The IT Law Wiki
The IT Law Wiki

Definitions[]

Data security[]

A hard copy' is

physical representations of information. Paper printouts, printer, and facsimile ribbons, drums, and platens are all examples of hard copy media. These types of media are often the most uncontrolled. Information tossed into the recycle bins and trash containers exposes a significant vulnerability to "dumpster divers," and overcurious employees, risking accidental disclosures.[1]

General[]

A hard copy is

a permanent reproduction of data on any medium suitable for direct use by a person, e.g., printed pages and facsimile pages.[2]
[r]ecorded information copied from a computer onto paper or some other durable surface, such as microfilm.[3]
[r]ecorded information copied from microfilm onto paper and made readable without a special device.[4]

A hard copy is "[a] paper record that may later be filmed or digitized.[5]}}

References[]

  1. NIST Special Publication 800-88, at 5-6.
  2. Electronic Crime Scene Investigation: A Guide for First Responders, at 54.
  3. EPA, Vocabulary Catalog List Detail - Records Glossary (full-text).
  4. Id.
  5. Id.