While digital files are safer than their paper counterparts, they’re obviously not inherently secure. People are often shocked to find out just how much information can be recovered from an old device or drive. Couple this with the risk of lost or stolen devices that comes with an increasingly mobile workforce and it paints a clear picture of why proper encryption and disposal of any sensitive data is vital.
The need to protect mobile devices and laptops is well understood, and can be addressed through desktop encryption or a mobile device management solution that enables remote deletion in the event of loss or theft. However, many businesses have a less obvious security hole sitting in the middle of their office that may be storing sensitive data without their knowledge: the printer. Luckily, simple technologies such as locked password protection, hard drive encryption and data overwrite (which clears stored data about recent files) can make securing these devices a simple and low-cost process.