Fingerprint identification will be used to limit use of the copier in secure locations and provide advancement on pin id numbers
. Whilst the internet concerns focus on the storage of information on hard drives and the potential dangers of used canon digital photocopiers being sold containing sensitive information, Canon Copiers have stated their hard drives are securely encrypted and cannot be hacked.
Canon Copiers new technology will scan finger prints to potentially stop people abusing the copier. This is promoted as an advancement of the pin system commonly used by banks that comes as standard on most photocopiers. Critics have argued the cost of the new system outweighs any potential loss of income caused by an employee for any company or organization. Canon however new fingerprint system could be vital in secure area's where photocopiers can cause a security leak. The finger print scanner would prevent abuse of other personnel's pin numbers and ensure culpability.
Photocopier hard drives that record all activity on the copier have come under intense scrutiny. Both CBS and the News Of The World have accentuated in recent internet news that data can be read from old copier hard drives that is extremely damaging. News organizations were able to hack private data from hard drives of used photocopiers and alerted security departments in both the USA and UK over potential data leakage.
Canon Photocopiers are confident that encryption, approved by departments such as the NSA, protect sensitive information on their copiers and that their hard drives can't be hacked. Xerox, Sharp and many other leading manufacturers have been quick to react posting advice online and offering secure removal of data at the end of the copiers life.