Secure Print Isn't Optional: Why Your MPS Strategy Needs HP Security Manager & Papercut

Modern Print = Endpoint Risk 

When most people think about cybersecurity, they picture laptops, servers, or cloud applications. Rarely do printers make the list. But here’s the reality: modern printers are full-fledged network endpoints and often some of the most overlooked ones.  

Today’s multifunction printers store data, connect to your network, authenticate users, and process sensitive information every single day. Without the right protections in place, they can quietly become an open door for security threats, data leaks, and compliance violations.  

That’s why secure print can no longer be treated as a “nice-to-have.” It’s a foundational component of any strong Managed Print Services (MPS) strategy. Two tools we consistently see make the biggest impact? HP Security Manager and Papercut.  

Let’s break down why they matter and how they work better together.  

HP Security Manager: Locking Down the Device Itself 

HP Security Manager focuses on hardening the printer at the device level. Think of it as enforcing security hygiene across your entire fleet – automatically and consistently. 

With HP Security Manager organizations can: 

• Apply security policies across all HP devices at once 

• Ensure firmware, passwords, and security settings stay compliant 

• Detect and remediate unauthorized configuration changes 

• Reduce risk from misconfigured or forgotten devices 

Instead of relying on manual setup (which rarely stays consistent over time), HP Security Manager ensures every device meets your organization’s standards – every day.  

PaperCut: Securing the User & the Document 

If HP Security Manager protects the device, PaperCut protects the interaction. 

PaperCut focuses on who is printing, what they’re printing, and when documents are released. Its secure print release functionality ensures documents don’t sit unattended in output trays, one of the most common and risky print behaviors.  

With PaperCut, organizations gain: 

• User authentication at the device (badge, PIN, or login) 

• Secure print release4 to prevent document exposure 

• Detailed visibility into print activity 

• Built-in policies to control and reduce unnecessary printing 

It’s not just about security, it’s also about accountability, compliance, and smarter print behavior. 

How These Tools Work Together to Reduce Vulnerability 

Here’s where the real power comes in.  

• HP Security manager ensures printers are securely configured, locked down, and compliant  

• PaperCut ensures only authorized users can access and release documents  

Together, they address both sides of print security: 

• Device-level vulnerabilities 

• User-level risks 

This layered approach dramatically reduces exposure, supports compliance requirements, and aligns print security with broader IT security strategies.  

The Standley Implementation Approach 

Technology alone isn’t enough. How it’s implemented and supported makes all the difference.  

At Standley, we work through our proven process:  

1. Assess your current print environment and risk areas 

2. Design a security strategy aligned to your business and compliance needs 

3. Implement HP Security Manager and PaperCut with minimal disruption 

4. Manage & Optimize settings over time as your environment evolves 

Our goal isn’t just to deploy tools – it's to ensure your print environment is secure, sustainable, and aligned with your overall IT strategy.  

The Bottom Line on Secure Print 

At the end of the day, secure print isn’t about adding more tools, it’s about closing real gaps that already exist in your environment.  

Printers are endpoints. They handle sensitive data. And without the right controls in place, they introduce unnecessary risk. By pairing HP Security Manager with PaperCut, organizations gain both device-level protection and user-level control, creating a layered defense that aligns with modern IT security expectations.  

When secure print is built into your MPS strategy:  

• Security becomes consistent instead of reactive 

• Compliance becomes easier to manage and demonstrate 

• IT teams gain visibility and confidence – not more work 

The strongest print environments aren’t just efficient – they're secure by design. And when secure print is treated as a core component of your IT strategy, not an afterthought, the entire organization benefits.  

If you’re ready to take a closer look at how secure your print environment really is, we're ready to help.