Think fax machines are yesterday’s technology? Think again! A recent study found that over 80% of small businesses still use fax machines. While there are some benefits to using a fax machine, there are also several dangers you should be aware of.
This article will discuss how fax machines work and the five most significant dangers of using them.
Table of Contents
How do fax machines work?
A fax machine transmits documents by converting them into electrical signals and transmitting them over a telephone line. The receiving fax machine then decodes the signals and prints a document copy.
Fax machines use various technologies, but the most common type uses a process known as thermal transfer. This involves passing a sheet of paper through a heated print head. The heat causes the ink to be transferred to the paper, producing a copy of the document. Fax machines are fast and efficient, and they are often used to send important documents such as contracts and legal documents.
What are the five most significant dangers of fax machines?
Let’s look at the potential hazards of using “old-fashioned” fax machines.
Fax machines can be easily hacked
Fax machines are increasingly becoming a target for hackers. This is because fax machines use the same telephone lines as computers, making them vulnerable to the same types of attacks. In addition, many fax machines do not have any security features, making them an easy target for hackers.
You can take several steps to protect your fax machine from being hacked:
1. Ensure your fax machine is correctly connected to a surge protector. This connection will help to protect your fax machine from electrical surges that could damage it.
2. Encrypt your faxes by using a virtual private network (VPN). This encryption will make it more difficult for hackers to intercept and read your faxes.
3. Keep your fax machine updated with the latest security patches.
By taking these simple steps, you can help to protect your fax machine from being hacked.
Faxes can contain sensitive information
Faxes are often used to send sensitive information. This is because they offer a high degree of security, as information is only sent to the intended recipient and is not stored on any devices or networks.
However, there are some potential security risks associated with faxes:
1. If the fax machine is not correctly secured, unauthorised individuals can gain access to the information.
2. Faxes can be intercepted in transit, and if they are not encrypted, this can lead to the information being compromised.
3. If a fax is not correctly disposed of, it could contain sensitive information that others could access.
As a result, taking proper precautions when sending or receiving faxes containing sensitive information is essential.
They’re expensive to maintain
Fax machines are a standard business tool but can be expensive to maintain. Not only do they require a dedicated phone line, but they also require regular maintenance and repairs. In addition, paper and ink costs can add over time.
For these reasons, weighing the costs and benefits of using a fax machine before making a purchase is crucial. The cost may be worth it for businesses that rely heavily on faxing. However, more cost-effective options may be available for businesses that only use faxes occasionally.
They can waste time and paper
Fax machines were once cutting-edge technology, but they have since been eclipsed by email and other digital communication tools. While faxes can still be helpful in certain situations, they often cause more problems than they solve.
One of the most significant issues with fax machines is that they can be very time-consuming. Sending fax typically requires printing out a document, walking to the fax machine, feeding the document into the machine, and then waiting for the transmission to complete. When the sender is firmly connected to the fax machine, this process may take a long time.
In addition, faxes can be unreliable, often resulting in garbled or incomplete transmissions. Finally, fax machines consume large amounts of paper, which is terrible for the environment and expensive for businesses to replace.
For all these reasons, it is often best to avoid using a fax machine whenever possible.
They’re no longer necessary in most cases
In the early days of office life, the fax machine was a cutting-edge technology that allowed businesses to communicate quickly and efficiently.
However, in the modern world, fax machines are no longer necessary in most cases. There’s no need to mail physical papers back and forth with the introduction of email and free online fax services.
In addition, many businesses have switched to digital storage methods, eliminating the need to print paper copies of documents.
As a result, fax machines have become obsolete in many offices. While they may still have a place in some businesses, they are no longer essential in most workplaces.
Final thoughts
Although fax machines can be convenient and efficient, they also come with many dangers that you should not ignore. To keep yourself and your business safe, it is vital to be aware of these dangers and take the necessary precautions.
Hopefully, this article has helped you understand the risks associated with fax machines and given you some ideas on staying safe while using them.