Digital copiers built since 2002 contain hard drives that store images of every document copied or scanned. Many of the stored documents include confidential data, leaving individuals vulnerable to identify theft if no safeguards are in place.

During a recent investigation, an expert downloaded tens of thousands of documents from old copiers available for sale using a free forensic software program. One copier contained files from a police department sex crimes unit; one contained addresses and social security numbers along with $40,000 in copied checks; and yet another contained 300 pages of individual medical records from a health insurance company. Armen Keteyian, “Digital Photocopiers Loaded With Secrets,” www.cbsnews.com (Apr. 19, 2010).

As is the norm with these investigative journalism pieces, the video is very sensationalized. The dangers are real though and should be treated with respect.

This report reveals the risk employers face when getting rid of old copiers. For example, during hiring procedures, employers make copies of employees’ social security numbers, birth certificates, drivers’ licenses and other personal information. With hard drives storing this information, employers run a huge risk of inadvertently divulging personal data for identity theft and violating a person’s confidential information.

Health records present a particularly risky situation if they are divulged. Federal privacy laws including the Americans with Disabilities (ADA) require that employers keep employee health records private.

Some copier manufacturers offer security or encryption packages that automatically erase an image from the hard drive after it is copied. Another company has developed software that can scrub all the data from copier hard drives. Because the hard drives on copiers are actually computers, IT experts should make sure the hard drives are clean and safe before they are resold or thrown away.

Employers should also take steps to make certain that employees do not steal recorded data from copiers as well. Particularly vulnerable are employers that copy social security numbers and medical records.

I like Seth Godin because he makes me think – think about the business I’m in, think about clients and customer service, think about life. Today’s post by Seth states the obvious – but it is only obvious in hindsight. It’s the kind of reasoning that makes you smile because you didn’t think of it yourself first. (I have reposted the blog entry below; to see the original post by Seth go here.)

If you read a book that tries to change you for the better and it fails or doesn’t resonate, then it’s a self-help book.

If you read a book that actually succeeds in changing you for the better, then the label changes from self-help book to great book.

We don’t like books that fail, because they waste our time, they offend us, they speak a different language or they make us feel out of sorts. Self-help books are a bane.

On the other hand, a book that resonates with us, whether it’s Catcher in the Rye, The War of Art or Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance earns a place of trust and we revere it and tell others.

A store clerk who tries to sell you something and fails is a high-pressure salesperson.

If she succeeds in selling you something, she’s helpful.

The difference between the two categories isn’t one of intent. They’re all ultimately trying for the same thing. The difference is in success. So, go ahead and denigrate self-help books and salespeople and the rest. Just be clear with yourself that what you’re unhappy with are the ones that fail.

By the way, the only real help is self-help. Anything else is just designed to get you to the point where you can help yourself.

We have seen a long dry spell that included 2008 with just 43 IPOs and a first quarter 2009 that saw a single offering. 2010 is poised for a possible recovery with 53 companies that entered registration in 4th quarter 2009, the most new registrants in two years. (data gleaned from Ernst & Young’s latest IPO pipeline report) Technology claims the largest number of new registrants but the group as a whole cuts through all sectors. Average fund raising target is $190 million. but 24 of the new registrants are smaller companies seeking to raise less than $100 million.

One of my favorite photographers, Chase Jarvis, filmed a few videos for Russell Investments. I really quite like them and am posting one for you to see here. They talk about real-life risk management – Risks that go beyond property risks such as skateboarding and having kids. These are things we can all relate to. The implications to our business lives become readily apparent as we think about the topic.

Hope you enjoy the video as much as I did.