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Checklist to Mitigate Threats at the MFP

Checklist to Mitigate Threats at the MFP

Today's headlines are filled with news of cyberattacks, designed to leverage any vulnerability, whether they be human or technical. Today's intelligent MFPs and printers have evolved to touch various types of business communications, network and data storage services. Failing to protect MFPs and printers may result in serious damage to a company. The following checklist is designed to help achieve optimum security around your Sharp MFP.

Checklist to ensure optimal threat mitigation at the MFP:

Access Control & Password Management

  • Implement secure user access control (Active Directory® or LDAP user authentication).
  • Ensure that users are assigned to properly configured authority groups.
  • Disable unused device functions.
  • Limit users who have administrator’s rights.
  • Apply more complex administrator password rules

Network & Communication

  • Close unused ports and disable unneeded network services and protocols
  • Use IP and MAC address filtering to limit MFP access to only necessary PCs.
  • Enable the TLS protocol to secure all communications.
  • Enable S/MIME, POP3 and SMTP authentication if possible.
  • Change the MFP’s SNMP community name from its default “public.”
  • Do not “publish” an MFP’s IP address outside your organization’s firewall
  • Ensure Wifi and mobile security are properly configured.

Data Encryption & Overwrite

  • Install a Data Security Kit (DSK) or configure built-in data security features for data protection (in transition and at rest)

Perform Periodic Audits

  • Periodically review job and audit logs for suspicious activity – import syslog/audit logs to IT’s core monitoring systems.