TigerDirect News

On Wednesday Hwelett-Packard introduced a security technology that makes sure printed documents go to the right recipient, while protecting against malware at the same time. This new technology is called Secure Print Advantage and functions via a collaboration of hardware and software components. These different pieces all do their part to encrypt documents that are sent to a printer. They also only complete a print job after the user provides authentication information. This new design is part of the larger HP Secure Advantage program, which protects HP’s security assets, operating knowledge, and hardware technology.

These extra steps are essential in preventing document theft, a prevalent form of corporate espionage. Secure Print Advantage also checks print jobs for foul play, preventing network intrusion and the spread of malicious computer programs. It works like this: Once a user schedules a document for printing it is then encrypted on the user’s PC. Then the print document cools it’s heals on a secure printing server while the user provides authentication. The document is then printed on a workgroup printer. These steps are just as effective if the computer is across the room from the printer, or in whole separate countries.

Because the system is designed using a mix of industry standard equipment, it can handle the use of smartcards, biometrics or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (also called LDAP)—it all depends on what the customer requests. It supports encryption techniques like AES, RSA, and CCE. It is compatible with any TCP/IP printer. Why all the fuss over the printer? It turns out that printer server software has been known to spread e-nastiness. HP had to pull one of it’s own print servers when a security company performing a routine sweep found that its software had been corrupted and contained malware.

This new technology will be available worldwide in February.

Related Links: HP Print Solutions, Available at TigerDirect.com!

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