Today Xerox
(NYSE: XRX) and McAfee
revealed new protection against malware and viruses with the first
networked multifunction
printer to use McAfee Embedded Control software, a sophisticated
filtering method that allows only approved programs to get through. And
while malware threats are most often associated with personal computers,
Xerox demonstrated to attendees at the McAfee
FOCUS 12 security conference that any networked device is vulnerable.
“When a multifunction device receives data and processes it for
printing, copying, scanning or faxing, it becomes susceptible to malware
attacks – a susceptibility that often is overlooked,” said Tom
Moore, vice president, Embedded Security, McAfee.
The Xerox and McAfee security solution simplifies processes for IT
administrators with software embedded into a multifunction device’s
controller (the machine’s main onboard computer) to provide an immediate
alert and audit trail to track and investigate the time and origin of
security threats – and take appropriate action. This eliminates the need
for IT administrators to constantly stay on top of malware threats and
proactively block them.
Climax
Portable Machining and Welding Systems, a company looking to expand
into global markets, is testing the technology. “As we expand we
recognize that we will increase our exposure to viruses and malware,”
said David Richardson, the company’s network administrator. “Adding
McAfee technology to our Xerox equipment is critical to protecting our
intellectual property as we integrate multiple sites and systems around
the world.”
Survey
data from Xerox and McAfee underscores the need for embedded
security in networked printers and multifunction devices. In a poll of
office workers taken earlier this year, more than half (54 percent) say
they either don’t always follow their company’s IT security policies (33
percent) or aren’t even aware of the policies (21 percent) – leaving the
security of customer credit card numbers, financial reports, and human
resource and tax documents at risk. The survey also showed 39 percent of
employees who copy, scan or print confidential information at work say
they wonder (at least sometimes) whether the information on a networked
device will remain secure.
“IT administrators don’t always consider printers as a threat – and with
the Embedded Control software, we’ve put up even more defenses in our
products so they don’t have to,” said Rick
Dastin, president, Xerox Office and Solutions Business Group.
Xerox devices protected and managed by McAfee Embedded Control and
McAfee Embedded Management software will become available in 2013, with
products in the Xerox WorkCentre® and ColorQube®
product lines.
For more information about the Xerox partnership with McAfee, along with
videos and images, visit http://www.xerox.com/security.
McAfee, a wholly owned subsidiary of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ: INTC),
is the world’s largest dedicated security technology company. McAfee
delivers proactive and proven solutions and services that help secure
systems, networks, and mobile devices around the world, allowing users
to safely connect to the Internet, browse and shop the Web more
securely. Backed by its unrivaled Global Threat Intelligence, McAfee
creates innovative products that empower home users, businesses, the
public sector and service providers by enabling them to prove compliance
with regulations, protect data, prevent disruptions, identify
vulnerabilities, and continuously monitor and improve their security.
McAfee is relentlessly focused on constantly finding new ways to keep
our customers safe.
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