Lexmark Elevates Global Print Security Services to Combat Rising Cyber Threats

Lexmark Enhances Global Print Security Services

In a landscape increasingly plagued by cyber threats, Lexmark, a prominent leader in imaging and IoT solutions, has just broadened its Security Services to cater to enterprise print customers globally. This initiative aims to bolster the defenses of businesses against an evolving array of cyberattacks by specifically addressing the often-overlooked vulnerabilities associated with print devices.

Uncovering Print Device Vulnerabilities

Lexmark’s enhanced service offering emphasizes the significance of print devices, which are frequently neglected on enterprise networks. As highlighted by Bryan Willett, Lexmark's Chief Information Security Officer, unmaintained printers can become easy targets for malicious actors seeking sensitive information or routes into corporate networks. The newly expanded Lexmark Security Services are rooted in a “Secure by Design” strategy aimed at mitigating risks and protecting organizational data.

Recent research from Quocirca’s Print Security Landscape 2024 reports that a staggering two-thirds of organizations have suffered print-related data breaches, with financial repercussions soaring over 1 million British pounds (approximately $1.26 million) per incident, marking a 38% increase from the previous year. This surge underscores the urgent need for comprehensive assessments of print security, as less than 40% of IT decision-makers reported conducting formal evaluations of their print environments.

Key Components of Lexmark Security Services

Lexmark Security Services is designed around three main pillars:

1. Security Consulting: Lexmark’s security specialists work alongside the client's IT teams to meticulously audit and enhance their print environment’s security. This includes an in-depth analysis of device configurations, firmware versions, and user permissions to establish a tailored security baseline aligned with industry best practices.

2. Security Assessment: Through comprehensive evaluations, Lexmark’s experts assess either remotely or on-site, gathering vital data related to firmware versions and security settings. This assessment generates a scorecard outlining potential risks and recommended corrective measures, effectively illuminating the state of the client’s print environment security.

3. Configuration Management: For organizations short on time or resources, Lexmark offers managed services for implementing recommended mitigation strategies. This involves not only maintaining uniform settings across potentially thousands of devices but also overseeing regular firmware updates. Lexmark ensures that daily monitoring of connected devices is conducted remotely, alleviating the security management burden from clients.

Positive Feedback from Early Adopters

Initial deployments of Lexmark Security Services across North America and Europe have received favorable responses for their user-friendly approach and effectiveness in meeting security needs. Paul Vanderwall, cybersecurity team manager at Gordon Food Service, remarked on the clarity of the Lexmark Printer Security Assessment, noting how informative and actionable the findings were. Additionally, Jerry Counts, director of information security at Graybar, acknowledged the pressing nature of printer security issues and commended Lexmark for streamlining the process of securing these devices.

Conclusion

Lexmark continues to lead in innovating solutions that not only enhance operational efficiencies but also safeguard organizations from growing cybersecurity threats. Their comprehensive approach to print security represents a crucial step in securing corporate networks against the evolving landscape of cyber threats. With Lexmark Security Services, enterprises now have a robust resource to tackle vulnerabilities posed by neglected print infrastructures, ensuring their data and network integrity withstand external threats.

To discover more about Lexmark Security Services and their Secure by Design philosophy, explore their resources online.