The corporate ID card is the first proof of identity within an organization. It opens doors, grants access to restricted areas, records attendance, and, in many cases, validates payments or equipment use. Behind each ID card is a printer that almost no one looks at until it malfunctions. Today, several of those desktop printers are about to lose their manufacturer’s support: official support for some models widely used in the region ends on October 31, 2026.
What does the end of support really mean?
A printer without support may still power on, but it stops receiving firmware updates, security patches, guaranteed replacement parts, and technical assistance. Every vulnerability discovered from that day forward will remain open forever. On a device that processes photos, names, document numbers, and data encoded on chips or magnetic strips, that’s not a technical detail: it’s an unlocked door.
The figures that explain the urgency
Printing remains an underestimated risk area. The Print Security Landscape 2026 study found that 67% of surveyed organizations suffered at least one print-related data breach in the past year, up from 56% the previous year, and that 43% reported multiple incidents. The average cost of each of these breaches now exceeds one million pounds.
The same analysis shows that companies with mature print security tools and policies experience fewer losses (56%) than those lagging behind (73%). Globally, IBM estimates that a data breach cost each organization an average of $4.44 million in 2025.
In physical identification the risk is amplified: a cloned or uncontrolled credential allows a third party to move around the facilities as if they were part of the company.
Four reasons to renew now
- Personal data protection. New generation equipment encrypts information between the issuing software and the printer, and requires authentication to operate.
- Operational continuity. Without guaranteed spare parts, a failure can halt the issuance of ID cards to new employees, contractors, or visitors for days.
- Regulatory compliance. Data protection laws, such as Law 1581 of 2012 in Colombia, require adequate security measures. Outdated software is difficult to justify in an audit.
- Technological readiness. Current platforms facilitate the encoding of smart and contactless cards, integration with access control, and centralized management of card issuance.
How to care for your ID card printer
- Clean frequently. Clean the roller and printhead every time you change the ribbon. Dust is the most common cause of smudges and jams.
- Use certified supplies. Original ribbons and cards protect the printhead and extend the life of the card.
- Take care of the environment. Place the equipment in a clean space, out of direct sunlight, and with stable temperature and humidity.
- Destroy the used tapes. They retain an image of each printed card, with the holder’s photo and details.
- Control access. Restrict who can use the printer and blank cards, and log each issuance.
- Update the firmware. It’s the first line of defense, and it’s only possible on a device with current support.
The time to decide is before the deadline.
Upgrading ID card printers isn’t a replacement expense; it’s a security decision. Planning the migration before October 31st allows for a seamless transfer of templates and databases, giving your team ample time to train.
At Intexus, we help you assess your current fleet and choose the next generation of desktop printers that best suits your operations. Contact us and ensure the continuity of physical identification in your company.