#USA #Dallas #Cybersecurity #Symphion #Printer Protection

Addressing Printer Security Gaps: Symphion’s Innovative Offerings

In an era where cyber threats are ever-increasing, organizations often overlook a vital component of their IT infrastructure: printers. Symphion, Inc., based in Dallas, is stepping up to address this critical gap in cybersecurity with the launch of two new offerings specifically designed to protect printer endpoints — an often underestimated aspect of network security.

The Unprotected Printer Landscape

Despite printers making up approximately 20% of network endpoints, a staggering 99% remain vulnerable to cyber threats. One unsecured printer could potentially jeopardize the entire network of a business, making the need for robust protection increasingly urgent. Symphion’s CEO, Jim LaRoe, emphasized this pressing issue, stating, “While PCs and other endpoints are firmly under IT and information security protection, printers are still treated as merely business equipment with little regard for cybersecurity.” Many organizations erroneously believe that inherent security features provided by the printer manufacturers are sufficient for protection, or they mistakenly assume that printers are becoming obsolete due to digital transformation.

Symphion’s Dual Offerings

To shift organizations from a state of complacency to proactive management, Symphion has developed two offerings:

1. Symphion Enterprise Assessment

The Enterprise Assessment is a comprehensive 20-point examination of up to 500 printers. It meticulously evaluates these devices against the ten most critical configuration items and reviews the ten processes that significantly impact the protection of print fleets. The outcome is a scored, board-ready report that equips business leaders with the insights they need to secure funding and secure necessary support for implementing printer protection measures.

2. PFCSAAS Lite

The PFCSAAS Lite service serves as an accessible alternative to Symphion’s full program. This offering focuses on two fundamental cyber hygiene practices:

• - Evergreen Inventory/IT Asset Management (ITAM): This includes an hourly updated inventory, which identifies newly added devices and highlights unsupported or end-of-support models.
• - Password Management: Establishing a fleet-wide password management system with ongoing monitoring to ensure adherence to changing protocols.

While PFCSAAS Lite is not a comprehensive substitute for the full program, it provides organizations with a low-cost, high-visibility solution that can serve as a crucial first step toward adopting a more complete protection strategy.

Establishing Momentum Toward Security

LaRoe remarked, “The majority of large fleets lack an accurate inventory, and their devices may not be hardened or properly supported. Many times, organizations fail to monitor changes promptly, leaving their printers effectively unprotected.” The new offerings assist organizations at their current level of readiness, providing them with the evidence needed to take initial steps toward comprehensive cybersecurity programs.

For those managing the increasing complexities of print fleet security, Symphion represents a significant advancement with its focus on addressing vulnerabilities that have long been neglected in organizational IT frameworks.

About Symphion

Symphion, Inc. has established itself as a leader in the realm of print fleet cybersecurity, delivering services that empower organizations to protect their critical assets effectively. For further information about their offerings and services, please visit Symphion's website.

This bold move by Symphion not only aims to enhance the security of printer fleets but seeks to cultivate a culture of comprehensive cybersecurity awareness across organizations. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the need for adaptive and resilient security measures has never been more crucial.