Ricoh UK calls on businesses to improve security of business crucial document processes

Ricoh UK has welcomed new research by analysts Quocirca that reveals businesses are taking unnecessary risks by employing a fragmented approach to document security. According to the research, a significant 70 per cent of businesses surveyed have suffered one or more accidental printing-related data breaches but only 15 per cent are concerned about data loss through printers or multi-functional products. 

The findings align with a study commissioned by Ricoh where it was revealed that businesses across the UK stated that just 32 per cent of UK businesses continue to lose important documents, while 22 per cent have no audit trail facilities in place to track business critical documents, meaning more than half do not know who is accessing, editing, printing or copying all their valuable information.

The Quocirca research indicated that awareness of such standards is less than half with only 40% of UK organisations believing multi functions printer (MFP) security certification to be important or very important. The research also highlighted that compliance and regulatory requirements have put additional burdens on IT groups within retailers, healthcare providers, financial services companies, and numerous other vertical industries as evidence is now required to demonstrate proof of data controls against industry regulations such as Sarbanes-Oxley, PCI DSS, ISO 27001/2 and the Data Protection Act. In the UK, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) now has powers to fine companies and organisations up to 500,000 for serious breaches of data protection principles under the Data Protection Act.

Quocirca encourages organisations to include print security within a wider information security strategy.  Analyst, Louella Fernandes said, "Our research shows that an organisation's document efficiency and security can only be as strong as its weakest link. Given the continued importance of document management among businesses, the issue of print security can no longer be overlooked. Print security demands a comprehensive approach, combining education, policy and technology, and businesses should look for a print service provider with strong security credentials to entrust with their business critical information."

The view is supported by Ricoh UK, with Phil Keoghan, Ricoh UK's CEO, saying: "The key to managing the far-reaching impacts of business critical document processes is to ensure that there is a full end-to-end review across the organisation. Reviewing knowledge sharing, productivity and security as isolated components will not result in the optimum improvements inside UK based businesses. It is essential to look at them together, and review the processes, people and technology in combination.

"Just as having a relaxed approach to document security can have far-reaching negative impacts for a business, optimising business critical document processes with the right tools and training can result in a wide range of benefits beyond security. With information able to flow more easily around an organisation, businesses will enjoy improved efficiency, flexibility, employee productivity and client service with the peace of mind that their information is secure."