HP Wolf Security Is Here to Help
Securing the print environment is critical for protecting business data. The solution brief, "HP Wolf Security Is Here to Help," explains how HP integrates device, supply, and service-level protections into every stage of printing. Download the solution brief to understand how HP delivers layered, end-to-end protection.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Original HP printer cartridges contribute to security?
Original HP printer cartridges are designed as part of a broader security strategy, not just as consumables.
Here’s how they contribute to security:
1. **Tamper-resistant cartridge chips**
- Original HP office-class cartridges use chips with **HP proprietary firmware** that is designed to be tamper-resistant.
- This firmware **cannot be modified by third parties after production**, which helps reduce the risk of someone inserting malicious code into the chip.
2. **Secure smart card technology**
- HP office printer cartridges introduced since **2015** use **secure smart card technology**.
- This enables a **secure transaction between the printer and the cartridge**, so the printer can verify that the cartridge is genuine and trusted.
3. **Dynamic supplies authentication**
- HP printers use **dynamic authentication strategies** to help detect and block counterfeit or non-HP cartridges.
- Firmware updates can also **update Dynamic Security**, improving how the printer validates supplies over time.
4. **Supply chain integrity and tracking**
- Original HP Cartridges are **ISO/IEC 20243:2018 certified**, a standard focused on trusted technology providers and product integrity.
- HP uses **digital tracking** through its supply chain and **tamper-evident packaging** (security labels, zip-strip sealed inner packaging, and, in some regions, tamper-evident tear-strip labels).
- These measures help reduce the risk of chips being replaced or altered before they reach you.
By combining secure chip design, smart card technology, dynamic authentication, and a controlled supply chain, Original HP cartridges help your printers maintain a more trusted, end-to-end security posture.
What security features are built into HP Enterprise and Pro printers?
HP Enterprise and Pro printers are designed with multiple, layered security controls that work together to help protect your devices, data, and network.
**For HP Enterprise-class printers (with HP FutureSmart firmware):**
1. **Integrity checking down to the BIOS**
- HP FutureSmart firmware provides **integrity checking** starting from the BIOS level, which helps ensure the device boots with trusted code.
2. **HP Sure Start**
- Automatically **checks the BIOS and operating code** at startup.
- If it detects compromise, it **reboots to a safe, last known-good state** or a security mode.
3. **Whitelisting**
- Validates that **critical firmware code is authentic** before it runs.
- Helps prevent unauthorized or altered firmware from executing on the device.
4. **Run-time intrusion detection**
- **Continuously monitors memory** while the printer is running.
- Designed to detect suspicious activity and attacks as they occur.
5. **HP Connection Inspector**
- Evaluates **network connections** to the printer.
- Helps stop malware before it can spread through the print device.
6. **HP Security Manager (optional)**
- A separate solution that lets you **define a single security policy**, apply it across your HP printer fleet, and **monitor and automatically restore critical settings**.
**For HP Pro-class printers:**
1. **Secure boot**
- Automatically checks **critical code during startup** and stops the boot process if it detects compromise.
2. **Unique pre-set password**
- Devices ship with a **unique password** to help prevent unauthorized access to printer settings out of the box.
3. **Write-protected memory**
- Helps prevent **malicious code from being written** to certain memory areas while the printer is running.
4. **Automatic firmware updates**
- Helps keep devices protected against **known vulnerabilities** by applying the latest security fixes and enhancements.
5. **Firmware code-signing validation**
- Validates that firmware is **properly signed and authentic**.
- If it is not, the printer stops and notifies you.
Together, these features support a **defense-in-depth** approach: they help your printers detect, resist, and recover from attacks, while keeping configurations aligned with your security policies.
What print security services and assessments does HP offer?
HP offers a set of services and tools to help you assess, manage, and improve print security as part of your broader security strategy.
**1. Assessment tools via HP Channel Partners**
- **Quick Assess**
- Scans up to **50 HP network printers/MFPs**.
- Checks each device against **15 common security settings**.
- Produces a report that highlights the **level of risk** in your print environment and where configuration changes may be needed.
- **SMB Questionnaire**
- Looks beyond individual devices to assess your **overall print security posture**.
- Covers areas such as your **security ecosystem, purchasing requirements, and policy management** related to printing.
**2. HP Secure Managed Print Services**
- Provides **remote device management** for your print fleet.
- Gives you **access to the latest protections** and firmware updates.
- Supports **advanced strategies for risk management and compliance**, aligning print security with your broader IT and compliance requirements.
**3. HP Managed Print Cloud Services**
- Focuses on **remote management of your print ecosystem** through the cloud.
- Helps centralize control and visibility over devices, usage, and security settings.
**4. HP Print Security Advisory Services**
- Helps you develop or refine a **print security strategy**.
- Supports **governance and compliance** efforts by aligning print processes and controls with internal policies and external regulations.
By combining these services with secure devices and Original HP supplies, you can treat print as a managed, measurable part of your overall cybersecurity program rather than a blind spot on the network.

