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 is flexible to use either 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 find the appropriate level of security 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 should only process documents that do not contain any financial or personal information if they were to be read by someone with bad intentions. 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 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 definitely classified as a high-security shredder. More often known as “diamond cut”. High security shredders do shred paper into particles but much smaller 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 ideally reserved for high-level, top secret government work like the military or homeland security. These shredders effectively eradicate an ordinary paper into thousands of very small particles.

In general,it is highly-recommended to find the right high-security shredder that meets all your shredding needs. Either from 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 defense to people with bad or hidden agendas.