Do There Exist Security Risks With The Use Of Digital Copiers?

In the new world of high technology, office machines are becoming more and more integrated with wireless networking, computers, and data storage

. Digital copiers are becoming increasingly popular today in many home offices, small businesses, and large corporations alike. However, there may be a risk involved in using some digital copiers because of the way they store data.

Scanning Images into Memory

Digital copiers work much like a computer today. Whenever a document is copied it is actually scanned into the memory of the copier as data before it is actually printed onto the paper. This is a great convenience in some instances as you can print off old documents if the original is not available. The risk comes into play when someone else has access to the copier. The images that are stored in the memory of the copier can be accessed through computers or the copiers control panel.

Wireless Digital Copiers

Many businesses are becoming integrated into a network of computers that can share information through wireless connectivity. Digital copiers also work into the wireless system for convenience of being able to print, copy, fax, and even scan documents from any computer, and to any computer on the network. This wireless connectivity is a convenience for many, but does include security risks from hackers and people accessing the network. Any documents that are saved into the memory can then be accessed, downloaded, and printed off.

Personal Identity Theft

Perhaps the most dangerous risk is that of personal identity theft. People who have access to the digital copier can find information that can be used in a malicious way. This can be tax forms, credit card receipts, bills, personal documents, or other items that hold information about identity.

Eliminating Risk With Digital Copiers

As with any type of digital equipment, there are some safeguards that businesses should use to eliminate the risk involved. One of these is to periodically erase the information from the copier's memory. This will not only free up space on the harddrive, but make it impossible for people to steal the information.

Since many businesses actually lease their equipment making sure that the memory is erased before taking the copier back to the leasing company. Also, many companies will sell equipment after a few years in order to upgrade. Selling the used copiers with saved documents can lead to others gaining access to them.

A secured wireless network is also essential in eliminating risk involved in people gaining access to the documents stored on the digital copier. Make sure that each station has its own private access to the network and that it is periodically changed.

Digital copiers are a great tool for many businesses. They help smaller businesses present a more professional image, while also keeping operating costs low. However, it is important to realize the risks involved, and take the steps necessary to protect yourself from identity theft. By employing these simple practices on a periodic basis you can minimize, and even eliminate, these risks.

by: BuyerZone

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