Cyber Attacks and Why Secure Printing Matters More Than Ever

Recent high-profile cyber-attacks have made one thing clear: businesses of all sizes are vulnerable. From automotive giants like Jaguar Land Rover to major retailers such as Marks & Spencer, the impact of cybercrime has been devastating – not just in terms of lost revenue, but also in operational downtime, data breaches, and reputational harm.

While companies are quick to secure networks and software, many still overlook one critical piece of infrastructure: their print environment.

At ABS, we work hard to not only optimise printing but to ensure its secure and resilient. And in today’s threat landscape, that’s more important than ever.

Consequences of an Unsecured Network

In August 2025, Jaguar Land Rover faced a serious cyber incident that halted production entirely. With factories at a standstill and workers sent home, the company was reportedly losing up to £50 million per week. While JLR may recover, the same can’t be said for many of the smaller suppliers who depend on them.

Marks & Spencer also suffered a ransomware attack through a third-party vendor. This breach disrupted payments, logistics, and digital channels. Experts estimate the cost at over £300 million – plus long-term damage to customer trust.

Even Co-op wasn’t spared, with the same criminal group targeting their systems, causing operational chaos.

These attacks didn’t just affect IT systems. They highlighted how interconnected business infrastructure has become – and how vulnerabilities in any part of that ecosystem, including printers and multifunction devices, can open the door to cybercriminals.

Why Print Security Can’t Be Ignored

Modern printers are much more than simple output devices. They’re smart, connected, and – if unmanaged – potential entry points for attacks. Left unsecured, they can expose networks to malware, ransomware, and data loss.

Key print-related risks include:

Outdated firmware with unpatched security flaws
Unsecured print jobs that can be intercepted or left uncollected
Legacy devices that don’t support modern authentication or encryption
End-of-life support – especially when paired with operating systems like Windows 10, which loses official support in October 2025
If your organisation is still relying on ageing print infrastructure or hasn’t reviewed its print security in the last year, it’s time to act.

What Windows 10 End-of-Life Means for Print

Microsoft will stop supporting Windows 10 on October 14, 2025. This means no more security patches – not for your operating system, and not for the print drivers and tools that rely on it.

Without ongoing updates, your print environment could quickly become a weak point in your cybersecurity posture.

Staying on unsupported systems is not a cost-saving measure – it’s a liability.

Secure Printing Without the Disruption

Transitioning to a modern, secure print setup doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming.

At ABS we offer:

Print assessments to identify security gaps
Hardware upgrades tailored to your business needs – often without major capital investment
Flexible leasing options with 3-year warranties included
Seamless migration support that minimises downtime and keeps your teams productive

Our goal is simple: to help you stay protected while getting the most value from your print environment.

Don’t Let an Unsecured Printer Be Your Weak Link

The scale and frequency of cyber-attacks in the UK are only increasing – and no part of your infrastructure should be left to chance.

Your print devices, like every other endpoint, must be part of your wider cybersecurity strategy. If they’re not, you may be leaving the door wide open for attackers.

Let ABS help you modernise, secure, and future-proof your print environment – before the cost of doing nothing becomes far greater.

Contact us today to schedule a free print security assessment.

📞 Call 01422 880008 or;

✉️ Email: info@absabetterway.co.uk