Cybersecurity threats are no longer just a concern for large corporations. Small businesses in Australia now lose an average of $49,600 per cyber incident, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) most recent report, an 8% increase compared to the previous financial year (ACSC, 2024).
While many organisations are investing in stronger firewalls, endpoint protection, and staff training, office print equipment is one area still often overlooked. These devices are connected to your network, store sensitive information, and handle data every time someone prints, scans, or shares a document. If left unprotected, they can become a vulnerable point in your IT security environment. That’s why Sharp’s BP Series devices include eight enterprise-grade security features, helping businesses better manage risk at every point of their document workflow.
8 Sharp BP Series security features to protect business data
- Application Whitelisting
Only approved software can run on the device, blocking unauthorised or malicious programs that may otherwise compromise the system. - BIOS Integrity Check at Startup
Ensures the device’s core firmware hasn’t been altered before the operating system loads, helping defend against low-level attacks. - Trusted Platform Module (TPM)
A secure hardware chip that stores encrypted keys, credentials, and passwords—important for protecting data in the event of a physical or remote breach. - Bitdefender Antivirus
Built-in scanning for all inbound and outbound data helps detect and stop viruses, ransomware, or malware from spreading through routine activity. - End-of-Lease Data Erase
Before returning or replacing a device, all stored data—including scans, user credentials, and documents—is securely wiped to protect privacy and compliance. - Firmware Attack Prevention
Monitors the firmware at each startup and restores the original version if tampering is detected. - Active Directory Integration
Connects the device to your business’s network domain, enforcing consistent access control policies and reducing unauthorised use. - Real-Time Intrusion Detection
Monitors for unusual connection attempts or network behaviour and blocks potential threats immediately.
Why print security now deserves more attention
As printers and copiers become more intelligent and integrated into networks, they’re increasingly part of the cybersecurity landscape. In the latest figures, the ACSC received more than 87,000 cybercrime reports, with incidents now occurring approximately every six minutes (ACSC, 2024).
MinterEllison’s 2025 Cyber Risk Report highlights the everyday consequences of cyber incidents. 64% of ransomware-affected organisations faced full or partial shutdowns, nearly half suffered revenue loss or customer fallout, while others had to reduce staff or suspend services. The report also notes that many organisations still struggle with limited planning and resourcing to manage cyber risks effectively.
These findings reinforce the importance of securing every connected device in your business, including those that seem unimportant. With multiple built-in safeguards, the Sharp BP Series helps ensure that your print environment supports your broader cybersecurity goals, rather than weakening them.
Cybercrime is growing in both frequency and impact, and small businesses are among the most affected. For many, the financial and operational consequences are simply too high to risk. If your office print environment hasn’t yet been reviewed as part of your cybersecurity planning, the Sharp BP Series offers a secure and practical starting point helping you protect your documents, data, and business interests.
Talk to our local print experts to find out how the Sharp BP Series could be your next smart investment for not only cybersecurity, but in upgrading your print technology for greater efficiency, control, and peace of mind.
