S 4.43 Fax machine with automatic envelopment sealing system

Initiation responsibility: IT Security Officer

Implementation responsibility: Purchaser

Fax machines with automatic envelopment sealing systems prevent received faxes from being taken out of the machine and read by unauthorised persons. Incoming fax transmissions are folded in such a way that only the fax cover sheet remains visible and then shrink-wrapped in a plastic envelope. Then, the envelope falls into a lockable compartment in the fax machine. Normally, only the authorised person disposing of the key to this compartment may access the envelope. Any unauthorised reading before the fax is delivered is only possible by forcing open the compartment or tearing open the shrink-wrapped envelope and would therefore at least be noticed.

Review questions:

• Are fax machines with automatic envelope sealing systems used in order to prevent the faxes from being removed and read by unauthorised persons?