Lexmark MX6500E manual Securing the printer, Statement of Volatility, Erasing volatile memory

Securing the printer 235

Securing theprinter

Statement of Volatility

Your scanner contains various types of memory that are capable of storing device and network settings, information from embedded solutions, and user data. The following are the types of memory and the types of data they store:

•Volatile memory—Your device utilizes standard Random Access Memory (RAM) to temporarily buffer user data during simple print and copy jobs.

•Non‑volatile memory—Your device may utilize two forms of non-volatile memory: EEPROM and NAND (flash memory). Both types are used to store the operating system, device settings, network information, scanner and bookmark settings, and embedded solutions.

•Hard disk memory—Some devices have a hard disk drive installed. The scanner hard disk is designed for

device‑specific functionality and cannot be used for long term storage for data that is not print‑related. The hard disk does not provide the capability for users to extract information, create folders, create disk or network file shares, or FTP information directly from a client device. The hard disk can retain buffered user data from complex scan, print, copy, and fax jobs, as well as form data, and font data.

There are several circumstances where you may want to erase the contents of memory of devices installed in the scanner. A partial list includes:

•The scanner is being decommissioned.

•The scanner hard drive is being replaced.

•The scanner is being moved to a different department or location.

•The scanner is being serviced by someone from outside your organization.

•The scanner is being removed from your premises for service.

Disposing of a printer or scanner hard drive

Note: Not all printers or scanners have a hard disk installed.

In high‑security environments, it may be necessary to take additional steps to ensure that confidential data stored on the scanner hard disk cannot be accessed once the scanner—or its hard disk—is removed from your premises.

•Degaussing—Flushes the hard drive 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: The only way to guarantee that all data is completely erased is to physically destroy each memory device on which data could have been stored.

Erasing volatile memory

The volatile memory (RAM) installed in your scanner requires a power source to retain information. To erase the buffered data, simply turn off the scanner and the printer.