Do you know that your hi-tech copier machine is secretly capturing your confidential information? Not many of us know that. But the fact is hi-tech copiers and multi-function printers / scanners come with hard disks which retain the images of the documents copied.
Click here to watch a video of sting op by CBS News
Images stored on the hard disks can be retrieved by the following ways:
a. Directly accessing the hard disks (software is available for free on the internet)
b. Some machines have reprint option
c. Exporting through data port
d. Most copiers also have emailing feature.
This information can be accessed by employees, copier technicians and buyers of used copier machines.
Tips to protect information leakage through copiers / scanners:
1. Copy documents only if required.
2. Check whether your copier has a disk encryption feature. If yes, enable this feature.
3. All pending print jobs should be cleared.
4. Document emailing from the machine should be allowed only for authorized email addresses.
5. Enable authentication mechanisms like using passwords / PIN, swipe cards etc.
6. When machine is sent out for servicing or disposed off, ensure that all data stored in the hard disk is erased or wiped off completely.
7. Some copier manufacturers offer additional security module to erase data stored on the hard disks.
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