Secure print is a printing process that ensures print jobs are held until the user is ready to print, and it is crucial in maintaining the confidentiality and compliance of printed documents, especially in environments where sensitive information is regularly handled. Secure printing is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it minimizes the risk of printed documents being left unattended in the output bin, thereby reducing the chances of sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Secondly, it offers mobility, allowing users to move from one location to another and print without needing to log onto a computer.
Secure printing can be achieved through various methods, including locked print, pull printing, and secure print release. Locked print is a form of secured print where documents won’t print before being released by the user that has been authorized to print. The designated user can only authorize the print job from the physical device. Pull printing, also known as find-the-user style printing, is a solution that ensures print jobs are held until the user is ready to print. After authenticating themselves at the printer or through an external device like a smartcard, the user is presented with a list of available print jobs. They can then pick and choose which jobs they wish to print at any given time. Secure print release is a feature of secure printing that holds print jobs until the user is ready to print. After authenticating themselves at the printer or through an external device like a smartcard, the user is presented with a list of available print jobs. They can then pick and choose which jobs they wish to print at any given time.
Secure printing is most often used in business environments where sensitive information is regularly handled. It is essential to verify ownership and release jobs to print securely to avoid accidentally revealing sensitive or confidential business information to unauthorized users.
