How to set up IPSec to protect MFP network traffic
IPSec encrypts network traffic at the IP layer, beneath the application protocols. Where TLS protects specific application traffic (HTTPS, IPPS, etc.) within its own protected channel, IPSec wraps every packet between two endpoints in encryption regardless of the application above it. For office MFPs, IPSec provides a blanket protection covering print traffic, scan traffic, admin access, and any other communication between the device and other office systems. The setup is more complex than TLS but appropriate for environments where comprehensive traffic protection matters.
What IPSec does for an office MFP
IPSec establishes secure tunnels between the MFP and other devices in the office network, typically the print server, scan targets, and admin workstations. Every packet flowing through these tunnels is encrypted and authenticated, with both confidentiality and integrity protection. An attacker capturing the traffic sees only encrypted IP packets with no application content visible.
IPSec versus TLS for MFP traffic
Per application encryption
Encrypts specific protocols like IPPS, HTTPS, and SMB3. Easier to configure per protocol. Application protocols must explicitly support TLS.
Network layer encryption
Encrypts all IP traffic between configured endpoints regardless of application. More complex to configure. Protects every protocol transparently.
When IPSec makes sense for office MFPs
IPSec on office MFPs fits three specific scenarios. The first is high security environments where every communication between the MFP and other systems needs encryption, regardless of the application protocol. The second is environments where some print protocols do not support TLS natively and IPSec provides the protection at a lower layer. The third is offices with already established IPSec infrastructure where adding the MFPs into the existing IPSec policy is the path of least resistance.
For most office environments, TLS provides adequate protection for the specific application traffic that needs it. IPSec adds value when the deployment specifically benefits from blanket encryption or where legacy protocols cannot be eliminated. Both technologies coexist on the same MFP; an office can enable both for layered defence on the most sensitive devices.
The configuration procedure
Confirm IPSec support on the MFP
Check the device specification or admin panel for IPSec capability. Most enterprise office MFPs support IPSec; smaller SOHO devices may not. The configuration page is usually under Network Settings or Security Settings, sometimes labelled Network Security or IP Security.
Plan the IPSec policy
Decide which endpoints will participate in the IPSec relationship: typically the MFP, the print server, the scan destinations, and the admin workstations. Each endpoint pair needs an IPSec security association with consistent configuration on both sides.
Choose the authentication method
IPSec supports two main authentication methods: pre shared keys (PSK) and certificate based authentication. PSK is simpler to deploy but less secure; certificates require a CA infrastructure but produce stronger authentication. For office MFPs, certificate based authentication aligns with the CA infrastructure typically used for HTTPS and 802.1X.
Configure the IKE phase 1 settings
IKE phase 1 establishes the initial secure channel for IPSec negotiation. Configure the encryption algorithm (typically AES 256), the hash algorithm (typically SHA 256), the Diffie Hellman group (typically group 14 or higher), and the lifetime (typically 24 hours).
Configure the IKE phase 2 settings
IKE phase 2 establishes the actual data protection. Configure the encryption algorithm, the integrity algorithm, the protocol (ESP for confidentiality and integrity), and the lifetime. The phase 2 settings should match between the MFP and the peer endpoints.
Define the protected traffic selectors
Specify which IP addresses, subnets, or protocols should be protected by IPSec. The simplest configuration protects all traffic between the MFP and the listed peer endpoints. More granular configurations can apply IPSec only to specific protocols while leaving others unprotected.
Configure matching policy on peer endpoints
Each peer endpoint (print server, workstation, scan target) needs an IPSec policy that mirrors the MFP's configuration. The peer can be configured manually or through a centralised policy management system. Mismatched configurations produce silent connection failures that are difficult to diagnose.
Test the IPSec tunnel before going live
From the test workstation, attempt printing and scanning through the IPSec protected path. Confirm operations succeed. Use a network capture from a separate point to verify the traffic is encrypted (visible as ESP packets) rather than cleartext.
Roll out across the fleet and document the policy
Apply the same configuration to each MFP and peer pair. Document the policy parameters so future changes can maintain consistency. The documentation also supports troubleshooting when individual devices show issues.
The interaction between IPSec and other security controls
IPSec coexists well with the other network security controls covered in this cluster. TLS at the application layer adds defence in depth above IPSec at the network layer. 802.1X at the switch port layer controls who can connect to the network at all. Each control addresses a different threat scenario, and the combination produces stronger security than any single control alone.
The configuration complexity does increase with multiple layered controls. Offices implementing IPSec alongside TLS and 802.1X benefit from clear documentation of which controls apply at each layer and how they interact. The documentation supports both ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting when issues arise.
Performance impact
IPSec adds CPU overhead on both the MFP and the peer endpoints. Modern office MFPs include hardware acceleration for AES encryption, which reduces the overhead substantially. The visible impact on print and scan operations is typically minimal, though high volume devices may see throughput limited by the encryption hardware rather than by the network or the print engine.
For most office deployments, the performance impact is unmeasurable in normal operation. Specific high throughput workflows like bulk scanning to a remote target may show measurable difference, and these workflows justify performance testing before committing to IPSec at scale.
Continue with the network security cluster
This piece covers IPSec setup. The preceding pieces handle TLS and 802.1X: TLS encryption and 802.1X authentication setup. The next pieces cover the protocol disable checklist and patching routine: protocols to disable today and quarterly firmware patching routine.