While Katie Couric exposed the risk of hard disk drive security in April 2010, OfficeWare has been making their customers aware of this risk since March 2007. Recently, Katie Couric, the anchor of CBS Evening News, did a special report on the dangers and vulnerability a multi-function device’s hard disk drive can cause without your knowledge. If you saw the show, I’m certain it sent chills up your spine. If you didn’t see the broadcast, I’ve attached the link for your reference. CBS then aired a follow up segment, which is also attached. The key point is that documents that have been copied, printed or scanned on an MFP may reside on the hard disk drive. Even if deleted, residual data remains on the hard disk drive just like deleted files remain on the hard disk drive of your computer. A person with the right skills and wrong motives may be able to retrieve this data even though it has been deleted. Therefore, taking proper precautions when your MFP leaves your office is imperative.  At OfficeWare, we understand the risk. OfficeWare actually presented this risk to our customers all the way back in 2007 in an email, which is attached below.  While there is no one, simple answer, there are many options available to you.   •  OfficeWare’s removal form provides a reminder to the end-user to delete all data and fax phone numbers from the device before OfficeWare’s delivery personnel remove the unit from the premises.   •  Upon receiving the returned unit, OfficeWare staff formats the hard disk drive to delete any remaining files. However, this still does not remove the risk of latent images.   •  To eliminate the risk of latent images remaining on the hard drive at your request, OfficeWare will conduct an overwrite of the entire hard drive for an additional fee of $54 per hard drive. To perform this task, upon receipt of the system we physically remove the hard drive.  The hard drive is then connected to a pc using the WipeDrive software.  The disk is overwritten multiple times.  The disk is then returned to the unit itself.  OfficeWare will offer this service when the unit is scheduled for pick-up or move.  For more information on the WipeDrive software, click on the link below.   •  Alternatively, you can purchase the hard disk drive from OfficeWare when the machine is picked up and retain it, or purchase the hard drive and OfficeWare will have it securely shredded for you and provide you with certification that the drive was destroyed.   •  Security options on new MFPs include a hard drive data encryption kit and a data overwrite kit. Both of these options are designed to ensure all sensitive data on an MFP hard drive is either encrypted or permanently erased.    We want you to be aware of the risks associated with documents stored on a hard disk, whether temporary or permanent. We also want to assure you that OfficeWare is aware of this issue and has a wide array of solutions to address this situation based upon the risk and sensitivity of your documents. Each of our manufacturing partners - Canon, Lanier (Ricoh), and HP - has published white papers on this topic and they are listed below.  If you would like additional information, simply call 1-800-888-2797 or send an email to info@officeware.com and we’ll be happy to have an OfficeWare representative contact you.  Segment from April 15, 2010: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/04/19/eveningnews/main6412439.shtml?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel Follow up segment from May 17, 2010: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2010/05/17/eveningnews/main6492698.shtml?tag=contentBody;featuredPost-PE OfficeWare's email from March 25, 2007 alerting customers to the risk of hard disk drive security WipeDrive Software Information For more information about our manufacturers white papers on security,click on their links below:                                                                      Data Encryption and Overwrite Hard Disk Drive Security Q & A