How security printing protects the integrity of matric exam papers

It also continuously adds measures to avoid irregularities such as cheating and exam paper leaks. The department has additionally created a hotline that can be used to report irregular incidents.

Implementing preventative solutions instead of resorting to damage control when irregularities occur, is proving to be the best weapon for the DBE. And Lebone Litho Printers has formed a formidable partnership with the department to ensure the integrity of the matric examinations. Not only has it invested heavily in state of artwork technology, but it has also upgraded all CCTV features and computer systems for better tracking and tracing of matric exam papers. Adding to this, Lebone has invested more time and resources to develop and procure technology and equipment that should help corporates and government department secure their paper trail and confidential data.

Keith Michael, Chief Executive of Lebone Litho Printers, says the company is extremely pleased to be a partner in delivering safer and worthy examinations.

“Our role is minor in the big scheme of things, but it is the most important as it involves the printing integrity of the final product. We have invested a lot in the last 10 years in new technology, equipment and facilities to ensure continued improvement in safety and integrity of the matric examinations in the provinces we are entrusted with this huge responsibility.”

An extremely imperative factor of tracking and tracing is that all labels are unique to a learner script per subject and per paper. Security labelling is an important part of the marking process as it helps to grab the attention of the marker. Through security labelling, the combination and transmission of learner information are made easier.

Lebone prints matric examination papers for the Gauteng, Free State and Northern Cape Department of Education as well as the North-West University.

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The government does not always have access to a robust and dedicated IT department and relies on third-party vendors to print exam papers and offer data security.

“When it comes to data security for educational institutions, it is about more than protecting the integrity of exam papers. Schools also hold additional data linked to exams. So, it is imperative that all relevant data is kept as secure as possible,” adds Michael.

Michael says: “Secure printing should be an essential practice and an integral part of document workflows throughout an enterprise – especially for departments that deal with sensitive data. While many corporates understand this, those with established secure-printing protocols remain in the minority.

The recently launched Lebone Print Secure Division ensures that the business remains highly competitive, enabling it to offer clients an array of printing products. These range from managing client-confidential data, and secure print on specialised security paper to pick/pack and secure logistics.

“Security printing is emerging as a key focus area today as corporates and government seek better ways to improve print security and efficiency. There are several ways to lower the risk of unauthorised personnel gaining access to sensitive material. One is to install a “swipe” reader which will allow only verified staff members access to the print room so only those personnel will have the authority to print sensitive materials,” says Michael.

There are a few other ways to help ensure the secure printing of sensitive material.

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For instance, today’s print systems use embedded access control readers that enhance document security, improve user convenience, increase the efficacy of equipment investments and slash printing costs. This is done without compromising printing or scanning performances and allows users to release jobs with their ID badges or mobile devices.

Since security should be a priority, installing auto-updating software can be a buffer between potential threats and print jobs. This blocks content from being printed until an IT department member authorises it. This greatly reduces the risk in sensitive projects.

Something else to consider with secure printing is that managing high volumes of documents in large organisations can pose economic, logistical and security challenges. It is imperative to use technology that allows convenient authentication while providing complete visibility of operations, the generation of reports and the improvement of document security and workflow efficiency.