How to Print Securely from Mobile Devices Using Ricoh Printers

In today’s mobile-first world, being able to print securely from mobile devices is a must, especially for businesses that prioritize data protection. Ricoh printers come with built-in features and options that allow secure mobile printing, ensuring your sensitive documents remain safe. Here’s a guide on how to print securely from mobile devices using Ricoh printers.

1. Ensure Your Printer and Device Are on the Same Network

To securely print from your mobile device, both your Ricoh printer and the mobile device need to be connected to the same Wi-Fi network. This ensures that your print jobs are sent directly without going through untrusted networks.

Steps:

Make sure your Ricoh printer is connected to the office or home Wi-Fi.
Ensure your mobile device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

2. Download the Ricoh Print&Scan App

For secure printing from mobile devices, you can use the Ricoh Print&Scan app. This app allows you to control and manage print jobs securely while using Ricoh printers.

To download the app:

Go to the App Store for iOS devices or Google Play Store for Android devices.
Search for the Ricoh Print&Scan app and install it on your phone or tablet.

3. Set Up Secure Printing Options

Once you’ve downloaded the app, you can adjust the security settings for your print jobs.

Open the Ricoh Print&Scan app and sign in (if needed).
Select your Ricoh printer from the list of available devices.
Adjust the print settings to include Secure Print or User Authentication. This feature ensures that documents won’t be printed until you are physically at the printer to release the job.

For example, secure printing might require you to input a PIN code or authenticate using an access card at the printer before it prints your document.

4. Enable Print Release

Ricoh printers often come with a Print Release feature, which ensures that your documents are held in the printer’s queue until you manually release them at the printer. This helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive materials left unattended on the printer tray.

Steps to enable Print Release:

Set up User Authentication on the printer or PIN-protected printing through the app.
After sending your print job, go to the printer and input your PIN or tap your ID card (if using ID authentication).
Release the print job from the queue once you’ve authenticated.

5. Using AirPrint or Google Cloud Print Securely

If you have an iOS device, you can use AirPrint to print securely without additional apps. For Android users, Google Cloud Print or Android’s native print function might be available.

Ensure your Ricoh printer supports these services.
While using AirPrint, make sure you are on a secure Wi-Fi network and that your phone and printer have the latest firmware updates to prevent potential vulnerabilities.
Similar precautions apply to Google Cloud Print.

6. Enable Encryption for Mobile Printing

Data encryption is another essential step to ensure your print jobs are secure. Most Ricoh printers support encrypted connections (SSL/TLS) between your mobile device and the printer.

In your Ricoh printer’s admin panel, enable SSL/TLS encryption.
Ensure that the mobile app or the device you are printing from is also set up to use encrypted connections.

7. Install Mobile Device Management (MDM) for Corporate Security

For businesses that handle sensitive information, using Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions can add an extra layer of security to mobile printing.

Many MDM solutions are compatible with Ricoh printers and can help manage and control what can be printed from mobile devices, enforcing security protocols.
MDM allows IT administrators to monitor and restrict print capabilities, ensuring only authorized users can send print jobs.

8. Check Ricoh Printer Security Features

Ricoh printers come with various security settings that can be activated to ensure that any print job, whether from a mobile device or otherwise, remains secure.

Locked Print: This feature prevents printouts from being released until a user physically authenticates at the printer. It ensures that documents are not left out in the open for others to see.
Data Encryption: Ensure that print jobs sent over the network are encrypted to prevent interception.
User Authentication: Set up users and roles to control who can print sensitive materials. Each user must authenticate themselves to print documents.

9. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Remote Printing

If you are printing from a mobile device outside of the office network, it’s best to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This encrypts your connection, making it more secure when sending print jobs to the office Ricoh printer remotely.

Steps:

Set up a VPN connection to your office network.
Once connected, send your print job as usual through the Ricoh app or printing function on your device.
Follow the steps to release the print job when you’re back in the office.

10. Test Your Secure Printing Setup

Once all security measures are in place, test the setup:

Send a test document from your mobile device.
Confirm that the print job isn’t released until you authenticate at the Ricoh printer.
Check that the document prints correctly and securely without unauthorized access.

Conclusion

Printing securely from mobile devices is crucial for protecting sensitive information, especially in a business environment. By using Ricoh’s built-in security features and best practices such as print release, encryption, and user authentication, you can ensure that your mobile printing is both efficient and safe. Following this guide will help you set up secure printing on your Ricoh printer and give you peace of mind knowing your documents are protected.