More Than Half of Australian and New Zealand Organisations Faced a Print-Related Security Incident in the Last 12 Months, Konica Minolta Reveals

New research from Konica Minolta Australia has found that a print-related security incident struck 56 per cent of Australian organisations and 52 per cent of New Zealand organisations during the past 12 months. As a result, the findings highlight significant gaps in print security governance. This comes despite continued investment in cybersecurity across networks, endpoints, and cloud environments.

The research draws on a survey of 400 senior IT decision-makers across Australia and New Zealand. Specifically, it marks the first in a three-part digital workplace research series developed in partnership with global analyst firm Omdia.

John Harding, General Manager – Managed Services, Konica Minolta Australia, said, “These figures genuinely surprised us. Organisations have invested heavily in strengthening their cybersecurity posture, yet the research shows print continues to sit outside many governance frameworks. Print environments have become an integral part of the broader IT ecosystem and should be managed with the same level of governance and security oversight.”

Although organisations continue to invest in cybersecurity and in securing networks, endpoints, and cloud environments, the report suggests print environments have not kept pace with broader governance and security practices.

Why a Print-Related Security Incident Is Becoming More Common

The report identifies several areas where print security risks are increasing. For instance, hybrid work has created new vulnerabilities around home and remote printing. In addition, long-standing control gaps, such as inconsistent authentication and limited use of secure release printing, continue to expose sensitive information.

The findings also highlight the growing importance of print security. As print environments become more connected to cloud platforms, business applications and identity systems, organisations are placing greater weight on security controls when selecting technology providers. Consequently, almost three-quarters (72 per cent) of Australian organisations and 61 per cent of New Zealand organisations expect to increase investment in print security over the next 12 months.

Paul Colarelli, Product Marketing Manager, Konica Minolta Australia, said, “Modern print environments process, store, and transmit sensitive information every day. Strengthening print security does not always require a complete technology overhaul. For many organisations, the priority is to strengthen authentication, apply security controls consistently, and manage print as part of the broader cybersecurity strategy.”

Among the most common print security challenges identified in the research are vulnerabilities in home and remote printing, unsecured print jobs left on devices, inconsistent authentication across sites, and gaps in secure release printing. Overall, these findings highlight the need to strengthen print security as part of broader cyber resilience strategies.

Key Findings on the Print-Related Security Incident Trend

Key findings from the Security and Risk Report 2026 include:

• 56 per cent of Australian organisations and 52 per cent of New Zealand organisations experienced a print-related security incident during the past 12 months
• Home and remote printing is the leading print security vulnerability across both markets
• Inconsistent authentication is Australia’s biggest governance gap, while secure release printing is New Zealand’s biggest gap
• 72 per cent of Australian organisations and 61 per cent of New Zealand organisations expect to increase investment in print security over the next 12 months
• Security certifications and controls are now the top criteria when selecting print technology

Trevor Clarke, Chief Analyst, Omdia, said, “The research shows that even in a well-known vector like cloud printing, it will continue to suffer from incidents and operational resilience challenges. The survey results show we expect the AI era to introduce more risks and security threats; however, we can’t let our pursuit of the new, aka agentic AI, reduce our vigilance on keeping traditional communication channels secure.”

The report outlines practical opportunities for organisations to strengthen print security. For example, these range from reviewing remote printing policies and implementing secure release printing, to maintaining device security and integrating print into broader cybersecurity frameworks. Ultimately, the findings reinforce that print can no longer be treated as standalone office infrastructure. Instead, it needs to be managed as part of the broader information environment and digital workplace strategy.

The security mandate: Protecting modern print report is available to download here.

About Konica Minolta Australia

Konica Minolta Business Solutions Australia Pty Ltd is a market-leading provider of trusted technology solutions. Specifically, the company helps Australian organisations keep pace with the needs of the future workplace through innovation and investment in technology solutions that leverage the technology of tomorrow, today.

For more information, visit konicaminolta.com.au.

About Omdia

Omdia is a technology research and advisory firm focused on helping technology companies and enterprise decision-makers navigate the connected digital economy. Through a global network of analysts, Omdia delivers expert analysis and strategic insight across IT, telecoms, and media sectors. Additionally, Omdia is part of Informa TechTarget, listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Stay Informed With Cyber News Live

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, and staying informed is critical to protecting your organization. Follow Cyber News Live for the latest cybersecurity news, threat intelligence, expert analysis, and practical guidance to help strengthen your cyber defenses.