PRINTITRESELLER.UK 45 VOX POP With the introduction of AI into the broader world, making it accessible to everyone, the impact on information security will be immense and this is why OEMs and suppliers now have to take a proper stand against cyber-attacks on connected MFPs and unsecured printers Steve Smith, Technical Director, Elmdale IT Services: From an IT services point of view, the integration of managed print services, VoIP and IT services, is crucial for our customers and we have seen a shift to using more cloud-based services. We are also aware of the introduction of AI-driven cyber threat detection systems, and, while inevitable, there are complicated safeguards in place for this technology, because they generate a complex and time-consuming set of checks and verifications, which can slow down processes significantly. On a positive note, the customers who are investing in our IT technology are relying more on us to monitor and manage their systems more closely, and we are also helping them to advise their staff how to recognise and respond to potential security issues. Paul Kamlesh: We supply managed print services and recently, while there haven’t been many changes to the products in recent years, the changes that have been made are based on security. With the introduction of AI into the broader world, making it accessible to everyone, the impact on information security will be immense and this is why OEMs and suppliers now have to take a proper stand against cyber-attacks on connected MFPs and unsecured printers. The fact that MFPs have encryption, user authentication and secure print release are helpful and now that simple access passwords are being banned, to prevent cyber attackers guessing, is even more useful. Arwel Griffiths: We are fortunate to work with a range of MFPs with many beneficial security features including user authentication, monitoring of users using log-in information, account tracking and secure print. However, we are seeing that the latest models launched recently, have been designed with additional security in mind. One of the features is called the Authentication Attack Detection function and is designed to block attempts made to break through passwords and other access codes. We have always been aware of the steps that need to be taken to ensure our customers and their data are protected but, with the new PSTI Act passed in the UK, just a few weeks ago, it just goes to show that everyone is taking no prisoners when it comes to clamping down on the increase in cyber threats on digital technology. In a nutshell, the impact that new technology has created has been that businesses are building new boundaries of zero-tolerance. PrintIT Reseller: The study found that tech investment overall is set to increase 31% year-on-year, are you seeing an increase in demand and in what areas? John Green: We added office supplies to our portfolio last year and we have seen a rise in the business there – this includes everything from laptops to furniture. In addition, a number of our existing managed print services customers are now looking to consolidate their business management processes to one supplier, meaning that our IT services business has been a major area of growth, this year, with telecoms/VoIP services not far behind. Customers are talking more about security but, mainly they are concerned about rising costs so by having one company managing their systems it achieves stability, security and costeffectiveness. Daniel Gilbert: The ability to access and assess business data from a single terminal is proving to be invaluable. Ease of management of data and reporting is increasingly becoming a requirement. This demand stems from changing ways of working, with cloud access to information required regardless of where or how work is being carried out. The investment is ultimately in staff productivity and increased customer service, using technology as a conduit to make the biggest improvements. Steve Smith: At Elmdale Group we are in the fortunate position of being able to offer our customers the combination of both managed print solutions and IT services. We are seeing a marked increase in the number of businesses and in particular schools, enquiring about data security and how their systems can be protected against the rise of cyberattacks. continued... Daniel Gilbert
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