Erase Data on Copier Hard Drive Before It Leaves Your Office

Now more than ever before, there is a need to erase data on copiers with hard drives before that equipment leaves your office.  A shocking revelation by CBS brought to light that some four secondhand copiers that had been purchased from a warehouse in NJ contained some crucial police information on sex crimes and drug raids. This is just one scenario that highlights the importance of wiping out your data before disposing of your copier.

You need to know this: Copiers, since the beginning of 2002, have at least one or two hard drives that have the capacity to store virtually all types of data.  The initial aim of this design was to allow for faster printing, but I think it has worked to compromise data security. Once I have scanned the images into the memory, and then manipulated them according to my preference and printed them out, the data goes into the copier hard drive for storage in the form of an image.  Because of this, you will want to have a plan to properly erase data on a copier once you return it, sell it, or give it away.

A majority of digital copier equipment that is used in many small offices today store images of every copy that has been printed or scanned. Despite the fact that data can be stored in encrypted or proprietary language, it is quite easy for a hacker to access to your data by simply cracking the code. Unless I erase data from my copier equipment before I dispose of it, all the data could be retrieved with the use of data recovery tool or photo recovery software.

If you copy, print or scan highly-sensitive information, one way you can protect your data is to place your copier in a central location instead of hiding it away in a low traffic area.  Those who will have access to the copier hard disk will have access to this information so you will want to properly screen these employees.

Once you no longer need the copier, hire a technician who can erase data on your copier hard drive.  Make sure they are certified technicians who know the equipment and have the right tools to erase data.

Don’t make the mistake that others do and ignore the fact that copier hard drives can be a security risk.  Take the extra steps necessary to erase data when you are disposing of your copier and protect the data on the copiers that are in your office.

Leave us your comments about this article and tell us your experience if you have had to erase data from a copier hard drive.