HP makes a quantum leap in print cybersecurity

March 18, 2025
Security, Article, Trends

HP protects devices from quantum computing security risks

In the face of evolving cyber threats, HP has taken a bold step towards safeguarding its printers from the potential risks of quantum computing. Following its launch of quantum-resistant PCs in 2024, HP has announced the first printers that protect against quantum computer attacks.

The new 8000 Series printers – including the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501 printers – are designed with quantum resilience to protect against the quantum attacks of the future. With these features, HP is set to reclaim a competitive edge in the print security market.

The rise of quantum computing and its impact on cybersecurity

Quantum computers, capable of performing calculations beyond the reach of classical computers, could be used to crack encryption algorithms and compromise device access and sensitive data. This rapid advancement signals a looming security challenge. With the potential to break widely used encryption algorithms, it poses a fundamental risk to device and data security, demanding immediate attention and proactive mitigation strategies.

To safeguard sensitive information in the face of advancing quantum computing, businesses and governments must make quantum-safe cryptography a core focus. In 2025, proactive adoption of post-quantum cryptographic algorithms will be essential for future-proofing data and infrastructure security.

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) regulations and standards are still evolving, but key initiatives are underway in both the US and Europe. Europe’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) enforces quantum resistance in devices before they reach the market, while the US has introduced three NIST-approved quantum-resistant algorithms for critical sectors. These efforts aim to prepare for the eventual deployment of quantum computers capable of breaking current cryptographic systems. In the US, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is leading the charge in standardising PQC algorithms.

HP’s quantum-resistant measures

To address this emerging threat, HP’s new enterprise printers include new ASIC chips that are designed with quantum-resistant cryptography and enable the use of digital signature verification to protect firmware integrity against quantum attacks.

This offers enhanced security at the hardware level. Printer manageability and protection are enhanced through the new ASIC chips, which protect early-stage BIOS and BIOS boot firmware integrity, reducing the risk of remote code injection of malicious firmware, attempts to control the device, and risk of data breaches.

The new quantum-resistant printers are designed to integrate with existing zero-trust network architectures and support HP’s Zero Trust Print Architecture. This is HP’s approach to print security that extends zero-trust principles to the print environment, focusing on verifying every connection and request before granting access, regardless of user location or device, and embedding core isolation technologies into the printing experience. This helps organisations to take a unified, fleet-wide approach to their security strategies and protect against current and future threats.

This is supported on devices sold both transactionally and under an MPS contract. HP states that every new printer product from Spring 2026 will have quantum resistance at boot-up.

Quocirca opinion: HP’s proactive approach to cybersecurity

HP’s proactive approach to cybersecurity underscores its commitment to protecting its customers and partners from emerging threats and enabling them to future-proof their print infrastructure. As quantum computing continues to advance, HP plans to continue investing in research and development to ensure its devices remain secure in the quantum era.

However, in introducing quantum-resistant devices, HP faces the delicate challenge of balancing the need for innovation with the practical realities of supporting its customers’ existing and legacy print infrastructure. To effectively communicate its product strategy, the company must address backward compatibility and mitigate concerns about unnecessary hardware replacement.

In a market where print security is now table stakes, HP’s introduction of quantum-resistant printers establishes a new industry benchmark, building on its established security vision from its PC business. This, coupled with its robust, security-focused hardware portfolio, positions HP to reclaim leadership in the print security market and redefine the print security landscape in 2025 and beyond.