SubscribeWorried about the rising rates of identify theft? Well you should be, since recent studies have indicated that victims of identity fraud and theft are still on the rise.
Bank information, credit applications, sensitive personal information and identity documentation are a direct source of information to an identity thief. The need for protection is a growing concern, so how do you defend yourself against identity fraud? Simple- Use a paper shredder.
Paper Shredders
The paper shredder is a device specifically designed to destroy confidential documents and sensitive personal information. Basically the operation is simple: Insert the paper into the slot and watch the paper be mechanically cut into several smaller pieces of paper. The shreds then are dispensed below into an attached waste basket. Today shredders usually come with the basic functions like shred, jam release, (reverse shred) and options for destroying different types of media like CDs, disks, and etc.
These days just about every household and business office should have at least one, so what is the best type to have? There are several types of shredders on the market varying in size and capability, so the choices usually depend on the specific features offered.
The top priority when looking for a shredder is its ability to render documents to absolute deniability, so the main concern is the shred capacity. The most generically used and least confidential type is the strip shredder, since a documents ability to be reassembled is greater, and it produces a higher volume of trash. Also consider how many papers can be shredded at a time, which for smaller shredders, usually is no more than 5-10 pages. Anything more than the maximum recommended amount will jam the machine. These are pretty standard for the home, and the shredders usually come with an attached wastebasket. The newer types are pretty inexpensive; most come with a designated slot to shred credit cards, and some even have an auto shut off feature.
High Powered Cross Shredders
For the office, you might want to look at a high powered cross shredder, since many businesses now rely on shredders to destroy highly sensitive company information. Just walk through any moderate to large scale business office, and guaranteed you will find several shredders placed in almost every office. The best choice would be the larger shredders meant for destroying vast amounts of paper without fear of constant jams, or worry about the machine burning out. They may have a more elaborate shredder, i.e. cross cut or confetti shreds, which shreds the documents into tiny, indistinguishable pieces of paper.
Remember that a paper shredder is a device that well, shreds paper; so keep in mind that this is not a device to be kept around small hands and even smaller fingers. Just like with most electronic devices, there are precautions to be followed with owning them.
