Something I bet you didn't know about....

Holy crap!! What an eye opener, Thanks for sharing DrJBHL!

I'm surprised nobody knew about this earlier- just don't copy sensitive information on non-personal scanners!

You win that bet.  That's news to me as well.

Holy crap it right!!! 

Thank you Doc.

Ummm...and what about people in Insurance Co.'s, I.R.S., Banks, M.D.'s offices, etc. who copy your files to send on to other offices? Think about that one, Purrball.

*edit...sorry Barb....I type slowly...and with the errors I make, thank G-d I don't work entering data/orders at the stock exchange....

This is something I've made mention of here in Oz... to various doctors surgeries, banks and social security, etc.  For the most part it fell on deaf ears... and those who were prepared to listen, well in most cases their hands were tied by employers and/or bureaucratic red tape.  So now, if I think somebody needs photo copies of anything, I generally make my own at home and take them with me.  Still, if they decide to copy my copies at a later point, my security measures are nevertheless undone, aren't they!

You'd think, though, with identity theft running rampant, you'd think those responsible for these machines would be especially careful, and if not, be liable for any security breaches.  As far as the Buffalo PD goes, and the data on its discarded machines, what about the vigilante type groups and lynch mobs who are keen to gain information on offenders (alleged or otherwise) to administer their own kind of justice??  That kind of security neglect could quite easily lead to dangerous situations and possibly innocent people getting hurt, or worse.

On a lighter note: think about how many Xeroxed backsides and boobies there'd be floating around on discarded office copiers.

Now there's an idea for a business venture... go 'round and collect all those bum and boob images and turn them into cash, via DVD's and books, etc.

Dang Doc, thanks for sharing!!!

Well that's pretty pathetic.

Seems like that "option" package with the wipe capability shouldn't be an "option", it should just be built in.  I know they said it was something like $500, but if they just built it in at the factory instead of as an add-on it probably wouldn't really add that much to the price.

'Course I would've thought that the oil industry might have given some thought to "How To Plug An Offshore Leak" before they started poking holes in the ocean floor, too.  I'm funny that way.  Guess they just figured they could drop an oversized brick on it or something.

I totally agree.

This is very disturbing and thanks for the warning, Doc

I am glad I know about this now ... thinkg about the criminals that might be getting a hold of your bank, credit card info ETC. .....

The company I work for removes the HHD's before sending the copy machines back to the owner.  They don't like it, but we pay for them and we destroy them on site.  I also have my own copy machine/printer/scanner/fax at home and never use public copiers.  That doesn't help me as far as my medical, dental and any other records I don't have personal control over though.  And if there were criminals out there that didn't know about this...well, they sure do now don't they.  Score another one for the media.

You're welcome, guys 'n girls. When I saw this my jaw broke as it hit the floor at mach 2.

What bothers me the most is that the expose that CBS did changed nothing as far as I can see. Here in the States the HIPPA legislation makes such violations quite expensive.

Somehow, I doubt they'll go after the copy machine makers. It'll be the Doctors who get it in the neck. Not this one, though. I'll be busy figuring out a way to protect my patients and myself.

Interesting, didn't know or even think about that.  Wonder if these new copy/fax/scan printers do the same.

Scary, didn't know that, thanks doc!!

Of course they do.  It has to store that image somewhere.

Now what's worse.

Since this aired I would bet that there will be a substantial increase of identity thefts occur due to the unintentional education that this provided.

 That big boatload that went to Argentina has me concerned.

Wow, congrats to CBS news for letting the cat out of the bag!  Now all the criminals who didn't know about this DO!!  Yay!

On the PC, probably. I doubt my $300.00 Epson Artisan has a hard drive.

Epson. *shudder*

But I bet it has memory.  Now is the memory volatile or non-volatile?  Dunno, nobody reviews that type of shite.

Yup, you won the bet.

While in the military and stationed in Germany I remember sending the clerk into the dumpster to find the carbon paper he threw away after typing a classified document. 

No matter what method is used to create or copy a document there is always the problem of 'where did it go?'.

Well, it's true that I did have qualms about posting the thread simply for the reason stated by RPGFX and Phoon, but I figure (by the number of responses) not all that many folks learned about this from me and are then going to do something to exploit that.

I figure CBS reached a few more than I did, but that's the point...people have to be reached and made aware so they can demand change and protection from this kind of vulnerability they never dreamed exists. I've emailed my Senators and Congressman regarding this. One snowflake ain't much...but if a few more and their friends can be encouraged, well...maybe a drift or two will accumulate for Fred to clear.

Philly, you're right about the carbon thing. We used to go nutz in Israel over that stuff.

Fact is, one can never be paranoid enough, it appears.

“A paranoid is someone who knows a little of what's going on.” William S. Burroughs

thanks doc learned this from you so I went out and bought 10 of them all from banks ... 

JK ha ha ha ha

That's funny! My husband came home today and told me the very same thing about copy machines! He works for the state so he's always causious, but it's a realy eye opener for everyone!

jazzilady...hey, maybe your hubby is a WC member and read this post?