Tony Foust does NOT want to be flatfooted when it comes to print security.

Case in point: This Arkansas-based Connectivity Manager is all over Windows Protected Print: A Microsoft-developed print feature that plans to be fully implemented sometime by next year or 2027, and will revolutionize the print experience.

Some things to know about WPP:

• According to Microsoft, 9% of Windows security issues reported to the Microsoft Security Response Center (MSRC) were caused by print stack-related issues.  WPP is their response to that trend.
• The new system will remove third-party drivers and shift towards cloud-based printing.
• Many standard finishing options (booklets, hole punch, etc.) will be not be supported; manufacturers are working now to devise solutions.
• This change, brought on for security measures, will undoubtedly affect how effectively clinets will print.

Which is why Tony has committed to learning about it, preparing for it, and ensuring that we don’t greet this change flat footed.

“With the security risks they’ve encountered, their response is just to do away with third party print drivers, period,” Tony said. “Which is where we are at now. This is a major change from the way we’ve been doing things for the past 20 years. Which is why I intend to be on the front end of all this.”

Learning about and educating others about WPP is simply a testament to the Datamax Way of staying on the leading edge of print security.  Running into a scenario where clients can’t print booklets properly, have trouble enabling print jobs from their PC? Not on Tony’s watch.

What about You? 10 Things You Should Know About Print Security and the Way We Manage Print. 

1. Not All Print Jobs Are Innocent: Confidential docs left on the tray? That’s a data breach waiting to happen. Secure print release ensures jobs only print when you are at the device.
2. Your Badge = Your Key: With uniFLOW and PaperCut, you can swipe your ID badge or enter a PIN to access print jobs. No badge, no print. Simple as that.
3. Print Logs Tell a Story: Every job is logged—who printed, when, from where, and what. PaperCut and uniFLOW give IT eyes on all activity (yes, even that 500-page “training” manual).
4. Print from Anywhere—Securely: Mobile and remote workers can send print jobs from anywhere. They’re held until securely released onsite. That’s “follow-me” printing done right.
5. Guest Printing? Not a Free-For-All: Both platforms' secure guest printing keep visitors productive without compromising your network. Access is limited and fully tracked.
6. Print Rules = Fewer Risks: Both platforms let admins create rules—like auto-converting color to B&W or blocking prints with sensitive keywords. Less exposure, more control.
7. Secure Scanning is Part of the Package: It’s not just printing. Scanned documents are encrypted, routed securely, and can be tied to user authentication.
8. The Cloud Has Your Back: uniFLOW Online and PaperCut Hive/MF leverage secure cloud services, ensuring data encryption at rest and in transit. Your print jobs are wrapped tight.
9. GDPR, HIPAA, You Name It: Whether it’s healthcare, finance, or education, print tracking and access control help meet compliance head-on.
10. People Forget—Systems Don’t: Both platforms auto-delete unclaimed print jobs after a set time. That means fewer abandoned documents and fewer headaches.