When selecting a paper shredder, the machine's
security rating is a very important consideration. Here are the
6 different security levels available.
When selecting a paper shredder, the
machine's security rating is a very important consideration. The higher
the rating, the more secure your private information will be. Here are
the 6 different security levels available.
Level 1. Machines with this rating offer
the lowest amount of security. They're usually strip-cut shredders and
they can turn your documents into strips that measure 1/2" thick. These
devices are good for personal use such as shredding junk mail.
Level 2.
Level 2 machines are terrific for use at home. They offer a good amount
of security and come in both cross- and strip cut varieties. These
devices can produce paper bits that are only 1/4" wide so you can use
them to take care of bank statements, letters, and more.
Level 3.
Shredders that have received a Level 3 rating are good for use at home
and in the office. As with Level 2 machines, they offer a decent amount
of security so you can shred financial documents, papers contain Social
Security numbers, and so on.
Level 4.
These machines offer a little bit more security than those with a Level
3 rating and can turn documents into bits that are just 1/8" wide. A
machine such as this is perfect if you want your data to remain very
secure but don't require the ultimate security a Level 5 or 6 machine
can provide.
Level 5 and 6.
Finally, Level 5 and 6 machines will provide you with the most
security. Many of these devices have received approval from the
Department of Defense so they can be used to destroy top secret
documents. The smallest shreds will measure 1/32" x 7/16" so you can
use one of these machines to destroy your most private documents. There
are also multimedia shredders available that can take care of items
like floppy disk and CD's.
Be sure to choose a paper shredder with the highest security
rating possible. It's the only way you can be sure that your private
information will stay out of the public eye. Happy shredding!
Jeff McRitchie is the Director of Marketing for MyBinding.com.
He regularly writes articles, reviews and blog posts on topics related
to book binding, laminating, paper shredding and office equipment. With
more than 2,500 articles that have been published in thousands of
locations on the web. If you are looking for a binding machine, report
cover, binder, laminator, lanyard, name badge, paper shredder, whiteboard, paper cutter or paper folding machine his articles are a good place to start.
