Unintended consequences of printing in Zero Trust networks

Networks are transforming. The traditional "castle and moat" security model assumed that firewalls could effectively block external threats while anyone inside the network was trusted. However, this approach has a critical weakness: if cybercriminals breach the perimeter, they can move freely within the network, wreaking havoc. The consequences for companies that fall victim to ransomware or cyberattacks are severe: millions of dollars in recovery costs, significant business disruption, and irreparable damage to their reputation.

This is where the Zero Trust security model comes into play.

Does on-premise infrastructure mean staying in control?

The Zero Trust model, rapidly becoming the standard, operates on the assumption that cybercriminals may already be inside the network, meaning no one is inherently trusted. Every time a service is accessed, the user must be verified to confirm their identity and ensure they are authorized to perform the requested action. Additionally, the network is segmented into smaller, isolated areas so that if one system is compromised, the rest remains secure.

For printing, this means that a user's PC can no longer send print jobs directly to a printer, as the network path is blocked.

Printing solutions like uniFLOW Online and Universal Print from Microsoft have evolved to support printing in these micro-segmented, Zero Trust environments. These solutions need only a power supply and an internet connection, as print jobs are securely routed via the cloud.

So far, so good.

However, there is an unintended consequence of printing in a Zero Trust network that can create significant challenges for companies.

While users can print and scan without issue, the internal IT helpdesk can no longer use its existing remote support tools to troubleshoot problems. Users can't "see" the printer from their PCs, but the helpdesk cannot access it. The printer is simply connected to the network, and there is no alternative way to interact with it.

This limitation has led to increased costs for the helpdesk, and in some cases, companies have even considered weakening their Zero Trust model to restore this functionality. Imagine having to explain to the board that the reason a cyberattack hit the company was due to intentionally loosening security to allow the printer to work.

Fortunately, uniFLOW Online provides a solution that enables companies to uphold their Zero Trust model without compromise while still ensuring both secure printing and remote support.

The newly released Remote Device Access feature in uniFLOW Online 2024.4 allows Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE devices to initiate a secure outbound connection to the company’s helpdesk, enabling them to use their familiar remote support tools. The device configuration webpage and the Remote Operator Viewer, which allows helpdesk staff to see and control the device panel in real time, are now available.

The best part:

• No changes to the network are required.
• No need to open the firewall, as the connection is initiated directly from the device.
• The Zero Trust model remains intact.
• No extra costs for the helpdesk, as this feature is included with the standard uniFLOW Online license.
• No additional software purchases are needed.

Secure printing and remote support are available no matter where the Canon imageRUNNER ADVANCE is located — whether in the same building, across the city, or another country.