Lexmark International, Inc.
6
Hard Disk Wiping
Why is Hard Disk Wiping Important?
Lexmark uses hard disks on our devices to temporarily buffer scan, fax, print, and copy
data that exceeds the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) installed on the
device. Buffered data is deleted from the hard disk immediately after the original scan,
fax, print, or copy job is complete. Additionally, devices will temporarily hold print jobs on
a hard disk if the confidential print/print and hold features are enabled by the user and
when fax jobs are received and sent. This data is held by the hard disk until the job is
deleted by the end user, the document expires through the job expiration feature, or the
document is printed by the end user.
When a data file is “deleted” from a hard disk, the data that is associated with that file is
not actually deleted. This data remains on the hard disk and with substantial efforts,
theoretically could be recovered. Lexmark devices support a mechanism for protecting
residual data: hard disk wiping. Hard disk wiping actively overwrites the deleted job data
with multiple passes of random data, removing all residue of prior information.
Intended Goals of a Hard Disk Wiping Solution
•
Provide an advanced secure deletion solution.
•
Ensure the disk wiping feature is efficient.
Benefits of Hard Disk Wiping
The benefits of a hard disk wiping solution include:
•
Increased security of residual data.
•
Elimination of the need to remove or process the hard disk when the device is to
be retired, recycled, or otherwise removed from a customer’s secure
environment.
There are several circumstances under which Lexmark recommends you erase the
contents of the hard disk components installed in your Lexmark printer or MFP. These
include:
•
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 following section explains the recommended steps to ensure confidential data is
erased.
