Safeguarding Commercial Printing: Advancements in Cybersecurity

The growing integration of digital technologies into commercial printing has fundamentally transformed the way that today’s companies operate. Automation, data analytics, and cloud computing are now key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. Although these innovations enable smarter production processes, they also expose operations to cyberthreats. This article discusses how strong cybersecurity protocols can help ensure operational security while maintaining client trust.

Production systems such as digital presses, print management information systems (MIS), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) platforms are integral to operations, but they are also susceptible to cyberattacks.
The manufacturing sector, which includes commercial printing, can face costs running into millions of dollars when cyberattacks occur.
To guard against the growing threat of cyberattacks, PSPs must adopt cybersecurity strategies that address technological and human vulnerabilities.

By Greg Cholmondeley

Introduction

The growing integration of digital technologies into commercial printing has fundamentally transformed the way that today’s companies operate. Automation, data analytics, and cloud computing are now key to improving efficiency and reducing costs. Although these innovations enable smarter production processes, they 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 cybercrime.

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 security breaches. As companies continue to embrace these advanced systems, implementing strong cybersecurity protocols becomes critical to ensuring operational security while maintaining client trust.

Vulnerabilities and 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 they are also susceptible to cyberattacks. The integration of these complex systems, which handle 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 because they enable attackers to freeze production lines, manipulate job orders, or steal confidential client information. The increased reliance on cloud-based solutions to manage large operations only amplifies these risks, particularly as data breaches and supply chain attacks grow more frequent.

The Repercussions

Cyberattacks in the production printing space can lead to serious financial and operational setbacks. Direct financial losses often arise from ransomware payments, downtime, and the expense of recovering compromised systems. The manufacturing sector, which includes 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; 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, causing significant revenue loss and eroding customer trust. In the long term, compliance violations—such as those under the General Data Protection Regulation (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 research, only 25% of PSPs cited cybersecurity when asked to identify significant business concerns from a predetermined list.

Figure 1: Top Business Concerns

N = 95 Business Respondents

Source: North American Software Investment Outlook; Keypoint Intelligence 2024

When respondents were asked to elaborate on their cybersecurity approach, a clearer picture emerged. Many indicated that while there is a general awareness of cybersecurity risks, it remains a lower priority compared to other business objectives.

Guarding Against Cyberattacks

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 identifying 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 data (both in transit and at rest) is crucial to ensuring that sensitive information remains protected from unauthorized access. Moreover, regular patching of software and firmware is a fundamental practice to prevent the exploitation of outdated systems.

Employee education is another key component. Because human error often contributes to security breaches, it is 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 enables companies to quickly isolate systems and restore operations in the event of an attack, minimizing financial and operational damage.

The Bottom Line

Looking ahead, the cybersecurity landscape for production printing will continue to evolve in response to technological advancements. As businesses 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.

In addition to data, future cyberattacks are likely to target 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 when facing 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 enable PSPs to protect their operations, maintain customer confidence, and stay resilient in today’s ever-evolving digital environment.

Greg Cholmondeley is the Principal Analyst for the Production Workflow Software and Customer Communication Experience services at Keypoint Intelligence. With over 40 years of experience, he is a recognized authority in workflow automation, customer communications, strategic planning, and software solutions within the printing industry. He holds a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Rochester and completed the Strategic Market Management program at Harvard Business School.