As organizations increasingly embrace Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions, the need for robust security measures becomes paramount. The IDC Spotlight, sponsored by MPS Monitor, “Driving Higher Standards in SaaS Security for Managed Print Services” offers a comprehensive look at current trends, challenges, and best practices in this space. It underlines the importance of security in SaaS applications, especially in the context of Managed Print Services (MPS), and also validates MPS Monitor’s security posture.
IDC’s opinion on MPS Monitor: a model for secure SaaS in MPS
According to the IDC Spotlight, “Established in 2010, MPS Monitor has emerged as a pioneering force in the global MPS industry. Since its inception, MPS Monitor has drawn a path of success across all continents, with headquarters in Europe and direct operations in North America and Asia. At the heart of its mission lies a commitment to establishing itself as the market leader in remote monitoring and management (RMM) of printers and multifunction devices of all brands.”
MPS Monitor has made significant investments in security, achieving certifications such as ISO/IEC 27001, AICPA SOC2 Type 2, and CSA Star Level 2. These certifications are renewed and rigorously tested regularly, demonstrating MPS Monitor’s commitment to maintaining high-security standards.
Some of the key security features of MPS Monitor include:
- Modern Coding Practices: Unlike many legacy MPS solutions, MPS Monitor’s codebase is built with modern security standards in mind, ensuring it is up-to-date and resilient against threats.
- Continuous Testing and Updates: MPS Monitor’s critical components, such as the Data Collection Agent (DCA), undergo regular code reviews and external security checks before each release. Their cloud systems are penetration-tested biannually.
- Advanced Authentication Mechanisms: MPS Monitor employs robust authentication methods, including Single Sign-On (SSO) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), enhancing overall security.
Growing adoption of SaaS software and security imperatives
The rapid shift towards SaaS platforms is transforming how businesses operate. As reported in IDC Spotlight, “As of 2024, 53% of organizations worldwide are using software-as-a-service (SaaS) solutions, and a reported 80% of organizations plan to convert all their systems to SaaS by 2025.” The allure of SaaS lies in its promise of fast solution deployment, reduced burden on internal IT resources, and simplified operations. However, IDC highlights a critical oversight in this rush: security. Many organizations focus on the benefits of SaaS without giving adequate attention to the associated security risks.
Q. What best describes your organization’s approach to establishing formalized print security rules or policies?
Managed Print Services are not immune to this trend. The document notes that 49% of organizations with over 100 employees have adopted cloud-based print solutions, with some suppliers seeing up to 50% annual growth in their cloud offerings. Despite this, many MPS software vendors have lagged in developing robust security capabilities, often only addressing document and device security superficially. The real need is for a holistic security approach that includes rigorous testing and compliance with international standards.
Market trends and challenges for SaaS and MPS
In this shift towards SaaS solutions, many legacy print and device management applications are being adapted for cloud environments without the necessary redesign or implementation of robust security measures. These older systems often lack true multitenancy, data separation, API security, and strong authentication, making them vulnerable to the myriad threats posed by public Internet exposure.
On the other hand, all SaaS companies face increasing security challenges as their platforms grow, expanding their attack surfaces and becoming prime targets for cyberattacks. Critical risks include account hijacking and supply-chain compromises, where attackers infiltrate development pipelines to embed malware in code updates. In the MPS world, Data Collection Agents (DCAs) can become gateways for network intrusions. Many organizations, constrained by limited IT security budgets and a lack of awareness, underestimate these risks, often failing to invest adequately in security measures.
As highlighted by IDC, there is a significant need for a shift in perception, recognizing that comprehensive and proactive security strategies are essential for safeguarding print and device management systems in the SaaS era. A modern cloud-native approach, with security integrated from the ground up, is crucial for maintaining the integrity and safety of these platforms. In this context, dealers play a key role in helping companies navigate this complex landscape.
A strategic approach: balancing modernization with security
Although companies are integrating SaaS software into their MPS strategies to modernize their IT infrastructure, there’s a disconnect between the security priorities reported by organizations and what current MPS solutions offer. While security is a top concern, few solutions meet the high-security standards required by modern print architectures.
To mitigate these risks, IDC recommends some best practices for ensuring SaaS platforms do not introduce additional security vulnerabilities, including:
- Develop and integrate comprehensive corporate security policies from the outset.
- Evaluate SaaS providers’ security postures and ensure compliance with recognized standards.
- Regularly perform security audits and keep systems updated.
- Adopt a Zero Trust architecture, treating every network device and connection as a potential threat.
IDC foresees a transformative period for the office print market, driven by Managed Print Services that prioritize security. We believe MPS Monitor stands out for its unparalleled focus on security and compliance, setting a benchmark for other vendors in the industry. As companies seek to modernize their print infrastructure, they must prioritize solutions that offer comprehensive security features and continuous testing to safeguard their networks against emerging threats.
Download IDC Spotlight here
