How To Improve Print Security: 5 Key Steps To Reduce Risks for Government Agencies

Government agencies are under increasing pressure to modernize their print infrastructure while safeguarding sensitive data under the current cybersecurity landscape. With memorandums like M-25-04 emphasizing Zero Trust implementation and secure cloud adoption, agencies must take proactive steps to stay compliant and secure.

Below are five critical strategies for enhancing print security, reducing risks, and supporting modernization initiatives across federal, state, and local government operations.

Public sector IT ecosystems are increasingly complex, spanning legacy systems, cloud environments, and hybrid workforces. Traditional perimeter-based defenses are no longer sufficient. Implementing a Zero Trust security model is crucial—where every user, device, and document is continuously authenticated and monitored.

Align print infrastructure with Zero Trust principles by integrating:

• Identity-based authentication and secure print release

• Least-privilege access controls

• Endpoint security with continuous threat detection

• Real-time analytics and policy enforcement

Zero Trust isn’t a rip-and-replace solution—it enhances existing infrastructure while reducing the attack surface without sacrificing productivity.

Print servers are often a bottleneck in digital transformation efforts. They are costly, complex, and vulnerable to security threats like PrintNightmare. Replacing legacy print servers with cloud-based, serverless print management solutions improves both security and efficiency.

Eliminating print servers means:

• Elimination of single points of failure

• Reduced IT maintenance and support costs

• Enhanced deployment speed and user experience

• Greater scalability and agility for evolving government needs

By modernizing print infrastructure, agencies can reallocate resources toward mission-critical objectives.

A lack of visibility creates blind spots that can lead to data breaches and compliance issues. Implementing centralized monitoring and management is essential for real-time oversight of print activities.

Security features through print visibility include:

• Audit trails for regulatory compliance

• Secure print release to prevent unauthorized access

• Usage analytics to reduce waste and costs

• Role-based access control and print tracking by user or department

With data-driven insights, agencies can make smarter decisions and improve overall efficiency.

Supporting remote and hybrid government teams introduces new challenges, especially when deploying Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) and VDI environments. Agencies must ensure that remote printing remains secure, reliable, and user-friendly.

Provide streamlined printing by:

• Integrating direct IP printing solutions with AVD sessions

• Eliminating print redirection failures and driver issues

• Keeping print jobs local to enhance data security

The PrinterLogic solution can be embedded in the base image or deployed at login, enabling frictionless printing experiences for hybrid teams.

Vendor partnerships are critical when navigating cloud transitions and compliance frameworks. Government agencies should work with vendors that collaborate with pre-vetted, reliable resellers who understand federal procurement processes and security mandates.

What to ask before you buy:

• Are FedRAMP or DoD IL4 certifications in progress or achieved?

• Does the solution integrate with CAC/PIV infrastructure?

• Is Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) part of the architecture?

• Is the vendor flexible with existing contract vehicles?

A strong vendor-reseller relationship ensures smoother deployments, faster support, and greater long-term value.

As government agencies modernize their IT stacks, secure print infrastructure must be part of the process. By embracing Zero Trust, eliminating print servers, improving visibility, supporting hybrid teams, and choosing the right partners, agencies can reduce risk, improve compliance, and streamline operations. 

Get the full guide to improving print security in government agencies. 

Book a demo with PrinterLogic and discover how a secure, serverless print environment can support your agency’s digital transformation goals.