That was why Všeobecná zdravotná poistovna recently made a decision to build with SecureJet a new Comprehensive Information System that would answer the most demanding challenges relating to the operation of a healthcare insurer of this size.

One of vital requirements of all health insurers is to secure printing of documents in a way so that no unauthorized persons are able to gain access to such documents. Medical records contain information about health condition and other highly sensitive personal information of clients – information that must be protected by insurance companies against possible misuse not only because that is what the legislation requires but also with regard to ethical reasons. The trust of clients and patients is the highest imperative in this field.

Until recently, it was impossible to secure in case of systems that used network printers located outside of offices (mostly in corridors due to accessibility reasons) the prevention of access to printed documents by unauthorized persons. Inevitably, there was a certain time period between the moment of placing the print job and the moment of retrieving printed documents from the printer (based on how accessible the particular printer was), during which time period anybody was able not only to read the information but, in extreme cases, to steal the documents. And these cases had to be prevented.

„We've been contemplating this task for some time“, – says Tibor Tarábek, Project Manager, Comprehensive Information System, VšZP. „We calculated how many printers we in fact needed and then we looked for a method that would secure a situation in which users would not be able to print anything they wanted. At the same time, we required that everything these users actually printed was recorded, i.e. a system that could not be fooled. We found this system with HP, which company recommended SecureJet product for our new printers. We found that this product fully met our requirements.“

2. SecureJet, the right solution

How does this secure printing work? SecureJet represents in fact the extension of network printers that contains the so-called ‘pin terminal' and the respective software. The solution is built on a principle which requires storing of all print tasks in the print server before any printing takes place. The entire system is managed and controlled by a network administrator who assigns specific pin codes (or chip cards, provided that the respective printers are fitted with card readers) enabling access to printers to all users who wish to print secured documents.

The employees place the print tasks in their computers and send them identically as with other common network printers. However, the information sent does not travel to the selected printer but is rather stored in the print server. An employee may approach a printer at any time later (although this time period may be limited so that the printer is not overloaded by an excessive number of print tasks) and enter his/her pin code using the terminal's keyboard. It is only after that that the chosen network printer downloads the respective print task for the print server and prints the document in question.

Very important with regard to security of printed documents is the fact that printers print such documents only at the presence of employees who placed the respective print tasks. Also, print tasks may be stored in the print server for a specified time period so that it is possible to search back in time and find out who printed what document. Whereas Všeobecná zdravotná poistovna (VšZP) operates 83 access points in its Slovak network, a given print task may be downloaded for the print server equipped with SecureJet-PS (there are 38 servers equipped with SecureJet-PS) and printed at any of these locations after entering the pin code.

„Within the framework of building our Comprehensive Information System, we purchased 330 HP printers. The delivery comprised various models of LaserJet network printers, including the latest 9000dn series. In total, 149 printers were fitted with SecureJet security terminals“, says Tarábek. „I am glad that it was Hewlett- Packard Slovakia s.r.o. that succeeded in the tender, especially as this company did not offer us just printers but rather a comprehensive security solution“. He continues in explaining his good feeling about the transaction: „It looks like HP still got the best printers in the world and the largest market share. Another big advantage for us was the fact that the servicing and support would be secured by such a huge company“.

3. Customers require consistent solutions

To summarize the features used in case of secure printing solution:

• protection of documents against theft from the printer
• printing of documents is possible on any network printer equipped with SecureJet; it is only after sending the respective print task to the system that a user decides to which printer the document will be downloaded from the print server
• ability to record and identify users and secured documents printed by them
• monitoring of the number of copies printed by individual users with the opportunity to limit this number
• broad range of user identification methods – pin codes, smartcards, corporate magnetic or proximity badges.

„We must understand that a printer is no more a piece of dead metal but a smart device just like PC. It features its own processor, memory, control panel... and all this enables us to create yet unseen solutions“, – says vladimir Páleník, IPG Commercial Sales Manager, Hewlett-Packard Slovakia s.r.o.. „That is also why these days customer requirements are not limited just to delivery of printers. More frequently customers ask for consistent solutions and HP is able to tailor these solutions to their needs, as happened in case of the secure printing solution for VšZP.“ Tibor Tarabek adds: „I am convinced that our investment was a good one. Our clients may rest assured that the personal information is well protected and shall not get into the hands of unauthorized individuals.“