In the wake of high-profile cyber attacks, some organizations are turning back to using fax machines to send sensitive information. At first glance, this might seem like a step backward, given how much email security has improved over the years. However, there are valid reasons why some organizations consider fax to be more secure than email.
Reverting to older technology may feel counterintuitive, as newer solutions are often seen as better. But fax offers unique advantages in terms of security that email often struggles to match.
Why Fax Is Considered More Secure
Fax is generally more secure than email in several ways. The primary reason is its limited connection to the internet. Fax machines send and receive information over telephone lines, which are much harder to access compared to public internet networks.
Additionally, fax machines are less useful targets for cybercriminals. Breaching a fax machine may grant access only to its immediate network or the machine itself. In contrast, accessing an email account can provide a cybercriminal with a direct pathway to other systems, personal accounts, and sensitive information. Unless two-factor authentication is in place, email accounts can quickly become entry points for larger security breaches.
Lastly, fax is less vulnerable to social engineering attacks. Phishing—tricking someone into clicking a malicious link in an email—is a leading cause of cyberattacks. With fax, it’s much harder to exploit someone in this way since the technology doesn’t rely on links or digital interfaces.
While fax isn’t entirely immune to attacks, it remains more secure than email for many use cases. The trade-off is that fax lacks the convenience and speed of email.
The Risks of Email
Email is a powerful communication tool, but it has significant vulnerabilities:
- Interconnected Systems:Email is often linked to multiple accounts and services. A breached email account can compromise an entire network of systems.
- Frequent Attacks:Phishing and malware attacks often target email users. Once a hacker gains access to an email account, they can potentially access sensitive data or use the account to attack others.
- Ease of Exposure:Email accounts are regularly targeted by cybercriminals, and many users reuse passwords, making it easier for attackers to exploit multiple systems.
Email’s connectivity is its greatest strength but also its largest security flaw. Breaches can lead to widespread damage within an organization.
The Strengths of Fax
Fax machines are inherently less connected, making them more secure in several ways:
- Limited Connectivity: Traditional fax machines use analog phone lines, which are difficult for hackers to intercept. Even modern fax machines with internet connections are usually isolated from other devices and networks.
- Reduced Attack Surface: Fax machines don’t rely on usernames, passwords, or links, which are common attack vectors in email. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to exploit them.
- Focused Functionality:Fax machines are designed to send and receive documents, and their simplicity reduces the risk of unauthorized access or data breaches.
While fax machines can be hacked, these attacks are rare and often require physical access or highly specialized knowledge.
Can Fax Machines Be Hacked?
It’s important to note that fax machines are not completely immune to hacking. For example, malicious scripts can be sent disguised as documents. Once processed, these scripts could enable unauthorized access to the network the fax machine is connected to.
However, such breaches are challenging to execute, especially when fax machines use traditional telephone lines (PSTN). Modern fax machines connected to the internet are more vulnerable but can be secured with proper configurations and firewalls.
Improving Fax Security
Advancements in fax technology have addressed many of the vulnerabilities that existed in the past:
- Firewalls: Fax machines can now be protected by firewalls to block unauthorized access.
- Network Isolation:Fax machines can be set up on dedicated networks to prevent hackers from using them as entry points into larger systems.
- Encryption:Sending faxes over private, encrypted networks ensures that data remains secure during transmission. Even if a hacker intercepts the data, encryption makes it nearly impossible to read or use.
Sending Faxes Securely
To maximize the security of your fax communications:
- Use Private Networks:Ensure that your fax machine operates on a private network rather than the public internet.
- Encrypt Data:Use fax services that offer encryption to protect sensitive information during transmission.
- Isolate Devices:Configure fax machines to limit connections to other devices or networks.
- Monitor Activity: Regularly check for any unusual activity or attempted breaches.
By following these practices, organizations can leverage fax technology to send sensitive information securely.
Conclusion
Fax may seem like an outdated technology, but its limited connectivity and focused functionality make it more secure than email in many scenarios. While it’s not entirely immune to cyberattacks, fax’s simplicity and isolation provide strong defenses against common threats.
For organizations that handle sensitive information, fax offers a reliable alternative to email, especially when combined with modern security measures like encryption and private networks. The choice ultimately depends on balancing security needs with the convenience of communication tools, but fax remains a valuable option in today’s cybersecurity landscape.