Sensitive documents left lying on printer trays pose huge security risk to businesses
Office workers across Europe are putting their careers, personal reputation and even their entire company at risk by simply leaving confidential documents on printer trays, according to recent research released by Lexmark, the printing solutions provider.
Almost two thirds (64%) of the respondents admit to having left or found a confidential document on the network printer at least once. What's more, nearly 8 out of 10 (78%) have been worried about the security of their printed confidential documents.
When questioned about the personal consequences of leaving confidential documents on a printer tray, over 80% predicted their image and personal reputation could be damaged - a further one in five (21%) admitted that they could have lost their job by leaving a confidential document on a printer tray. Nearly half (48%) of respondents claim they'd be proactive to put procedures in place to prevent confidential documents being left on the printer tray and 87% said they would follow these.
Financial impact
In companies with 500 employees or more, a massive 28% of employees estimate the security risk of documents left on a printer tray could amount to 100,000 or more. In smaller companies the proportionate impact could be devastating - almost a fifth (19%) of employees in companies of less than 50 people estimate the risk to be in excess of 100,000, a cost which could destroy a small business. Interestingly, customer satisfaction and relationships seem to be a bigger concern for smaller companies with 41% of employees in companies with less than 50 people citing it as a risk factor compared to 28% in companies with 100-499 employees.
Lack of awareness
Worryingly, over 60% of office workers aren't aware of any procedures to prevent the risk. And, while almost 8 out of 10 respondents (78%) admit to feeling worried about others reading their confidential or sensitive documents, the research reveals that more senior office workers are no more concerned about this - despite handling far more confidential and sensitive information. Over half (58%) of UK respondents claim that their manager would be aware of the risks whereas the Germans are not quite as clued up with only 43% claiming that management are aware of the risk.
Lexmark is working to raise awareness of the issue and has developed tailored solutions to help businesses protect confidential and sensitive documents. For example, simple solutions - such as Lexmark's Confidential Print feature which requires employees to enter a PIN number to retrieve a document from the printer - can significantly help increase document security.
Anatomy of a printer tray
From CVs to sensitive client information, all manner of confidential documents are left lying on printer trays every day. The research reveals the most commonly found sensitive documents on a printer tray are non-work related personal information. Whereas 53% admitted to leaving or finding personal information, 48% left or found sensitive company information and 32% left or found sensitive client information on the printer.
Security-conscious Spaniards
On average, a huge 64% of European office workers confessed to having left or found a confidential or sensitive document on a printer tray. The UK is the least security conscious with a massive 71% of people coming across or carelessly leaving sensitive documents on the printer tray - Spain is the most security conscious with 57% of respondents admitting to this - although the figures are still worryingly high.
"The results of this study highlight just what a high risk printed documents left lying on a printer tray can pose to businesses. We understand the importance of security to companies of all sizes and have worked to develop practical solutions for businesses." says Country Manager.
Research conducted by TNS Sofres in 2006
Number of interviews: 2500 employees in France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain and Italy.
Interview method: Online
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About Lexmark
Lexmark International, Inc. (NYSE: LXK) provides businesses and consumers in more than 150 countries with a broad range of printing and imaging products, solutions and services that help them to be more productive. In 2005, Lexmark reported $5.2 billion in revenue and employed more than 13,000 people globally. Learn how Lexmark can help you get more done at.
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Press Release 2007
