Sign up for The Key Point of View, our weekly newsletter of blogs and podcasts!
 |
The growing integration of digital technologies into commercial printing has fundamentally transformed the way companies operate. Automation, data analytics, and cloud computing are now key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. These innovations enable smarter production processes, but also expose operations to cyberthreats. Interconnected systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and cloud platforms, which are essential to managing print jobs and workflows, are becoming prime targets for cybercriminals.
For instance, large digital presses and automated production lines are connected to network environments that can be exploited to disrupt operations or steal valuable data. Additionally, cloud-based solutions that manage sensitive customer data and supply chains heighten the risk of breaches. As companies continue to embrace these advanced systems, implementing strong cybersecurity protocols becomes critical to ensuring operational security and maintaining client trust.
Industry Vulnerabilities and Cyber Threats
The digital infrastructure in large-scale printing environments comes with unique vulnerabilities. Production systems such as digital presses, print management information systems (MIS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms are integral to operations but also susceptible to cyberattacks. The integration of these complex systems, handling everything from client data to production schedules, creates multiple entry points for hackers.
Print MIS and ERP systems that store operational and customer data are attractive targets for ransomware attacks or data theft. Moreover, unpatched software and outdated security protocols on these machines increase the risk of unauthorized access—allowing attackers to freeze production lines, manipulate job orders, or steal confidential client information. The increasing reliance on cloud-based solutions to manage large operations only amplifies these risks, as data breaches and supply chain attacks grow more frequent.
Financial and Operational Repercussions of Cyberattacks
Cyberattacks in the production printing space can lead to severe financial and operational setbacks. Direct financial losses often arise from ransomware payments, downtime, and the expense of recovering compromised systems. The manufacturing sector, including commercial printing, can face costs running into millions of dollars when such attacks occur. The broader financial impact also includes reputational damage, regulatory penalties, and increased insurance premiums.
Operational disruptions are equally damaging. Production printing businesses often operate on tight schedules, and any downtime can delay critical print jobs, strain supply chains, and reduce customer satisfaction. System breaches affecting MIS or ERP platforms can freeze entire production lines, leading to significant revenue loss and eroding customer trust. In the long term, compliance violations—such as those under GDPR—and the associated legal fees further escalate the costs of cyberattacks, underlining the critical need for proactive security measures.
Despite these vulnerabilities and risks, cybersecurity does not appear to be a high priority for print service providers (PSPs), particularly in North America. According to Keypoint Intelligence’s 2024 North American Software Investment Outlook study, when PSPs were asked to identify significant business concerns from a predetermined list, only 25% included cybersecurity. This places it just barely within the top ten most mentioned concerns. However, when asked to elaborate on their cybersecurity approach, many responses indicated that while there is a general awareness of cybersecurity risks, it remains a lower priority compared to other business objectives.
 |
Strengthening Cybersecurity Measures
To guard against the growing threat of cyberattacks, PSPs must adopt cybersecurity strategies that address technological and human vulnerabilities. Regular risk assessments are essential to identify weaknesses in digital presses, MIS, ERP systems, and network infrastructure. These assessments should cover IT and operational technology (OT) systems as production equipment is increasingly connected to company networks.
A multi-layered security approach is vital for protection. Firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems can help secure networks, while strict access controls limit who can interact with sensitive systems and data. Encryption of both data in transit and at rest is crucial to ensuring sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. Moreover, regular patching of software and firmware is a fundamental practice to prevent exploitation of outdated systems.
Employee education is another key component. Human error often contributes to security breaches, making it essential to train staff on recognizing phishing attempts, securing authentication protocols, and understanding best practices for data protection. Additionally, having a robust incident response plan allows companies to quickly isolate systems and restore operations in the event of an attack, minimizing financial and operational damage.
The Future of Cybersecurity in Production Printing
Looking ahead, the cybersecurity landscape for production printing will continue to evolve in response to advancing technologies. As companies further integrate artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and cloud-based platforms, the complexity of managing cybersecurity risks will increase. Continuous updates to security frameworks and advanced threat detection systems will be essential, as will regular audits of IT and OT systems to maintain a strong defense against cyber threats.
Future cyberattacks are likely to target not only data, but also the integrity of production processes and supply chains. This means that cybersecurity strategies will need to prioritize business continuity, ensuring that critical production systems remain operational even in the face of an attack. Collaboration with cybersecurity experts and ongoing training of staff will become increasingly important, as real-time monitoring and predictive analytics take center stage in detecting emerging threats. Investing in these areas will allow PSPs to protect their operations, maintain customer confidence, and stay resilient in an ever-evolving digital environment.
Stay ahead in the ever-evolving print industry. Browse through our Industry Reports Page for the latest insights on workflow and print automation solutions. Log in to the InfoCenter to view research on workflow and print automation solutions through our Production Workflow Advisory Service. Not a subscriber? Contact us for more information.
