As twinkling lights and holiday decorations adorn office spaces this December, a less festive but equally-important transformation is taking place in workplaces across the globe.
The humble office equipment we use daily – from smart printers to connected coffee machines – has become an unexpected frontline in the battle for cybersecurity.
“The landscape of office technology has fundamentally shifted,” says Mike Ardry, President of Automated Business Solutions. “What used to be simple stand-alone devices are now sophisticated network endpoints that require the same level of security attention as any computer on our network.”
Gone are the days when cybersecurity meant simply installing antivirus software on computers. Today’s office is a complex ecosystem of interconnected devices, each potentially serving as a gateway for cyber threats. That seemingly innocent smart printer in the corner, processing everything from confidential financial reports to employee records, could be a vulnerable entry point if not properly secured. Even that new IoT-enabled coffee machine, programmed to have your perfect brew ready for early morning meetings, is connected to your network and requires security consideration.
The stakes are particularly high during the holiday season, when many offices operate with skeletal crews and remote work arrangements become more common. Cybercriminals, well aware of these seasonal vulnerabilities, often increase their activities during this period. A compromised office device can serve as a persistent backdoor into corporate networks, potentially leading to data breaches that could dampen holiday spirits well into the new year.
Recognizing the critical nature of this evolving threat landscape, Automated Business Solutions recently strengthened its cybersecurity capabilities through the strategic acquisition of Tech911 of Warwick, RI.
“Automated Business Solutions has always been at the forefront of office technology solutions, and this acquisition represents our commitment to providing comprehensive security for our clients’ entire office ecosystem,” explains Mike Ardry.
Chris Dias, who founded Tech911, and now serves as a Manager at Automated Business Solutions, brings over a decade of cybersecurity expertise to the table.
“Modern office equipment isn’t just about functionality anymore,” they note. “Every networked device needs to be treated as a potential security checkpoint. The merging of IT and office equipment is no longer a trend – it’s a necessity for modern business security.”
This merger of expertise comes at a crucial time as modern office equipment now comes equipped with built-in security features like firmware validation, encrypted communications, and automatic security updates. Leading manufacturers are integrating zero-trust architectures into their devices, ensuring that every print job, scan, or casual coffee brew doesn’t become a security nightmare.
As we wrap up another year, forward-thinking organizations are adding secure office equipment to their wish lists, recognizing that these devices are no longer just productivity tools but essential components of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. The best gift a company can give itself this holiday season might just be a secure, smart-device ecosystem that protects its digital assets while enabling the productivity modern businesses demand.
“Automated Business Solutions has always been at the forefront of office technology solutions, and this acquisition represents our commitment to providing comprehensive security for our clients’ entire office ecosystem,” explains Ardry.
Automated Business Solutions’ mission is to create long-term partnerships by providing office technology solutions and IT managed services that improve our client’s workflow, efficiency, and profitability.
Their vision is to be New England’s office technology solutions and managed services provider of choice. From the local New England office to the National Fortune 500 company, our business philosophy and services offered reinforce our commitment to our customers, employees, and community at large.
They provide organizations the ability to print, copy, scan and access information effectively. Sales and Service Professionals work together to provide and support office solutions that maximize your company’s daily workflow and productivity related to document output and network communication
For more information about their company, please visit their website at www.absne.com. You may also call their office during normal business hours at 401-732-3000.
