Using high-security shredders is the best 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 at risk and facing with more security issues than ever. With an alarming rise of identity theft concerns, dumpster divers, and federal security regulations you will be compelled to use machines and document security that you can depend on. Companies should find the appropriate level of security that is suited according to their needs. Whether you have a couple of documents or dozens of boxes full of paper waste, you must understand the following shredder security levels.

Level 2- Strip Cut. This is the least secure method of shredding documents, it is only recommended for general shredding. This shredder is only applicable for documents that does not hold any financial or personal information if they were to be read by anyone. 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 cuts the paper into short confetti like rectangular shapes. This is the standard level of security that the law has set. FACTA regulations mandate that businesses and individuals who usually handle sensitive personal and financial information like social security numbers should appropriately discard these documents with a Level 3 or above security shredder before disposal.

Level 4-5 Cross Cut. This is considered a high-security shredder. Often 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 discard paper documents on a regular basis, it is suggested that you use 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 work efficiently in converting an ordinary paper into thousands of small particles.

Overall,it is highly-recommended to find the right high-security shredder that meets all your shredding needs. Choose from a selection of personal, low volume to high security shredders, high volume and DOD-certified shredders. Privacy and security is everybody’s concern, a good quality shredder is you primary protection against people with bad or hidden agendas.