To provide an image forming apparatus that can apply overwrite deletion even to image data written in a temporary escape area used at image input, can continue processing even after restarting after power is interrupted halfway, can execute optimum operations depending on a resource free time in execution timing and at a processing speed and can exclude the risk of a data analysis after the deletion of data due to the effect of residual magnetism or the like.

The image forming apparatus includes: a storage device composed of a primary storage section for storing a received image signal, a means for converting a data form of the image signal inputted to the primary storage section, a means for arranging an area for storing the image signal whose data form is converted by the converting means and storing the image signal into the area, and a secondary storage section for storing the image signal of the primary storage section; a means for storing data in an area for storing the image signal into the secondary storage section, and a means for determining whether or not data can be transferred to a particular area of the secondary storage section, and the image forming apparatus overwrites the image.