Network-based image forming device and print secure method thereof

Abstract

A network-based image forming device and method for storing and printing files sent from at least one user terminal connected through a network is disclosed. The network-based image forming device and method comprises an interface unit for providing a communication interface with the user terminal; a storage unit for storing a protected file and the print-authorized user information if the protected file having print-authorized user information set therein is sent from the user terminal through the interface unit; and a control unit for displaying a list of the files stored in the storage unit in response to a display request signal, and if a file selected out of the displayed list of files is a protected file, displaying a request message to request an input of user information and determine whether the user is an authorized user, and, if the user information input in response to the message matches the print-authorized user's information set in the selected file, printing the selected file.