Protect your Printer from Unauthorized Access on Shared Computer

If you are using a shared computer, then it is possible that others can use the hardware resources of your computer like printer, scanner etc. Unauthorized printing gives the opportunity to use the digital material, and it wastes resources like ink and paper. Fortunately, you can secure your printer without compromising your own ability to print, using a couple of simple ways.

Set a Password:

You can install any professional tool like Printlock and protect your printer with password. So that any unauthorized person can’t access your printer. It is a windows based application software, whenever a document is sent to the printer, it asks for the password. You can use it in following ways:

1. First, download the software from the Printlock Website.
2. Install the software on the machine connected to the printer you wish to protect.
3. When you’re prompted, input a password that only you will remember.

The next time you or anyone else tries to print, they will be prompted by a password dialog box, as shown above. The print job will not complete until the correct password is entered.

Restrict a User Account:

Windows does not provide a built-in password feature, but you can set your user account password, so that only your account has access to the printer. Without knowing your user name and password, none can access your printer.

1. Log in as an administrator and click on Start >> Click Printers & Faxes (Devices and Printers in Windows 7).
2. Find the printer you wish to protect >> right-click Properties. In Windows 7, double-click the printer icon and select Customize this printer.
3. Click the Security tab, and you’ll see the security settings for the printer.
4. Highlight your account in the Group or User Names section, and make sure all boxes under Allow are checked.
5. Highlight Everyone in the Group or User Names section, and make sure all boxes under Deny are checked.
6. Click OK.

Now without password none can access the printer attached to your computer.

With these simply ways you can lock everyone to access your printer.