Understanding Print Security Terms with Novatech

For those new to the world of print security, we’ve curated a glossary of key terms, making technical jargon more accessible and easier to understand.

Since print security is one of the important areas that need attention within an IT infrastructure as part of a cyber security framework, we work with you to ensure you understand all the risks and terms within our Managed IT Services or Print Management programs. We understand that most companies do not want to research print security, which is why we aim to simplify the key terms that matter in this area.

1. Encryption. This is the act of converting data into a code, making it unreadable to unauthorized individuals. Think of it as a secret language that only the printer and the computer understand.

2. FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standard). This is a US government standard that evaluates and validates the effectiveness of cryptographic hardware. If your printer has FIPS certification, it’s well-equipped to protect sensitive information.

3. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). Both are storage systems. While HDD uses spinning disks, SSDs rely on flash memory. Printers with these drives store printing tasks, which must be securely handled and often erased after task completion.

4. IEEE 2600. This set of standards from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is like a rulebook. It guides those making or using hard-copy devices, ensuring they’re secure and user-friendly.

5. IPSec (Internet Protocol Security). A protocol suite ensuring that the packets of data sent to and from networked printers remain encrypted and authentic.

6. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology). An agency under the US Department of Commerce. Think of them as the guardians of data privacy and information security.

7. NTLM (New Technology LAN Manager). A group of Microsoft security protocols ensures that the person printing is who they claim to be.

8. POP (Post Office Protocol) and SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). Both deal with email. POP retrieves emails, while SMTP is responsible for sending them. Secure printers need protocols to handle emailed print tasks safely.

9. Root of Trust. This term refers to the functions an operating system utterly trusts, ensuring every piece of code is legit.

10. SIEM (Security Information and Event Management). A solution giving insights into network activity. Like a surveillance system, it can notify admins of potential security threats.

11. SMB 3.1.1 (Server Message Block). This protocol lets applications, like our printers, request services or access files from servers.

12. SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security). Both protocols keep data between two systems (like a computer and a printer) encrypted and secure.

13. TPM (Trusted Platform Module). Imagine this as a vault within the printer, safeguarding cryptographic keys.

 

Partner with Novatech for print security

As printers evolve, becoming more intelligent and networked, understanding the jargon around their security is crucial. It empowers businesses to make informed choices and ensures the safe handling of sensitive information.

At Novatech, we prioritize security in all our printing solutions. If you’re looking to bolster your print environment’s security or simply need guidance, get in touch with us today. We’re here to help!