Sharp Electronics Europe has announced that they are the first Copier/MFP manufacturer to be certified for Common Criteria, conforming to the Protection Profile for Hardcopy Devices v1.0 (HCD-PP v1.0). This represents the latest security standards of government and military offices.
The Common Criteria is a set of guidelines used to evaluate information technology equipment. The specifications are set and tested by independent laboratories. Sharp is certified by Japan’s IT security evaluation and certification system (JISEC).
The Hardcopy Device Protection Profile v1.0 (HCD-PP) is a new requirement for digital MFPs based on the security requirements specified by the US and Japanese governments. It was developed through the industry collaboration with National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) and International-Technology Promotion Agency, Japan (IPA). It aims to protect the information processed by an MFP from security threats and includes specifications for encryption and firewalls.
Sharp’s digital colour multifunction printers (MFPs) have embedded data security features which include:
- The Sharp Security Suite, which includes Sharp’s Data Security Kit (Commercial and Common Criteria Certified versions); print-driver security features; Sharp OSA technology-enabled security applications.
- Standard MFP security along with optional DSK security protects and controls the major MFP systems and subsystems (print, copy, scan, fax jobs, network settings, memory components, local user interface). The Sharp data encryption method uses the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm on all data before it’s written to RAM and the hard-disk drive. It also provides overwriting routines (up to seven-times overwrite) to ensure that all information is virtually irretrievable by unauthorized users.
- End-Of-Lease feature, which ensures that all data is erased before returning, or relinquishing control of the MFP.
- Intelligent network interface that provides access and network-control security features designed to prevent threats, as well as document improper device access: access control security; data and information security; network security; fax security; audit trail security; and document security.
Peter Plested, Director, Information Systems, Sharp Europe said: “This is an important step change in our security portfolio and means that we can support customers handling the most sensitive data in the world. Initially requested by Japan and the US, Europe is expected to require this standard soon. We take our commitment to our customers’ IT security very seriously; we were the first MFP manufacturer to receive Common Criteria certification in 2001, and we believe we are again the first to meet this new higher standard.”
The following Sharp devices have received the certification: MX-2630N, MX-3050N, MX-3550N, MX-4050N, MX-5050N, MX-6050N, MX-3060N, MX-3560, MX-4060N, MX-3070N, MX-3570N, MX-4070N, MX-5070N, MX-6070N. Existing and new customers can add this option via a firmware update.
