Remote Print Driver Location Check for Secure Job Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote working environments face security issues as users can access and manage office devices like printers through VPN, leading to unauthorized access and accidental device shutdowns, with no existing solutions to handle these challenges effectively.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method and system where a print driver on a computing device checks if it is remotely located from the multi-function device before submitting print jobs, and a remote printer access app alerts admin users not to turn off devices from a remote location, converting normal print jobs to secure ones and preventing unauthorized device shutdowns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are allowed to access and manage office devices remotely through VPN, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates due to unauthorized access and accidental device shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary location verification before allowing print job submission or device management operations. The print driver checks whether the computing device is remotely located before submitting print jobs, and the remote printer access app checks location before allowing device shutdown operations. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized or accidental operations from occurring in the first place.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about their location status and the implications of remote operations. When a user attempts to submit a print job or manage a device remotely, the system checks the location and provides appropriate messages or warnings. This feedback mechanism helps users understand the security implications of their actions and prevents harmful operations.
2Productivity
If normal print jobs are submitted from remote locations, then productivity is improved, but security deteriorates as printed documents can be accessed by anyone in the office
Solution Approach 1:
The print driver performs preliminary location detection before allowing print job submission. When it detects that the computing device is remotely located, it automatically converts the normal print job into a secure print job. This preliminary action ensures that security measures are in place before the printing process begins, maintaining both productivity and document security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of print job security based on location. When a remote location is detected, the print job parameters are modified to include secure printing features such as user authentication requirements and document encryption. This parameter change ensures that remote print jobs receive enhanced security treatment while local print jobs continue to operate normally.
3Adaptability or versatility
If admin users can remotely turn-off devices, then device management flexibility is improved, but reliability deteriorates as other users in the office cannot access the devices
Solution Approach 1:
The remote printer access app performs preliminary location verification before allowing device shutdown operations. When an admin user attempts to turn off a device remotely, the system first checks whether the computing device is remotely located. Based on this preliminary check, the system either allows the shutdown operation or blocks it with an appropriate message, ensuring device reliability is maintained when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses methods and systems for handling one or more requests received in a remote working environment. The method includes receiving at least one request: including a print request and a request to turn-off a multi-function device, the request is received from a computing device of a user. Based on the request, it is checked whether the computing device is remotely located by obtaining a location of the computing device using a pre-defined method in real-time such as GPS. Then, the obtained location of the computing device is compared with a location of the multi-function device. Based on the comparison, a corresponding message or an alert is presented to the user via a user interface, for an appropriate action. The user may submit the document as a secure print job. The user may check other non-remote users and may not turn-off the multi-function device when working remotely.