Tips For Selecting Secure Document Shredding
Secure document shredding services should guarantee end-to-end security by training and background checks on staff. The process should use tamper-evident locked containers of various sizes. These containers must be closed until the final destruction. A secure document shredding service should have multiple security measures to protect sensitive documents and keep them from leaking.
The following are some tips to consider when selecting a shredding service:
Cross-cut shredding
There are two basic types of document shredding equipment: granulator and cross-cut. Granulators are more potent than cross-cut shredders, but only the cross-cut shredder is capable of securely shredding large volumes of paper. Cross-cut shredders can destroy smaller packages in a fraction of the time and space required by granulators. Compared to paper shredders, cross-cut ones create more complex pieces or strips.
The level five shredders produce particles 30 mm wide and 0.2mm thick, large enough to destroy sensitive information but not tiny enough to be read. That is why they are most appropriate for businesses and organizations dealing with personal data. Although P-7 shredders can destroy classified information, they are also less powerful. For businesses that need to destroy a significant amount of paper, cross-cut shredding is an excellent option.
Cutting the paper into small, cross-cut strips increases security and reduces your overall document disposal costs. Besides, cross-cut shredders need less frequent emptying. And unlike strip-cut shredders, cross-cut shredders are easier to maintain than strip-cut shredders. Another option is a micro-cut shredder. These devices shred data storage, plastic ID cards, and credit cards. Micro-cut shredders are more secure than cross-cut shredders because they can destroy documents in tiny particles.
However, they are also slower than strip-cut shredders. In addition, they can shred a more significant amount of paper, which is an advantage for businesses. Besides cross-cut and strip-cut shredders, there are also level 3 and level 4 shredders. Level 3 shredders meet the standards of HIPAA and FACTA, which makes them an excellent option for secure document destruction. The particle size of level 3 shredders is 320 mm2, and the strip width is two millimetres.
While both types of document shredding are secure, cross-cut shredding is the most preferred by most people. NSA standards are more stringent than the previous ones and require a minimum of four millimetres for P-7 particles to be recognizable. Unlike the former, P-7 particles are half the size of P-6, which allows for four characters to be distinguishable.
P-7
NSA-approved shredders like the P-7 are the most advanced devices available today. They meet the strict specifications set by the government for the destruction of classified data. P-7 particles must be less than one millimetre, and the particle width must be below one micrometre. That means one piece of paper can be reduced to more than 12,000 particles. These devices are excellent for companies and governments looking to protect sensitive information.
The particle size of a document depends on the shredding machine used. Some machines produce particles as small as two millimetres. Others produce particles that are between 0.2 and 5 millimetres in size. In all, however, most particles are below the required size. In this way, the documents are less likely to get into the wrong hands. Aside from that, particle size isn’t an indicator of security. Level P-7 shredders produce extremely tiny shreds, making them ideal for agencies with sensitive documents.
These machines are slightly smaller than their P-6 counterparts but still meet the stringent requirements set by the NSA and Department of Defense. These machines are ideal for organisations with high-security requirements, such as federal, state, and local government agencies. These machines also comply with TSA regulations. They can be used by individuals as well.
The lower levels of shredding security, called P-1, are primarily used for general documents such as bank statements. Those documents whose security is not as critical as P-7 can still be easily reconstructed. P-1 shredders are therefore not suited for companies that handle sensitive documents. In fact, according to GDPR, 77% of companies shred less than 50% of their sensitive documents. If you’re worried about GDPR, consider buying one.
When purchasing a shredder, make sure to look for the highest level of security. You’ll be amazed by the sheer size and security of these machines. Intimus 120 CP7 security shredders have been the standard for high-security shredders and are on the NSA/CSS EPL list. They can shred up to 17 reams of paper per hour – which is significantly more than most medium-sized shredders.
En15713
There are many reasons to choose a secure document shredding with EN15713 certification. This standard is the highest level of security for paper shredding. It is equivalent to DIN 663399 level P-3. While lower security levels are challenging to detect, those shredded to the highest level cannot be reconstructed. En15713 certified shredding trucks remain locked until they have shredded the truck’s contents. Over 10 billion fragments are randomly cut from the material when the truck is full.
Once the truck is empty, the paper is pulped or baled and recycled within hours. Businesses looking to differentiate themselves from the competition should look for companies that have EN15713 certification. BS EN 15713 certification is a critical component of the ISO 9001 Quality Management System. It can be implemented as an independent standard or embedded in a quality management system. It covers the collection, destruction and audit trails of confidential documents.
Further, it ensures the security of personal data stored in the company. The ISIA Data Destruction division is a vital part of Qualsec, a company that offers secure paper shredding with EN15713 certification. The ISIA promotes the highest professional standards in the destruction of confidential information. This group includes companies that destroy paper and DVDs. Qualsec also has a customer care standard of service and has implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of the information they destroy.
These include En15713 certification and CCTV systems. The EN15713 standard defines the smallest shred size as level 6. It is important to note that a push pinhead is equal to around 160mm square. In addition to EN15713 certification, many high-security shredders cross-cut documents to create the highest level of security.
Tesh
You’ve come to the right place if you need secure document shredding. Tesh will provide you with a secure bin for your confidential documents. Fill it up with documents, and they’ll shred them under lock and key. Tesh also handles document sorting at their Vocational Center. They will also recycle the shredded materials. Payment is required at the time of service.
Residential customers who want to secure their home or office can use PROSHRED’s on-site document shredding services. Residential clients can choose between three types of secure document destruction: confidential documents, personal documents, and sensitive business information. Professional shredders use cross-cutting and high-speed cutting technology to deliver superior document destruction.
Secure Document Shredding – Learn more about UK business waste statistics here
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