TECH

New HP printers arrive with post-quantum security

HP has unveiled two new ranges of HP LaserJet printers in Portugal, featuring security mechanisms designed to withstand future threats from quantum computing. The LaserJet Pro 4000/4100 and Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400 series are aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), work teams, and organizations that need to manage documents and networked printing equipment.

The presentation in Portugal, held on October 22, showcased devices for both monochrome and color printing. The LaserJet Pro 4000/4100 series had previously been announced internationally in March 2026. The latest announcement focuses on bringing these product lines to the Portuguese market and integrating post-quantum protection mechanisms across various segments of business printing.

One of the key highlights of this new generation is the introduction of security features resistant to quantum-based attacks—a timely development, given that the evolution of quantum computing has raised concerns regarding the robustness of current encryption systems.

For the SME segment, the LaserJet Pro 4000/4100 series stands out as the first printer line on the market to offer this level of protection, incorporating additional safeguards across firmware, chips, and consumables to prevent tampering. Meanwhile, the Enterprise 5000/6000 range integrates with the HP Wolf Enterprise Security ecosystem and includes advanced protection features, designed to reduce exposure to cyberattacks within more complex corporate environments.

HP emphasizes gains in productivity, driven by high-speed printing and scanning capabilities. The Enterprise series supports double-sided scanning at up to 200 images per minute and printing at up to 57 pages per minute, while the Pro range offers automatic duplex printing with best-in-class performance. In terms of operational costs, TerraJet toner technology reduces ongoing printing expenses by up to 25% compared to the previous generation, while also improving energy efficiency and lowering material consumption.

The integration of artificial intelligence plays a central role in this new lineup. Tools such as HP Scan AI automate optical character recognition (OCR), convert documents into editable files, and reduce manual processing time by up to 50%. Other features include the automatic detection and removal of sensitive information—aiding in regulatory compliance—as well as integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot, which enables tasks like summarizing, organizing, and translating documents directly on the devices themselves.

The company notes that the evolution of the modern workplace—characterized by hybrid work models, the adoption of AI, and a more dispersed array of devices—is increasing the complexity of managing print infrastructure. Data presented by HP indicates that 78% of SMEs face challenges in managing hardware and consumables, while 80% plan to invest in print management software. Meanwhile, 70% of organizations anticipate reallocating IT budgets toward AI by 2027.

The new series carry environmental certifications such as EPEAT Gold, ENERGY STAR, and Blue Angel, and incorporate recycled materials—with TerraJet toner containing up to 30% recycled plastic.

HP thus positions the new LaserJet generation as part of a broader strategy to modernize document infrastructure, combining automation, security, and efficiency within an environment of increasing digitalization of business processes.

The HP LaserJet Pro 4000/4100 series is designed for SMEs that require monochrome printing but have limited resources for IT management.

According to the manufacturer, this is the first line of printers in its class—geared toward SMEs—to feature protection mechanisms resistant to quantum-based attacks. This claim is based on an internal HP analysis conducted in March 2025 and specifically pertains to the protection of BIOS and firmware integrity.

The devices include Wi-Fi 6 with automatic connection reset and support for double-sided (duplex) printing. HP states that they offer the fastest duplex printing in their category, according to a study by Keypoint Intelligence commissioned by the company.

Another update concerns consumables. According to the manufacturer, TerraJet cartridges can reduce printing costs per page by up to 25% compared to the previous generation. This technology also enables, on average, an 11% increase in the number of pages printed per unit of toner used. The product line incorporates artificial intelligence features to adjust document formatting, improve print quality, and automate tasks such as file identification and sharing. Some of these tools are available only in English, and their availability depends on the specific model and market.

The second line introduced, the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise 4000/X400, is designed for work teams within companies and public sector organizations.

These devices reach speeds of 33 pages per minute (A4 format)—an increase from the 29 pages per minute of the previous generation—and offer a resolution of 1,200 × 1,200 dpi.

In the multifunction models, the 50-sheet automatic document feeder allows for double-sided scanning in a single pass. Scanning speeds can reach 80 images per minute in black and white, and 66 images per minute in color.

Scanned documents can be saved as searchable PDFs. Converting files into editable Word, PowerPoint, or Excel formats may require an additional license, depending on the model.

Regarding security, the series integrates HP Wolf Enterprise Security, featuring post-quantum cryptographic mechanisms designed to protect the integrity of the BIOS and firmware. It also includes TPM 2.0 and is compatible with centralized administration tools, such as HP Web Jetadmin.

Paper input capacity can be expanded to 1,400 sheets through the installation of optional trays.

What does post-quantum security mean for HP printers? In the future, quantum computing could potentially compromise some of the cryptographic algorithms currently used to protect computer systems and communications.

This threat has already prompted warnings from European authorities. In October, Europol identified risks to data protection and the encryption systems used in cryptocurrencies, advocating for an early transition to mechanisms that are resistant to quantum computing. In new HP printers, the announced protection focuses primarily on verifying the integrity of the BIOS and firmware. The goal is to make it more difficult to install malicious software that masquerades as a legitimate device update.

This protection does not mean that the printers are immune to cyberattacks, nor does it mean that all processed data benefits from post-quantum encryption.

Preparation for these threats has already led the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to develop post-quantum encryption standards, designed to protect digital systems against future, sufficiently advanced quantum computers.

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