Unseen risks in SMB Print Security 

March 26, 2025
Cybersecurity, Security, Managed Print Services, Artificial Intelligence, Article

Quocirca’s research reveals that SMBs lack confidence in the security of their print environment. This provides an opportunity for channel partners to offer specialist print security services and solutions and demonstrate the value of comprehensive print management as part of a broader security strategy.

The hidden risk

SMBs often operate with limited resources and budgets, leaving them vulnerable to cyberthreats. While cybersecurity investment is often focused on the IT environment, the printer/MFP aspect is often neglected.

Printing remains an important element in the day-to-day business for most SMBs (59%), but this reliance exposes businesses to data breaches if the print infrastructure is not adequately protected. While the most common source of data breach is paper with confidential or sensitive information left in output trays, the modern print environment is no longer confined to simple paper output. Networked printers, with embedded hard drives and connectivity to cloud services, are essentially sophisticated computers on the network and susceptible to the same threats as any other connected device. Unsecured printers, left with default configurations and outdated firmware, are prime targets for malicious actors. These vulnerabilities can be exploited to gain unauthorised access to the network, intercept sensitive data, or even deploy malware and ransomware.

Quocirca’s SMB Print Security Research Study reveals that 70% of SMBs have experienced a print-related data loss in the last year, with costs averaging just under £1 million per breach. This compares to 63% of large organisations.

The impact of data breaches extends far beyond immediate financial losses. SMBs frequently face regulatory compliance violations, reputational damage, and operational paralysis. The increasing stringency of data protection regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA, mandates robust security measures. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines and legal repercussions, and 25% of SMBs affected report receiving fines from government data commissioners.

Unsurprisingly, SMBs are increasingly concerned with print security, with 28% stating they are concerned about office printing and 36% reporting that employee-owned home printers are a top 5 concern. In spite of this, SMBs are moving more slowly than their larger counterparts to secure printing. For example, a formal process of assessing print security and the risks presented is in place in 43% of large organisations and 32% of mid-market firms but just 29% of SMBs.

The AI threat

The rise of AI also introduces new avenues for cyberattacks, potentially rendering print environments more vulnerable. SMBs are as concerned as their larger counterparts about the risks presented by AI, with 64% extremely or moderately concerned, compared to 60% of mid-market organisations and 62% of the largest firms.

AI-driven phishing campaigns, for example, can become significantly more sophisticated, mimicking legitimate communications and targeting employees with access to sensitive data. Similarly, AI-powered malware could be designed to specifically exploit vulnerabilities in printer firmware or network connections, automating the process of data exfiltration or system compromise. The ability of AI to learn and adapt also means traditional security measures, often reliant on static rules and signatures, may struggle to keep pace with evolving threats.

The channel opportunity

This failure to put robust security measures in place represents not only a substantial risk to SMBs but a valuable opportunity for astute channel partners. Just under a third (31%) of SMBs describe keeping up with print security challenges as difficult, but their lower confidence in terms of both office (51% confident, compared to 57% of mid-market organisations and 62% of large organisations) and home printing (40%, compared to 52% and 57%, respectively, for mid-market and large organisations) reveals a clear demand for expert guidance and tailored security solutions.

Channel partners can bridge this confidence gap by offering comprehensive print security assessments, implementing secure print workflows, and demonstrating how print security integrates into a broader, more resilient security strategy.

By positioning themselves as trusted security advisors, channel partners can offer customised MPS services and security solutions tailored to the specific needs of SMBs. A comprehensive print security assessment, for instance, can identify vulnerabilities and provide actionable recommendations. Implementation of secure print solutions, such as pull printing and user authentication, ensures sensitive documents are only released to authorised users.

Meanwhile, smart MFP hardware is becoming more sophisticated, with devices offering advanced, built-in security features such as intrusion detection, data encryption, and secure firmware updates. These will further mitigate the risk of data interception and malware attacks.

Furthermore, channel partners need to educate their SMB clients on the specific threats posed by AI-powered attacks and integrate AI-powered security features directly into managed print services (MPS) offerings, such as automated threat monitoring and data loss prevention. These can provide an additional layer of protection.

Finally, as AI accelerates the development of quantum computing, channel partners should begin advising on post-quantum cryptography to safeguard printed data against future decryption threats. By embracing AI-driven security solutions and educating their clients, channel partners can help SMBs navigate the evolving threat landscape and build more resilient print environments.

The print security landscape poses escalating risks, especially for resource-constrained SMBs. This creates a strategic opportunity for channel partners to deliver robust, tailored print security hardware, solutions, and services to help SMBs safeguard their sensitive data. Given SMBs’ heightened awareness of the potential consequences of security breaches, now is the opportune moment for partners to establish themselves as trusted security advisors and drive proactive change.

Read more in Quocirca’s Unseen Print Security Risks in the SMB Landscape.