Eight Steps to Secure Your Copier or Multi-Function Device (MFD)

Note: The resources below have been gathered to specifically address concerns related to the security of sensitive information that may be stored on the hard drives of copiers, printers, or multi-function devices. However, it is good practice to develop a general minimum security standard for ALL networked devices. Issues related to media disposal, confidential data handling, patching, encryption, third-party contracts, etc. are not unique to the devices mentioned here.

  1. Configure copiers, printers, and other multi-function devices securely.
  2. Develop appropriate policies and procedures that address disposal procedures for equipment, protecting sensitive data, etc.
  3. Work with vendors to make sure devices meet industry security standards and certifications.
  4. Educate IT staff, business offices, and other users on campus.
  5. Remember to perform firmware updates on a regular basis. Upgrades are often a manual process.
  6. Consider managing all copiers/multi-function network devices through one office, and utilize print spool servers.
  7. Consider requiring drive encryption.
  8. Consider physical security of hard drives for devices with open access.

Additional Resources for Copier & Multifunction Device (MFD) Security

Higher Education Resources

Industry & Other Resources


(question) Questions or comments? (info) Contact us.

(warning) Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0).