The Hidden Risks of Device Security Failures: A Wake-Up Call for IT Leaders
3 min read
Imagine this: an IT manager discovers that a seemingly minor oversight—a shared printer password—has led to a costly security breach. This scenario is all too real, as revealed by a recent Censuswide survey of over 800 IT decision-makers.
From failing cybersecurity audits to weak firmware management, the risks associated with poorly secured devices like printers, MFPs, laptops, and PCs are growing. This blog explores these vulnerabilities and offers actionable insights to protect your business.
Alarming Insights from the Censuswide Survey
1. Cybersecurity Audits and Their Fallout
- 34% of IT leaders reported their vendors failed cybersecurity audits, with 18% reporting contract terminations as a direct result.
- These failures highlight the critical importance of partnering with vendors who prioritize security.
The Novatech Solution: With tools like our Office X-ray assessment, Novatech ensures all devices meet rigorous cybersecurity standards before deployment. Say goodbye to blind spots and hello to peace of mind.
2. IT’s Absence in Procurement: A Dangerous Gap
- 60% of IT decision-makers believe their lack of involvement in printer and MFP procurement increases risks.
- 52% admitted that their procurement teams rarely validate hardware vendors’ security claims, while 45% receive no validation at all.
What This Means for Your Business: Without IT’s oversight, organizations are left vulnerable to unverified claims, leading to increased exposure to threats.
The Novatech Solution: By bridging the gap between IT and procurement, our Managed Print Services (MPS) ensures devices meet both functionality and security needs.
3. Weak Password Practices: An Open Door for Hackers
- 53% of respondents confessed to overused or weak device passwords, while the same percentage admitted they rarely update them.
Why It Matters: Weak passwords are a hacker’s dream, providing an easy entry point to sensitive data.
The Novatech Solution: Our solutions enforce robust password policies, ensuring secure and unique credentials across your device fleet.
4. Firmware Updates: A Neglected Necessity
- 60% of devices lack timely firmware updates, while 57% of IT leaders avoid updates out of fear they might disrupt operations.
The Hidden Cost: Outdated firmware leaves devices vulnerable to known exploits, significantly increasing the risk of attacks.
The Novatech Solution: With automated firmware updates and NSight remote monitoring, we eliminate manual errors and ensure your devices are always protected.
5. Remote Management: A Growing Frustration
- 78% of IT managers want the ability to configure and update hardware remotely, yet 57% report being unable to do so.
Why It Matters: Without remote capabilities, managing device security becomes inefficient and time-consuming.
The Novatech Solution: Our advanced tools allow centralized management of all devices, providing real-time updates and seamless configurations.
Emerging Threats: AI and Cybersecurity
- 80% of respondents believe hackers will leverage AI to create more sophisticated exploits.
- 39% cited data security concerns as a major barrier to decommissioning devices.
Looking Ahead: As cyberattacks grow in complexity, staying ahead requires proactive solutions tailored to future threats.
The Novatech Solution: Our Fortress Cybersecurity Platform integrates cutting-edge AI-driven threat detection, secure decommissioning processes, and 24/7 monitoring to keep your business safe.
Practical Steps to Mitigate Risks
Actionable Checklist for IT Leaders
- Validate Vendor Security Claims: Ensure all hardware vendors provide documented proof of their security measures.
- Enforce Strong Passwords: Regularly update and enforce password policies to minimize vulnerabilities.
- Prioritize Firmware Updates: Automate updates to prevent delays and reduce risks.
- Enable Remote Monitoring: Invest in tools like Novatech’s NSight for centralized device management.
- Secure Decommissioning: Partner with experts to safeguard sensitive data during device retirement.
Real-World Impact: Lessons from the Survey
The Censuswide survey highlights that 34% of IT decision-makers encountered vendors failing cybersecurity audits, leading to 18% of contracts being terminated. These statistics emphasize the financial and operational risks businesses face when device security is overlooked. Furthermore, 60% of organizations lack timely firmware updates, leaving their devices vulnerable to known exploits.
For companies in similar situations, adopting solutions like Novatech’s Managed Print Services or the Office X-ray assessment ensures that devices meet rigorous security standards, enabling proactive risk management and operational continuity.
Why Novatech? Your Trusted Partner in Security
With decades of experience and industry-leading solutions, Novatech is uniquely positioned to simplify business technology while safeguarding your organization. From Managed Print Services to the Fortress Cybersecurity Platform, we deliver tailored solutions that protect your operations and your reputation.
Protect Your Business Today
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Contact Novatech today for a free Office X-ray assessment and discover how we can secure your devices, streamline your IT processes, and future-proof your business.
