• Sharp NZ: Enterprise Printer Security & Document Data Protection for New Zealand Workplaces.

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    Secure Your Printers Like Any Other Network Endpoint

    Modern multifunction printers (MFPs) are connected business devices that store, process and transmit sensitive information. Sharp NZ provides layered printer security solutions designed to protect confidential documents, prevent unauthorised access and reduce cybersecurity risks across New Zealand workplaces.

    Learn more about this in our Workplace Technology Glossary.


    Sharp Printer Security at a Glance:

    • Enterprise Protection: Integrated security technologies including Bitdefender® anti-malware protection help safeguard connected print devices from evolving threats.
    • Identity-Based Access: Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 integration enables secure user authentication and controlled device access.
    • Data Protection: Automatic 256-bit AES encryption and secure data overwrite protect information stored on printer hard drives.
    • Compliance Support: Security features help organisations meet New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 obligations for protecting personal and confidential information.
    • Managed Security Approach: Sharp NZ provides ongoing optimisation, monitoring and support for print environments from small businesses to enterprise fleets.

    Why Printer Security Matters in Modern Businesses

    Printers are often overlooked as part of an organisation’s cybersecurity strategy, yet modern multifunction devices can:

    • Store copies of printed, scanned and copied documents
    • Connect directly to business networks
    • Access cloud platforms and email systems
    • Process confidential customer, financial and employee information

    Without appropriate security controls, unsecured printers can become an entry point for data breaches, unauthorised access and compliance risks.

    Built-in Multi-Layered Security and Optional Bitdefender® Antimalware

    Get real-time protection against viruses, malware, and ransomware directly from the printer.

    24/7 SIEM Monitoring & Alerts

    Sharp's Print Security Service integrates with your IT environment to monitor activity and detect anomalies day and night.

    Data Encryption & Secure Print Release

    Ensure confidential documents are only released to the right person with encrypted data paths and PIN-based printing.

    Firmware Integrity & Self-Recovery

    Automatically detects and restores to a safe state if firmware is compromised, preventing malicious takeovers.

    Sharp NZ’s Layered Printer Security Approach

    A secure print environment requires more than password protection. Sharp combines hardware, software and managed services to provide protection across the entire document lifecycle.

      Security Layer   Sharp NZ Security Capability Business Benefit
    Device Protection Multi-layered security and optional Bitdefender® anti-malware integration   Helps protect MFPs against malicious software and cyber threats
    User Authentication Microsoft Entra ID and Microsoft 365 integration   Ensures only authorised users access print services
    Document Security Secure Print Release and Follow-Me Printing Prevents confidential documents being left unattended
    Data Protection 256-bit AES encryption and secure data overwrite Protects stored information if devices are retired or compromised
    Network Security Port control, protocol management and configuration hardening Reduces unnecessary exposure across the network
    Security Lifecycle Ongoing firmware updates and optimisation Maintains security protection over the device lifecycle
    A Product of Sharp

    Secure Print & Document Release Control

    Preventing Unattended Document Exposure

    Secure Print Release ensures documents are only printed when the authorised user is physically present at the device.

    How it works

    • Print jobs are held in a secure queue
    • Users authenticate at the device (PIN, card, or login)
    • Documents are released only after verification

    Risk reduction outcome

    • Reduces the risk of confidential documents being left in output trays
    • Helps prevent unauthorised internal viewing of sensitive information
    • Supports shared office environments and hybrid workplaces
    A Product of Sharp

    Device Hardening & Intrusion Protection

    Securing the Printer at the Network Level

    Sharp MFPs are designed with layered device security controls that reduce attack surfaces and prevent unauthorised access.

    Security controls include:

    • Secure boot validation to prevent unauthorised firmware
    • BIOS and firmware integrity checking
    • Hard drive encryption (where enabled/configured)
    • Network authentication controls (user and admin access restrictions)
    • Optional advanced security modules depending on model and configuration

    Important note on configuration

    Not all devices include all security features by default. Some capabilities (such as advanced endpoint protection or additional security software like Bitdefender integration) may require licensing or enablement depending on the model and deployment design.

    A Product of Sharp

    Audit Logging & Data Governance

    Visibility Across Every Print Action

    Audit logging provides visibility into device usage and document activity.

    What is tracked:

    • User authentication events
    • Print, scan, and copy activity
    • Device access logs
    • Administrative changes

    Why it matters:

    • Supports internal governance and accountability
    • Assists with compliance audits
    • Enables IT teams to investigate suspicious activity
    • Helps enforce print policies across departments

    How Sharp Printer Security Compares

    Security Requirement Sharp NZ Secure Print Environment Basic Printer Security
    Endpoint Security Integrated multi-layered security controls including optional Bitdefender® protection   Limited built-in protections
    User Access Microsoft Entra ID authentication options Shared passwords or basic PIN access
    Stored Data Protection Encrypted storage and secure data overwrite Manual configuration required
    Compliance Support Designed to support NZ Privacy Act 2020 obligations Limited governance guidance
    Ongoing Security Managed optimisation and lifecycle support Reactive maintenance approach

    Printer Security Checklist: How to Harden Your Office MFPs

    1. Secure User Authentication

    Connect devices with existing business identities to prevent anonymous printing and ensure every user action can be controlled.

    ✓ Microsoft Entra ID integration
    ✓ User authentication
    ✓ Access permissions

    2. Enable Secure Print Release

    Prevent confidential documents from sitting unattended in output trays.

    ✓ Follow-Me printing workflows
    ✓ User verification before release
    ✓ Reduced document exposure

    3. Protect Stored Printer Data

    Modern MFPs contain storage that may retain document information.

    ✓ 256-bit AES encryption
    ✓ Automatic data overwrite
    ✓ Secure device disposal processes

    4. Harden Network Configuration

    Reduce potential vulnerabilities by reviewing device settings.

    ✓ Disable unused protocols
    ✓ Restrict unnecessary ports
    ✓ Apply firmware updates

    A Product of Sharp

    Supporting New Zealand Businesses With Secure Print Solutions

    As a New Zealand technology partner, Sharp helps organisations secure their print environment through:

    Security Assessment

    Review your current print infrastructure and identify potential vulnerabilities.

    Secure Deployment

    Configure devices using recommended security practices from installation.

    Ongoing Optimisation

    Maintain security settings, firmware updates and lifecycle improvements.

    Local Support

    Access nationwide Sharp NZ service and technical expertise.

    A Product of Sharp

    Sharp NZ Printer Security Features

    Sharp multifunction printers are designed with security built into the device architecture, including:

    • Secure Boot protection
    • Firmware verification
    • User authentication controls
    • Data encryption
    • Secure erase functionality
    • Network security configuration options
    • Integration with Microsoft cloud environments
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    A Product of Sharp

    Multifunction printer protection against known and unknown malware.

    With Bitdefender advanced antimalware technology, scanning all data and files processed on the Sharp A3 MFPs, organisations can detect malicious activity and threats at an early stage before the business is impacted.

    Integrated into the new Sharp Future Workplace A3 line of MFPs, the Bitdefender antimalware engine performs real-time scanning of all input and output data from the devices, alerting users, IT or security teams when threats are detected.  

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Are printers a cybersecurity risk?

    Yes. Modern printers are network-connected endpoints that can store sensitive information, access business systems and potentially become targets for cyber attacks if not secured correctly.

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