Gone But Not Forgotten – The Secrets Your Office Copiers Hold

Protecting your data, the truth about office copiers & hard drives

Your office’s brand-new machine has a potential to be one of your biggest security risk. Not only is it super convenient scanning and storing documents right from the copier but it is also quick and easy. People are able to perform a wide range of document tasks on multifunctional copiers. Most people know by now that they should wipe the data off their computers’ hard drives before getting rid of them but did you know your photocopier can also store information of every document scanned, copied or emailed by the machine? Office copiers can quickly become a treasure trove of information, in particular for people in the business of identity theft. For others it can be a gold mine of corporate secrets.  

An undercover investigation

In an investigation done by CBS News, highly-personal and sensitive information was easily uncovered from used photocopiers in a warehouse in New Jersey. As part of the investigation, 4 random machines were purchased for $300 each. Using a free application available online the hard drive of each machine was accessed within 30 minutes what was uncovered was shocking. Documents from the City of Buffalo, Sex crimes Division and a New York health insurance firm were found and some of the information found included crime data, lists of sex offenders, social security numbers and medical records.

What you can do

Before you dispose of any office copier, scanner or multifunctional machine you should insure that your hard drive is wiped clean or removed and destoryed. Failure to do so could results in major security breaches including identity theft of you company, staff and company. The Federal Trade Commission has issued some tips for businesses on how to safeguard sensitive data which include:

• Treat your copier like a computer

• Consider the options for securing your data, such as encryption or overwriting features when buying or leasing a copier

• Take advantage of your copier’s security features. Schedule to overwrite your hard drive at least once a month

• Before you return, sell or send your machine for repair make sure your hard drive is removed, destroyed or overwritten. Exact procedures may vary for every manufacturer so using a skilled technician is advised.

Title: Gone But Not Forgotten – The Secrets Your Office Copiers Hold; Written by new decor trends; Rating: 5 dari 5