Cybersecurity is an important issue for small and medium-sized businesses and large enterprises alike, and it’s also something government organizations should take into account when considering new equipment and software purchases. It’s obvious that computers need to have the best kind of virus protection and anti-malware software installed, but did you know your printer and fax machine are also susceptible to data breaches and unwanted errors?
Confidential information like medical records can be secured when using an Internet faxing solution.Human error: Faxing’s worst nightmare
Not only are traditional fax machines susceptible to hackers, but they also bring with them a certain level of human error. By now we’ve all heard the story about how Hillary Clinton was baffled by a fax machine. According to CNN, an email exchange showed the presidential hopeful confused by how she was supposed to make the device work. It was an amusing situation for those of us hearing about it now, but in the moment, the experience was most likely frustrating and time-consuming for Clinton.
Faxing errors can cause more than a little amusement, however. Government agencies in Ontario recently found out the cost of human error in faxing. According to The Star contributor Richard J. Brennan, the confidential information of around 500 Ontario Disability Support Program recipients was leaked when a staff member mistyped a fax number and ended up inputting the number for a law office instead of the secure line the information was meant for. The office of Helena Jaczek, the community and social services minister for Ontario, released a statement saying that the documents had been sent to the law firm due to a dialing error.
In both of these situations, human error caused consternation when using traditional fax machines. Here’s where fax-over-Internet-protocol services comes in to save the day.
“It’s important to implement a faxing policy that works with your corporation.”
How can fax over internet solutions help?
In order to fax through the internet safely, it’s important to implement a faxing policy that works with your corporation. Fax security has often been overlooked, according to Computer Weekly contributor Michael Cobb. However, solutions that include fax over Internet equipment offer the kind of cybersecurity that companies need to maintain over their fax lines. Cloud-based processes add a level of security by the simple fact that the documents generated are stored in the cloud – there is less of a chance that a printed page could be lost or discarded.
One of the other great benefits of fax over IP fax technology is that it’s easy for email-savvy people to use. When companies implement faxing solutions, employees already know the ins and outs of email and thus it’s easier to adopt online faxing, according to TMCnet contributor Mae Kowalke. Your company would run less of a risk of having an embarrassing situation like the one that plagued Clinton and one that could cost clients money and time, like the one experienced by the Ontario government.
Enhance enterprise communication, collaboration and compliance efforts with a proven FoIP solution from FaxCore. Contact FaxCore today to learn more about their ‘Partly-Cloudy’ fax solutions.
