Konica Minolta's innovative print security solutions

The global market insight and research firm, which specialises in the convergence of print and digital technologies in the future workplace, recognises how Konica Minolta ‘retains a keen focus on enhancing print and endpoint security across three pillars – device-level resilience, managed security services, and workflow automation – aligned to support zero trust environments and evolving compliance demands'.

AI-driven threats redefine print security priorities

Published in July, Quocirca’s Print Security Landscape 2025 report includes an Industry Survey, which was conducted among 400 IT decision-makers involved in the print infrastructure in their organisations.

Quocirca’s report highlights the growing culture of threats targeting corporate print infrastructure

Quocirca’s report highlights the growing sophistication of threats targeting corporate print infrastructure, especially with the rise in use of AI-powered devices.

It is therefore no surprise that 40% of respondents are concerned about the risks posed by AI, and 86% of respondents say it’s important for vendors to use AI and machine learning to detect potential security threats and cyber-attacks.

Mixed and older fleets pose a major security risk

A total of 56% of companies report a data security breach in connection with printing. Mixed printer fleets and older printing devices posed a major security risk.

While the average cost of print-related data loss in companies operating printer fleets from multiple vendors was £937,000 (~ €1.082.000), it was £630,000 (~ €727,000) in companies with standardised fleets.

Unlike modern MFPs, which are equipped with advanced security features, older ‘legacy’ print devices do not have robust embedded security features, making them more vulnerable. Integrating older devices into modern, centralised security management platforms is also often difficult or even impossible.

Other risk factors

Quocirca also found that there is a wide range of authentication methods and identifies this diverse

Quocirca also found that there is a wide range of authentication methods and identifies this diverse and fragmented approach as a potential security vulnerability. Private printing environments are another major security vulnerability. A total of 53% of respondents stated that unauthorised persons had accessed documents in a private setting.

While large companies (27%) cite lost IT time spent dealing with the problem as the biggest disadvantage of data loss, the biggest consequence for SMEs is the disruption to business continuity (28%).

According to Quocirca, improving print security posture therefore ‘requires a multi-layered approach – prioritising standardised, secure print infrastructure, implementing robust identity and access management frameworks including mandatory authentication across all devices, and deploying solutions that prevent sensitive document printing in unsecured home environments.’

Multi-layered security approach

Quocirca’s report acknowledges how Konica Minolta's 'multi-layered approach to security helps

Quocirca’s report acknowledges how Konica Minolta's 'multi-layered approach to security helps businesses of all sizes reduce risk, ensure compliance, and future-proof their print infrastructure within broader information security strategies.'

The report states, "Konica Minolta continues to invest across all areas of its security portfolio – recent examples include developments in authentication, secure firmware delivery, and the Konica Minolta Marketplace for cloud-based print and scan solutions."

"Its commitment to ongoing investment in resources and development reinforces its long-term roadmap around secure digital transformation."

Compliance with data protection regulations

Quocirca considers Konica Minolta's multi-factor authentication support as a strength. ‘Embedded PKI support for smartcard (CAC/PIV) authentication and MFA support enables organisations to centrally manage authentication policies, enforce secure print release, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations – while providing a seamless, user-friendly experience across the print environment.’

Olaf Lorenz, Head of International Marketing Division, Konica Minolta Business Solutions Europe, stated, “Print security needs to be an intrinsic part of every organisation’s cybersecurity strategy. The good news is that this message is getting through and Konica Minolta is dedicated to expanding its range of workplace solutions, to help every organisation equip its employees to work productively and securely.”