Using high-security shredders is an excellent way to comply with certain federal privacy laws and protect one’s self from identity theft. This type of shredder can be used for personal or business purposes. Businesses are now struggling with more security issues than ever. With many identity theft concerns, dumpster divers, and federal security regulations you will be needing machines and document security that you can rely on. Companies should look for the appropriate level of security that is suited according to their requirements. Regradless whether you have a couple of documents or boxes full of paper waste, you must familiarize yourself with the following shredder security levels.

Level 2- Strip Cut. This is the lowest and least secure method of shredding documents, it is only suitable for general shredding. This shredder should only be used for documents that does not hold any financial or personal information if they were to be read by a third party. This is because strip cut shredding merely cuts paper into long strips meaning the paper can still be reconstructed using a tape making it readable.

Level 3- Cross Cut. It shreds the paper into short confetti like rectangular shapes. This is the standard level of security that the law approves of. FACTA regulations state that businesses and individuals who regularly handle sensitive personal and financial information like social security numbers should properly destroy these documents with a Level 3 or above security shredder before disposal.

Level 4-5 Cross Cut. This is categorized as a high-security shredder. Commonly recognized as “diamond cut”. High security shredders do shred paper into particles but relatively finer than the level 3 cross cut. If you need to dispose paper documents on a regular basis, you must start using a high-security shredder like this.

Level 6 Micro Shred is usually reserved for high-level, tops secret government work like the military or homeland security. These shredders effectively eradicate an ordinary paper into thousands of very small particles.

To summarize,it is important to find the right high-security shredder that can handle all your shredding needs. There’s a selection of personal, low volume to high security shredders, high volume and DOD-certified shredders. Privacy and security is a top concern for anyone nowadays, a good quality shredder is you primary protection against people with bad or hidden agendas.