Xerox: Memory and Eliminating Security Issues in Digital Printing

Xerox Built in Memory

Modern Xerox copiers and digital printers provide built-in memory features that enhance their productivity. To a certain extent, we should think about these advanced devices as self-contained computers. That is because their operation relies on a processing unit, random access memory, and digital storage.

Memory and Security Risks

As with other digital devices that process and store data, it is important to understand the security risks and safeguards related to how printers and copiers handle sensitive information. That can be anything from printing a personal bank statement to a confidential agreement.

The Purpose of Memory

The memory of Xerox office machines is where the data of print, copy, and scanning jobs is written and contained. It is the memory that allows for multiple jobs to be printed without tying up the system. An example, you can access your Microsoft Office 365 account from your smartphone, select various documents to print out, and make a phone call all at once. This multitasking is made possible by digital non-volatile storage.

Temporary Memory and Security

For the most part, print job data written to the Xerox device memory is temporary. The document you scanned, copied, or printed out does not remain in digital storage. It is immediately overwritten for security purposes once it is completed. Even if the storage unit is physically taken out of the machine by hackers, they would not be able to access any data as long as the last job was completed. instead, they would see random binary symbols that make no sense whatsoever. This default setting provides a strong level of information security for personal or business use.

Overwriting Long term Memory

Things are different with digital multi-function printers that double as scanners and copiers in enterprise settings. These machines have larger memory storage in order to handle greater demand. Multiple users can send jobs to print while others scan and copy at will. The immediate overwrite setting can be enhanced and made more secure with on-demand data overwriting that can be activated manually. It is like a kill switch. You can also do this automatically through a scheduling configuration.

Finally, many Xerox products also feature AES encryption of its non-volatile memory components, which adds an even stronger layer of security in addition to overwriting.