Closing in on the one-year anniversary of the implementation of GDPR regulations, organizations now more than ever are honing in on information security and compliance efforts. Enterprises are in a transformative time, and while disruptive technologies such as cloud computing and machine learning may help to drive the creative process forward within organizations, they also may unintentionally bring with them the potential for security vulnerabilities.
In the immediate future, IT and data security leaders will need to invest heavily in network and device security solutions to help protect confidential business information as it travels both within the network and into the cloud. However, navigating the new security landscape, particularly as it continues to evolve, can be challenging. In fact, there are three key elements currently influencing the security landscape that organizations should be aware of, and know how to properly utilize within their internal document workflow processes, in order to come out on top.
Security Information Event Management (SIEM) integration
SIEM solutions collect and analyze machine data from an organization’s IT environment to provide those companies with real-time indicators of potential security threats. MFPs with SIEM integration and other cybersecurity feature enhancements allow for efficient activity monitoring and threat detection that extends beyond traditional MFP security features designed to help limit unauthorized access to organizational assets.
While many organizations are currently relying on SIEM systems, some are either manually importing data from their printers into SIEM or are not including their printers in SIEM monitoring at all. Direct SIEM integration in multifunction print solutions makes it possible to easily include these printers in a company’s existing security monitoring plan for a more comprehensive view.
Data privacy regulations
While the MFP can be considered the backbone of most enterprises, it is not always on the top of the list when organizations are looking to tighten their internal security measures. Large organizations should be aware of the vast amounts of personal data present in print systems and work with manufacturers that can help them to incorporate hardware and software solutions equipped with user authentication, user tracking, automation, and additional built-in or optional security features such as verifying the integrity of the boot code, firmware and application at system startup.
Organizations can become proactive in their approach to security of personal information on devices by focusing on the basics that apply to their requirements. Preset security settings and tools within solutions can help to make it easier for organizations to manage new security policies that they may put in place while looking to follow newly enforced data privacy regulations.
Cloud security
When it comes to privacy concerns, there are two major threats to cloud security: data breaches and improper access control. Utilizing an email management service that can replace inbound email attachments with preview links so that users can readily screen and have the ability to block potential malicious materials, paired with a robust content management platform that can deliver detailed usage reports and audit trails, can be essential.
It is imperative that companies rely on such cloud content management solutions that can not only provide workflow organization but include security controls that companies today need to assist with peace of mind.
Stomping out security risks in the office of the future will be an ongoing battle. As businesses continue to evolve and embrace the digital transformation, they too must evolve their outlook on security.
Hiro Imamura is vice president and general manager of marketing for the Business Imaging and Solutions Group of Canon U.S.A., Inc. He oversees all marketing activities for the Enterprise Solutions, Strategic Planning, Marketing Operations, Aftermarket Products, Large Format Solutions, Desktop Printing and Imaging Solutions divisions
