Protect your family and your business from identity theft!
Identity thieves are becoming more sophisticated. In 2010 there were over 8 million Americans who learned they were victims of identity fraud, according to Javelin Strategy & Research. Though this represents a decline in the number of incidents of identity fraud, the remaining frauds are more difficult to detect and resolve. As a result, average consumer costs due to identity theft were at their highest level since 2007.
The chance of becoming one of those statistics, and the potential costs, remain high if you don't take steps to protect yourself. According to Javelin Strategy & Research, a criminal can take over existing financial accounts or create new accounts by accessing and using relatively basic information. To protect your personal security or corporate security, and to prevent sensitive information from getting into the wrong hands, a powerful, industry-compliant shredder is the best measure you can take.
Shredders come in all different shapes and sizes. Although larger, industrial shredders are available for a variety of purposes, most personal and corporate security needs can be met by a shredder that fits conveniently into a typical personal office space.
A basic paper shredder can tear paper into thin strips. More robust shredders can cross-cut paper into confetti-like pieces making it even harder to reassemble shredded documents. Some shredders can also destroy credit cards, CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. More sophisticated shredders include convenient automated shredding options.
Once a disc is destroyed using a disc shredder, it is nearly impossible to recover any data from that disc. This is why using a shredder to destroy discs is the most convenient, secure, and affordable way to minimize the risks associated with privacy infringement and identity theft.
Government organizations and business owners may opt for powerful shredders to destroy:
- company information
- financial data
- business proposals
- client lists
- employee information
- research development plans
- other confidential records
Individuals can also employ a shredder at home to destroy:
- old bills
- credit cards
- personal paperwork
- sensitive materials
Choosing the Right Shredder for You
Shredders range from small shredders that can fit on a desktop to heavy-duty free-standing shredders that can handle much higher capacities. Choosing the best shredder for your particular needs depends on a variety of factors. Take the time to examine your answers to these questions before choosing a product:
1. Where do you plan on using the shredder?
Will it be used as a home shredder or office shredder?
Does it need to fit in a specific place in your workspace?
2. What materials will you shred?
Will you be shredding paper, CDs, credit cards...?
3. Do you often shred large volumes of material? Automation could be a desirable option for you.
4. Is noise level a factor?
5. How sensitive is the information you plan to shred?
Security Regulations
Since personal or corporate security is the most important consideration to the buyer,
it is important to note that there are different levels of security available in a shredder. Standards are usually based on the final size of shredded materials. Document shredding is necessary for compliance with several federal privacy laws
such as:
-
Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
- Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA)
- Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLB Act)
- Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX)
A shredder may also be necessary for compliance with some state regulations like The California Information Practice Act (CAL SB1386).
Some shredders have received approval from the National Security Agency/ Central Security Service (NSA/CSS), allowing them to be used by both military and government officials.
The Department of Defense (DOD) offers their stamp of approval to cross-cut shredders that are "designed to produce residue particle size not exceeding 1/32 inch in width (with a 1/64 inch tolerance) by 1/2 inch in length," according to DOD document 5220.22-M, Chapter 5, Section 7.
Available Types of Shredders
- A good option for a home shredder.
- Usually compact, they often fit on top of a standard wastebasket.
- They usually function only as a paper shredder, though they can sometimes handle staplesand paper clips.
- Typically mid-sized, though some compact, desktop office shredders are available.
- An affordable solution for a relatively large volume of shredding.
- Large volume usage can lead to increased need for maintenance.
- Auto loading features reduce hands-on time for large volumes of paper shredding.
- Handle high volumes
- Can shred a variety of different materials including paper and CD, DVDs or Blu-ray discs.
- These shredders tend to be more expensive than those that can only shred paper.
- Special disposal of multimedia waste may be required.
Types of Shredders CUTS
Strip-cut shredders slice data into long, thin strips and, on average, run faster than cross-cut shredders when shredding multiple pieces of material at once. Renders discs and documents unreadable, makes credit cards unusable.
Cross-cut shredders slice material both vertically and horizontally. This offers more security when shredding paper and credit cards. It is not necessary when destroying a disc. Some shredders also slice data into confetti, diagonal diamond shapes, or micro cuts.
Additional Shredder Features
Available Options
- Auto load automatically feeds paper to the shredder. No user intervention is required after loading. For extra security, look for an auto feed tray that can be locked to secure loaded documents.
- Automatic start/stop which controls the motor and acts like a safety sensor
- Reverse feed to help you clear out jams that might occur
- Bin full detector which stops the shredder when the basket is full.
- Separate bin for media waste to simplify compliance with disposal requirements.
Shredder Noise
Shredding is a noisy business. Shredders usually run at decibel levels between 60 and 80, somewhere between the volume of normal conversation and city traffic. Most people do not run a shredder continuously in their workspace, so this is not a problem. But if noise is an issue for you, consider shredders rated at lower decibels.
Maintenance and Warranties
Maintenance is sometimes needed with certain shredder models, especially those that handle large volumes. Basic repairs may include lubrication of blades or part replacement. Make sure your shredder comes with a warranty that lasts at least one year.
Aleratec offers useful Eco-friendly Shredder Lubricant Sheets™ which are available in a pack of twelve for use with all paper shredders. Lubrication sheets are a convenient maintenance solution. They're inserted into the shredder just like a piece of paper and reduce blade friction as well as optimize the shredder's overall performance.
Final Thoughts
Once you've considered what type of materials you want to shred and features you may require, consider the possibility of your future needs. For example, what will happen if your company or business expands? Think about the possibility of larger volumes and a larger variety of materials to be shredded. Considering all of these factors will help you make the best decision in your investment.
ALERATEC SOLUTIONS
Aleratec is proud to offer a wide variety of DVD/CD shredders to ensure the fastest, easiest, and most affordable means of protection against identity theft and fraud. Aleratec's DVD/CD shredders are successfully used throughout the country by government organizations, businesses and individuals working from home to safely and securely dispose of financial records, personal data, credit cards, bills, and more. Aleratec's shredding solutions currently include:
DVD CD Shredder™ - Part 240143
DVD CD Shredder XC™ - Part 240145
DVD CD Shredder Plus DS2™ - Part 240144
DVD CD Shredder Plus DS18™ - Part 240147
RoboShredder™ Auto Feed Paper Shredder - Part 240201
Aleratec Shredder Lubricant Sheets 12-Pack - Part 240165
Check the chart below to find the Aleratec Product that meets your needs and link directly to the product page.
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