Print Security, Risk & Compliance for New Zealand Organisations
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For modern organisations, print security is no longer just about controlling costs — it is about protecting sensitive information, reducing data exposure and maintaining compliance.
Printers and multifunction devices are connected business endpoints that process, store and transmit information every day. Without appropriate security controls, they can become a source of privacy risk, information leakage and compliance challenges.
Sharp NZ helps organisations establish secure print environments through managed print services, device security, governance frameworks and document workflow solutions designed to protect confidential information throughout its lifecycle.
Under the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020, organisations are responsible for taking reasonable steps to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, disclosure, use or modification.
This includes information handled through printed documents, scanned files and network-connected devices.
A secure print governance framework helps organisations:
Organisations implementing a structured managed print optimisation approach can significantly reduce unmanaged document exposure within 30–90 days by:
Sharp’s 180-Day Managed Print Optimisation Framework provides a structured approach to assessing, securing and continuously improving print environments.
Many organisations have strong security controls around laptops, servers and cloud applications but overlook printers and document workflows.
A modern multifunction printer can:
Without proper controls, organisations may face:
Print Security should be treated as part of your wider information security and governance strategy.
A secure print environment starts with the right controls. Sharp recommends organisations review the following baseline security measures.
Remove generic printer access and connect print environments to existing identity platforms.
Recommended controls:
✓ Microsoft Entra ID / Microsoft 365 integration
✓ Active Directory authentication
✓ User-based access controls
✓ PIN, card or mobile authentication
✓ Role-based permissions
This ensures every print action can be linked to an authorised user.
Treat printers as connected business endpoints.
Security controls include:
✓ Bitdefender® Antimalware protection
✓ Device security monitoring
✓ Firmware validation
✓ Secure boot protection
✓ Network access controls
Protecting print devices helps reduce vulnerabilities across the wider business network.
Protect information stored or processed by print devices.
Recommended controls:
✓ 256-bit AES encryption
✓ Encrypted communications
✓ Secure hard drive management
✓ Automated end-of-session data overwrite
✓ Secure device disposal processes
These controls help prevent information recovery from retired or compromised devices.
Strong print security requires more than secure devices. It requires ongoing governance.
Sharp helps organisations manage print risk through four key governance levers.
Visibility is essential for compliance.
Audit reporting helps organisations understand:
These insights support internal reviews, compliance reporting and improved accountability.
Secure release printing sometimes called Follow-Me Printing, ensures documents are only produced when the authorised user is physically present.
Benefits include:
Documents remain securely held until authentication occurs at the chosen device.
A proactive approach helps identify issues before they become risks.
Sharp managed print services support:
This helps maintain secure, reliable print environments across multiple locations.
Security should apply from creation through to disposal.
Different industries face different information risks. Sharp’s security framework supports organisations where document protection is critical.
Legal organisations regularly handle:
Secure printing and audit trails help ensure sensitive documents are only accessed by authorised users.
Education providers from ECE Centres, schools to tertiary organisations manage:
Secure authentication and controlled printing help protect confidential information across campuses.
Healthcare providers handle highly sensitive information including:
Secure print governance helps improve access control, accountability and privacy protection.
Sharp partners with organisations to design, implement and manage secure print environments aligned with business and compliance requirements.
Our approach combines:
Enterprise print devices designed with advanced security features including encryption, authentication and firmware protection.
A complete governance approach including:
Digitising and automating document processes reduces manual handling while improving security and visibility.
Sharp NZ supports organisations nationwide throughout New Zealand including local expertise in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Hawkes Bay, Wellington and Christchurch, with service capability and managed technology solutions.
Print security is an important part of protecting your organisation’s information.
Sharp NZ helps businesses assess risk, strengthen governance and implement secure managed print environments that support privacy, compliance and operational efficiency.
Talk to Sharp NZ about improving your print security and reducing document risk.