Office supplies 'a threat to security'
01/12/2006 12:39

Printers and other office equipment will be part of the group of products responsible for security threats next year, according to computer security expert McAfee.

According to a report released by McAfee Avert Labs, identity theft and data loss will feature highly in 2007 with offices around the country having to be extra vigilant regarding the use of printers, faxes and other office equipment.

As well as physical documents being removed from offices, McAfee has claimed that the proliferation of mobile storage, such as mp3 players and USB storage devices, will play a major part in digital theft.

Personal employee information and vital company details will be at risk from anyone armed with a piece of 21st century technology.

In its report, the computer security firm said: "While McAfee expects the number of victims to remain relatively stable, company disclosures of lost or stolen data, increasing incidents of cyber thefts and hacking into retailer, processor and ATM systems and reports of stolen laptops that contain confidential data will continue to keep this topic of public concern."

While a paper shredder can be brought into the office to help eliminate the opportunity of physical data theft, digital information is much harder to track and keep safe.

However, McAfee has claimed that it expects to see an increase in the use of encryption software as the data loss prevention market begins to mature.

At Paperstone, we offer a full range of office equipment that you can tailor to your security needs, including a selection of paper shredders.