Managed print services (MPS) continue to grow in popularity, but a key concern for many customers is ensuring that it is kept secure. Increasingly, specialist MPS and cloud management security solutions are seen as the way forward.
For businesses, cybersecurity is paramount – the number of cyberattacks is increasing and no business can be considered safe. With printers now an attack point, this is something MPS providers must deal with effectively. Stuart Miller, partner channel director, Canon UK & Ireland, notes that the National Cyber Security Centre revealed that ‘highly-significant’ cyberattacks increased by 50% in the past year alone.
“Printers are at the centre of digital workspace,” he adds. “They handle our most important documents, storing sensitive data and interacting with identity systems,” he adds. “Therefore, it’s no surprise they are targeted by hackers with 56% of businesses reported at least one data loss through printers last year.
“Having visibility over print networks and conducting cyber hygiene exercises ensures any compromise is isolated quickly and downtime is reduced.”
Steve Doust, group sales director, Kyocera Document Solutions UK, adds: “I wish it were just industry chatter, but the threats are on the up. As IT teams get better at locking down laptops, cybercriminals naturally go looking for the path of least resistance.
“For most UK businesses, a print-related breach is no longer a remote possibility; it is a genuine statistical probability. If a device is connected but forgotten, it is essentially a beacon for automated bots. It is less about being a specific target and more about having a digital front door that has been left unlocked.”
Deyon Antoine product marketing manager at Toshiba Tec UK Imaging Systems Ltd, says threats are increasing primarily because print environments are becoming more distributed. “Hybrid working, cloud connectivity and multi-site estates make it harder to maintain consistent standards without the right tools in place,” he says.
“For many organisations, the question is no longer whether print will be tested as part of a broader attack, but whether they have sufficient visibility, control and resilience to limit impact. This is where the channel can add real value by reframing MPS as a risk reduction strategy, not just an operational service.”
Common threats
Ian Fox, channel solutions and services specialist at Xerox UK & Ireland, says the most common threats involve unauthorised access to print environments and the exposure of sensitive data across networks. “Print devices and print infrastructure are often overlooked, which makes them attractive entry points for attackers,” he adds.
“Typical vulnerabilities include unpatched device firmware or print servers, weak or default credentials, insecure network configurations and a lack of visibility across distributed fleets. As attacks become more targeted, print environments are increasingly seen as part of the broader attack surface rather than isolated systems.”
Steve says it is easy to think of print security as just stopping someone from accidentally picking up a sensitive document off the exit tray. “But the reality in 2026 is far more digital,” he adds. “The biggest headache right now is lateral movement.
“Think of a modern MFP not as a printer, but as a sophisticated server that just happens to handle paper. If that endpoint is left wide open with unpatched firmware or default credentials, it becomes a perfect digital beachhead.
“Attackers do not just want your scans; they want to use that printer to hop across your network into high-value data. We are seeing a lot of automated scanning of old vulnerabilities and wide-open ports. It is a stealthy game of follow the leader, where the printer is often the first follower.”
Kerry Rush, product marketing manager at Sharp UK, says the most common security threats to MPS arise from the growing connectivity of ‘smart offices,’ where printers and multifunction devices are often networked and cloud enabled. “Without robust and regularly updated cyber security measures, these devices can become vulnerable entry points for cyber attackers,” she explains.
“Key risks include unprotected devices, outdated firmware, weak authentication protocols, unsecured network connections and lack of proper employee training. Attackers actively seek out these weaknesses, and even minor oversights, such as leaving sensitive documents in output trays or failing to update device software, can be exploited for unauthorised access or data theft.”
AI influence
AI is also influencing the threat landscape and the response. “Attackers are using automation to identify weaknesses more quickly and scale their efforts,” says Deyon. “In parallel, AI driven analytics are being used by vendors such as Toshiba to strengthen defences, helping to identify unusual behaviour, automate policy enforcement and reduce exposure through proactive device monitoring and patching.
“For customers, the message is simple: intelligent automation is becoming essential to keep pace with faster, more sophisticated threats.”
Ian adds that on the threat side, AI-based attacks raises the bar for basic security hygiene. “On the defensive side, AI is being used to analyse device behaviour, detect anomalies and support predictive maintenance and risk identification. The key is applying AI practically, as part of a broader security framework, rather than relying on it as a standalone solution.”
Stuart notes that while AI isn’t creating new cyber threats, it is supercharging the threats that businesses are already facing. “It is lowering the barrier to entry and enabling criminals to launch more sophisticated attacks and operate at far greater scale than before,” he says.
“On the other hand, AI is also supporting security teams when it comes to proactive vulnerability scanning and flagging, helping to isolate systems more quickly and improve device and system viability.”
Way forward
An increasingly popular way to keep MPS secure is through specialist MPS and cloud management security solutions. “In my view, there is no other viable path,” says Steve. “Managing a fleet manually is like trying to paint a moving train, you are always going to miss a spot. Moving to the cloud with Kyocera Cloud Print and Scan lets us implement a proper Zero Trust model. This means a document does not even exist in physical form until the user is standing right there, authenticating with their badge or phone.”
Deyon adds that specialist MPS and cloud managed approaches allow security to be embedded across the full device lifecycle. “Centralised policy control, automated updates, encrypted workflows and secure print release can be applied consistently across office and remote environments, while reducing the burden on internal IT teams,” he explains.
“When combined with modern hardware designed with security built in from the outset, this model is significantly more resilient than reactive or device by device management.”
Ian says many new print devices now incorporate robust, built in security controls. “However, maintaining security and compliance across an entire fleet for the life of a contract can be a demanding task,” he says. “To address this, partners can add value by offering dedicated MPS security services. Leveraging our advanced fleet management toolsets, they can differentiate their offering and create new recurring revenue streams, providing customers with visibility, control and policy enforcement across distributed environments. These specialist solutions help reduce the attack surface, ensure consistent patching and configuration and support compliance and audit requirements.
“As hybrid working continues, centralised management becomes essential rather than optional.”
Kerry agrees that as organisations increasingly embrace hybrid and cloud-enabled operations, specialist MPS and integrated cloud management security solutions are a practical way forward. “These approaches help organisations centralise control over their print environments, improve accessibility for remote and on-site teams, and strengthen security, key needs in today’s connected workplaces,” she says.
“For example, modern MPS platforms now support secure print release, user authentication, and integration with popular cloud storage services, making it easier to manage documents securely from anywhere. Solutions like print management software further enable secure, cloud-based print management, supporting a range of identity providers and promoting more sustainable print practices.”
Reseller conversations
With the evolving threat landscape, resellers need to position themselves carefully in conversations on MPS security with customers. “Resellers should position print as an endpoint, not a peripheral,” says Deyon. “Key discussion points include visibility and control across the estate, strong authentication and secure release, cloud-based management to simplify compliance and secure end of life processes. Explaining how AI enabled capabilities support ongoing resilience helps move the conversation towards long-term value.”
Ian agrees, adding that the most successful partners put security at the forefront, leading with education and raising awareness of the risks associated with unmanaged print environments. “Print devices should be viewed and managed like any other endpoint, with consistent auditing, timely patching and clearly defined governance,” he says.
“Leaving fleets unchecked introduces avoidable vulnerabilities, while proactive oversight reduces security exposure and operational disruption. Customers don’t need alarmist messaging – they need clarity, confidence, and a well‑defined roadmap for lowering risk through improved management and strong security practices.”
Steve adds that customers should be reminded that in a hybrid world, every machine is a node on the network and a potential risk. “By focusing on business resilience and sustainability tools, like our carbon-neutral hardware and energy monitoring, resellers can move from being box-shifters to becoming essential IT partners,” he says.
Stuart notes that the basics are still the most important and effective line of defence. “Leading conversations with the importance of cyber hygiene is where we encourage resellers to start when guiding their customers, from prevention measures such as device hardening and access control, to active protection through monitoring and encryption, and proactive rehearsal,” he says.
“Customers are looking to their providers, now more than ever, to be the experts to guide them when it comes to critical areas such as security. We equip our partners with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to lead these conversations with confidence. Through targeted education, curated guidance, and clear, practical content, we help them articulate how our products and solutions strengthen security and enable businesses to operate with greater resilience and peace of mind.”
Kerry says resellers should highlight that managed print and document management solutions offer a unified approach to security, cloud integration, and workflow efficiency, helping organisations simplify IT management, reduce costs and adapt to hybrid work environments. “Customers increasingly expect robust security features, seamless connectivity with cloud services, and sustainability as standard, so it’s important to emphasise energy-efficient devices, recycled materials and access to sustainability dashboards,” she adds.
“Additionally, resellers can add value by advising on workflow automation and the adoption of AI-driven tools that streamline document processes and support digital transformation. By focusing on these priorities, resellers position themselves as trusted partners, helping organisations stay resilient, compliant and future-ready in a rapidly evolving market.”
