The Associated Press reports that copier makers are starting to add security features out of fear that the data on photocopier disks could be stolen. These data could contain corporate information as well as information about individuals that could be used for identity theft.
If the data on the copier's disk aren't protected with encryption or an overwrite mechanism, and if someone with malicious motives gets access to the machine, industry experts say sensitive information from original documents could get into the wrong hands.
Some copier makers are now adding security features, but many of the digital machines already found in public venues or business offices are likely still open targets, said Ed McLaughlin, president of Sharp Document Solutions Company of America.
"You actually have a better chance at winning 10 straight rolls of roulette than getting those hard drives on copiers rewritten," he said.
Sharp plans to issue a warning about photocopier vulnerabilities Wednesday — just ahead of tax time.
The company, one of the leading makers of photocopiers, commissioned a consumer survey that indicated more than half of Americans did not know copiers carried this data security risk. The telephone survey of 1,005 adults, conducted in January, also showed that 55 percent of Americans plan to make photocopies and printouts of their tax returns and related documents.
With many people printing up their tax returns this time of year it may be wise to make any photocopies of your tax return on a photocopier that has security features.
