Understanding The Risk of Your Local Device Breaches
Well over 40 million fax machines are currently in use across the globe. According to the latest figures, those machines send and receive more than 17 billion faxes each year. Faxing has managed to remain not only relevant but exceedingly popular despite ongoing technological advancements.
Some point out, though, that many of the latest developments in fax technology are actually responsible for that continuing use.
Looking at Why Faxing Remains Popular
Faxing maintains its popularity for many reasons. It’s fast and simple. It also offers a certain level of reassurance. At the same time, faxing provides a higher level of security than some of the other communication methods currently in use.
That being said, certain measures must be taken to keep faxing as secure as possible. You can learn more about HIPAA faxing via various resources. In the meantime, take a look at some of the common risk factors that detract from faxing’s security potential.
Exploring Data Breach Risk Factors
Recent reports show that more than 22 billion records were exposed due to data breaches last year alone. That number is expected to rise in the years to come. While modern-day faxing is considered a secure method of communication, certain risks still exist in spite of the many security features involved.
Human Error
Human error has been deemed the most noteworthy risk factor in local device breaches. Sending sensitive documents to the wrong recipients is the most common problem in this regard.
Though senders don’t intentionally place people at risk by sending their data into the wrong hands, accidents are known to happen. It’s imperative for senders to not only make sure they have recipients’ contact information stored accurately in their records but enter it correctly when faxing.
Carelessness
Carelessness is also a common cause of data breaches. If sent or received documents are left unattended, the information they contain can easily fall into the wrong hands. That’s particularly a problem with paper-based faxes as opposed to electronic ones.
Still, leaving a computer unattended with a faxed document clearly displayed on the screen could easily expose a person’s sensitive information.
Outdated Equipment
Technology is constantly evolving, and that’s certainly true where faxing is concerned. Each new piece of the puzzle brings about a higher level of security than the last. On the other hand, each piece of faxing’s evolutionary puzzle is more vulnerable than the next. Modern fax equipment uses several security measures, but outdated versions aren’t quite so guarded.
Improperly Trained Staff
Another major factor in data breaches is failing to train staff members in security protocol. Countless people have shared their computers and passwords with others without regard for the problems this can cause. In many cases, their trust is misplaced.
That ultimately leads to security breaches and significant losses for businesses, victims of data breaches, and other people who may be affected by such situations.
Keeping Security Risks at Bay
Today’s faxing solutions are a great deal more advanced than those of the past. They’re much more secure as well. That doesn’t mean security risks no longer exist with faxing, though.
Sending sensitive documents to the wrong recipients and failing to safeguard those documents before, during, and after the fact are among the most significant risks at this point.
Using outdated equipment is also a major risk factor. Failing to ensure staff members understand and implement the right safety measures is a serious problem as well. Addressing those issues can help maintain the security of faxing and keep everyone involved safe from security breaches.
What's Your Reaction?
