Security Information You Should Be Aware of with Copiers	Visited: 784 2.0/5.0 (1 votes total) Rate: Select 1 - Terrible 2 - Poor 3 - Average 4 - Good 5 - Outstanding
by Shannon Suetos June 28, 2010

In the eyes of many, the copier is a fairly simple machine. It allows the user to take an original document and turn it into thousands of documents in a matter of minutes. The problem is that many people do not take into consideration the highly advanced nature of the modern copier. Such things as digital copiers have a hard drive on board. These are intended to help the user, but it has been shown to cause some security issues for companies. This is because office copiers actually have a hard drive that can be used to copy sensitive information. If a hard drive is involved, it can be hacked into and the information stolen.

Since even digital copiers are considered to be simple machines, it is not understood why there would even be a need for a hard drive. What many people need to understand is that the modern copier is not a simple machine. It has the ability to be connected to an entire network of computers to work as a printer, copier, scanner and fax machine. Since more than one source is using the machine, it is necessary for information to be store while it is waiting its turn.

The hard drive is the thing hackers are looking for when they are trying to steal information from digital copiers. They will use the same lines that they use in order to gain access to computer systems. The problem is that unlike computer systems, there are not firewalls or other security systems set up to protect against hackers. This means any sensitive information is available to all who care to access it.

Luckily, the companies which make office copiers create lists of the copiers which have hard drives and those which do not. This will allow you to keep sensitive information private while still allowing your employees to make copies of important documents for clerical purposes. It is important to remember that many of the models which include a hard drive also have the ability to be wireless.

Even unplugging office copiers from the wall in an effort to protect information will not be sufficient to protect the information which is being stored in the hard drive. It is important that in these cases, you use a separate copier with no hard drive for sensitive documents. Additionally, make sure that the copier only has a power outlet plugged into the wall.

In offices where security is taken seriously, there are digital copiers which are used for general printing and copies. These office copiers will likely be right next to the one which is used for sensitive documents. There will usually be a label attached letting all in the office know which is the right copier to use for sensitive documents. The next generation of copiers is sure to have encryption devices and software to prevent being hacked from the outside. Until then, it pays to be cautious.