In addition, employees can install new drivers on their own computers, if this is something they’re allowed or able to do. This enables the print job to go straight to the printer. Similar to other network-enabled connections, the printer and the computer are connected via Internet Protocol (IP). When users connect via the network, they don’t have to physically connect their computer to the printer.

In a traditional print environment, computers connect directly to the printer-through a network using an IP connection. The Traditional Print Environment Explained Here’s why and how print drivers introduce vulnerabilities, the problems inherent in a traditional print infrastructure, and how a cloud print management solution creates a more productive, secure work environment. In addition, managing print drivers is time-consuming and cumbersome in hybrid and work-from-home environments, which leaves print driver security risks unmitigated.īy using a cloud-based print management solution, you can eliminate many of the challenges traditional print drivers present, as well as enjoy a convenient, straightforward experience-for both IT staff and employees. Print drivers have long been an attack vector for cybercriminals seeking to penetrate otherwise secure machines and networks. While the potential fallout of this vulnerability is huge, the discovery itself is not new. This makes it possible for someone with no administrative access credentials to access restricted areas of a system and initiate an attack on a network and get access to sensitive data. In July 2021, a report revealed that millions of computers dating back to 2005 contain a print driver that introduces a dangerous vulnerability, which cyberattackers could use to escalate system access privileges.

Updating printer drivers