Securing the printer
Statement of Volatility
Your printer contains various types of memory that can store device and network settings, and user data.
Type of memory
Description
Volatile memory
Your printer uses standard
random access memory
(RAM) to temporarily buffer user data during simple print
jobs.
Non-volatile memory
Your printer may use two forms of non-volatile memory:
EEPROM and NAND (flash memory). Both types are used
to store the operating system, device settings, network
information, bookmark settings, and embedded
solutions.
Hard disk memory
Some printers have a hard disk drive installed. The printer
hard disk is designed for device-specific functionality.
This lets the device retain buffered user data from
complex print jobs, as well as form data, and font data.
Erase the content of any installed printer memory in the following circumstances:
•
The printer is being decommissioned.
•
The printer hard disk is being replaced.
•
The printer is being moved to a different department or location.
•
The printer is being serviced by someone from outside your organization.
•
The printer is being removed from your premises for service.
•
The printer is being sold to another organization.
Disposing of a printer hard disk
Note:
Some printer models may not have a printer hard disk installed.
In high
‑
security environments, it may be necessary to take additional steps to make sure that confidential data
stored in the printer hard disk cannot be accessed when the printer—or its hard disk—is removed from your
premises.
•
Degaussing
—Flushes the hard disk with a magnetic field that erases stored data
•
Crushing
—Physically compresses the hard disk to break component parts and render them unreadable
•
Milling
—Physically shreds the hard disk into small metal bits
Note:
Most data can be erased electronically, but the only way to guarantee that all data is completely
erased is to physically destroy each hard disk where data is stored.
Erasing volatile memory
The volatile memory (RAM) installed in your printer requires a power source to retain information. To erase the
buffered data, simply turn off the printer.
Securing the printer
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