Warning over printer data security

A security expert has warned over the possible data security breach that is often being overlooked when replacing old office printers and copiers.

Larry Kovnat, product security manager for Xerox, said that many printers have a hard drive, just like PCs, making them a source of information regarding every copy the machine has ever made.

He urged that printers and copiers need to be handled just as carefully as PCs when it comes to data security.

Mr Kovnat told medical news website Amednews.com: "The important thing to remember is these devices are digital, like PCs.

"The reasons why they wouldn't just throw out a PC, they have to treat copiers the same way."

He advised handlers to use the data destruction functions usually present in most systems to wipe out the information, or approach companies specialising in the area to do the same.

Mr Kovnat added that the data should be cleared on a semi-regular basis, and businesses should always ensure they wipe out data before throwing out a printer.

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