Identity Management and Secure Printing: The CIO’s Blueprint for Success
Mitchell Filby
Strategy, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Author, Board Director, XaaS, Business Model Disruptor, Publisher, Journalist and Serial Entrepreneur, Business Mentor, Coach, Advisory, Global MPS expert
"Take control of your print environment—secure identities, enhance governance, and embrace Zero Trust printing now."
In today’s hybrid work environment, printing remains a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of IT infrastructure. While CIOs are focused on digital transformation and Zero Trust strategies, print environments frequently fall outside the purview of strong identity management policies. Can your organisation ensure secure, anywhere-anytime printing while mitigating risks tied to unmanaged identities?
General Overview:
This article delves into the critical intersection of identity management and print security. We’ll explore the challenges of unsecured print environments, highlight the importance of integrating solutions like Microsoft Universal Print with Entra ID, and demonstrate how Managed Print Services (MPS) can help CIOs achieve a Zero Trust print infrastructure.
?3 Key Points:
1. Unmanaged Identities: A Hidden Vulnerability in Print Environments:
The explosion of remote and hybrid work has expanded the attack surface for cyber threats, and print environments are no exception. Unsecured printer drivers, shared user credentials, and unmonitored print queues can easily become vulnerabilities.
For example, an enterprise discovered that employees shared a single default printer login, creating a compliance risk as confidential documents were accessed without traceability. By integrating identity management systems like Entra ID, CIOs can ensure that only authenticated users can access print resources, and every action is logged. With Universal Print’s pull print functionality, jobs are released securely at the device, eliminating the risk of unauthorised access.
2. The Role of Universal Print in Identity-Based Printing:
Universal Print’s integration with Entra ID brings identity management to the forefront of printing. Pull print functionality ensures users release their documents only after authenticating at the printer, while QR code-enabled release adds another layer of convenience and security.
This approach aligns with Zero Trust principles, where “never trust, always verify” is applied to every interaction. IT administrators can enforce Microsoft Windows Protected Print Mode for an added layer of defence, ensuring that only secure drivers are used. For CIOs, this represents a seamless way to extend robust identity policies into the print environment, bridging the gap between digital and physical workflows.
3. MPS: The Enabler for a Zero Trust Print Infrastructure:
Managed Print Services are pivotal in implementing identity-first, secure printing strategies at scale. By consolidating print management and integrating tools like Universal Print, MPS providers help CIOs gain full visibility over user identities, print jobs, and device utilisation.
Consider an organisation that partnered with an MPS provider to integrate Universal Print across multiple sites. By leveraging identity-driven controls, the company reduced unauthorised printing by 30% and improved document security, while IT administrators gained centralised control over printer access. This demonstrates how MPS can streamline secure printing and support broader digital transformation efforts.
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3 Thought-Provoking Questions:
Recommendations or Call-to-Action:
To protect your print environments, start by assessing their alignment with your organisation’s identity and Zero Trust policies. Leverage solutions like Microsoft Universal Print with Entra ID to create a secure, user-friendly print experience. Partner with an MPS provider to ensure that your print strategy supports broader IT goals while maintaining strong governance.
Conclusion:
Identity management is no longer optional in the modern enterprise—it’s foundational. By integrating tools like Universal Print and adopting Managed Print Services, CIOs can secure their print environments, enhance user experiences, and align with Zero Trust principles. Don’t let print security be your blind spot; make it a cornerstone of your IT strategy today.
Authored and published by Mitchell Filby, Managing Director at First Rock Consulting.
Global Enterprise Solutions Leader | Strategic Thinking | Team Building | Customer Advocacy | Operational Excellence | Digital Transformation
3 个月Great article, Mitchell! Spot on with your analysis of security risks in modern workspaces. I’d add that phishing attacks are a major, often underestimated threat, especially on shared devices. Passwordless authentication with Microsoft Entra ID offers a strong, convenient solution. It’s phishing-resistant and uses Zero Trust and MFA for enhanced security, and adds the convenience of passwordless sign-in for users. With Universal Print Anywhere on the horizon, CIOs can simplify their print infrastructure and boost productivity. This identity-centric, cloud-native approach is a game-changer for modern document handling and can turn the traditional Multi-Function Device or Printer into what I call a "Smart Document Exchange" - something end-users and admins have been waiting too long for! Time to expect more from printers!