Did you know that 78% of businesses across Australia and New Zealand have experienced a print-related security breach in the last two years?

It’s a figure that highlights an alarming trend – and a serious wake-up call.

A recent study by IDC Asia/Pacific, shows just how widespread these incidents are. Nearly 4 in 10 organisations admitted to facing multiple breaches, painting a clear picture: print-related vulnerabilities are being exploited more than ever. Printer cybersecurity is often overlooked, yet these breaches show just how vulnerable the modern print environment really is. But with so many businesses affected, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking breaches are inevitable.

That kind of thinking is dangerous.

Complacency is the Real Risk.

Accepting breaches as part of doing business means security takes a back seat—and that can leave your organisation wide open to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. From phishing and ransomware to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) campaigns, the threat landscape is expanding. And so is the cost: financially, reputationally, and operationally.

What’s more concerning? Despite the obvious risks, only one-third of organisations in the study expressed high confidence in their current print and document security setup. Meanwhile, consequences like lost productivity (38.5%), brand damage (34.6%), and financial hits (30.8%) continue to mount.

If 2025 is going to be any different, it’s time to step up your print security strategy.

5 Steps to Strengthen Your Print Security

1. Conduct Regular Print Security Audits

Start by understanding your vulnerabilities. Scheduled print security assessments help you uncover weak spots, outdated settings, and configuration flaws. If your print environment is diverse or older, these checks are even more crucial. A professional print security assessment can safeguard sensitive data by uncovering risks before attackers exploit them.

2. Stay on Top of Security Updates

Unpatched software is one of the easiest ways for attackers to break in. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) frequently issues alerts about threats—some even targeting printer systems. Ensure firmware and software updates are part of your routine maintenance.

3. Promote a Security-First Culture

Technology alone isn’t enough. Security awareness starts with people. Train your staff to follow safe printing practices, like using secure release printing, avoiding unattended documents, and following password protocols.

4. Protect Your Endpoints—Printers Included

Modern printers are smart, connected, and often overlooked in cybersecurity plans. Yet, they can serve as entry points for attackers. Implement user authentication, encryption, and secure network configurations to lock them down.

5. Get Expert Help with a Security Assessment

Not sure where your business stands? A professional print security audit can reveal blind spots you might miss internally—and provide tailored strategies to improve protection across your print fleet.

Final Thoughts

Print cybersecurity is often overlooked, yet it’s a common entry point for cyber threats. With breaches on the rise, taking simple steps—like regular audits, patch updates, and secure print practices—can make a big difference. Businesses that ignore print-related data breaches risk financial loss, reputational damage, and lost productivity—all of which can be prevented with stronger print security strategies. Don’t wait for a breach to act. Strengthen your print environment now and stay ahead of potential risks.