our vigilance on keeping traditional communication channels secure.”

The report outlines practical opportunities for organisations to strengthen print security, from reviewing remote printing policies and implementing secure release printing to maintaining device security and integrating print into broader cybersecurity frameworks. The findings reinforce that print can no longer be treated as standalone office infrastructure. It needs to be managed as part of the broader information environment and digital workplace strategy.

‘The security mandate: Protecting modern print’ report is available to download here.

Image credit: iStock.com/serts