Lexmark MB2546 Embedded Web Server--Security Administrator s Guide - Page 32

Securing data 32 Statement of Volatility Your printer contains various types of memory that can store printer and network settings and user data. Type of memory Volatile memory Non-volatile memory Hard disk memory Description Your printer uses standard random access memory (RAM) to buffer user data temporarily during simple print jobs. Your printer may use two forms of non-volatile memory: EEPROM and NAND (flash memory). Both types are used to store the operating system, printer settings, network information and bookmark settings, and embedded solutions. Some printers have a hard disk drive installed. The printer hard disk is designed for printer-specific functionality. The hard disk lets the printer retain buffered user data from complex print jobs, 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, extra steps are needed to make sure that confidential data stored in the printer hard disk cannot be accessed. This precaution is necessary 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 are completely erased is to destroy physically each hard disk where data is stored.