• Shredder Security Levels: Choosing the Right Protection for Your Documents

    Shredder Security Levels: Which is Correct for Your Document Type?

    Effectively shredding valuable documents safely and quickly depends on selecting the appropriate shredder security level for document disposal. Different industries and regulatory requirements influence the level of security needed. For instance, government and medical facilities require the utmost security and compliance when destroying personal health information, financial information, government documents, and more.

    So, what are the different shredder security level options? This article will walk you through the various shredder document destruction security levels, from basic security to confidential and even higher levels.

    Additionally, we will cover how to match shredder security levels to document types based on sensitivity and compliance and other essential factors to consider when choosing a shredder or service.

    Understanding Shredder Security Levels

    A shredder’s security level is a grading system that determines how thinly and finely the paper is shredded. Smaller pieces make it extremely difficult to piece together the shredded documents, highlighting the level of security it provides for sensitive information.

    You can select from different security levels based on the confidentiality needed for various documents. Higher security levels create tiny particles that are extremely difficult to reconstruct, making them suitable for highly sensitive materials such as classified documents and financial records.

    Overview of DIN 66399 Standard

    The DIN 66399 classification system establishes security standards for shredding. It consists of seven distinct security levels, ranging from P-1 to P-7, with P-1 representing the lowest security and P-7 the highest. These levels indicate the size and shape of the particles produced from shredded documents.

    In addition to its seven security levels, the system categorizes the destruction of media into six types, as follows:

    • P: Paper-based products
    • F: Film-based products, including microfilm, microfiche, and slides
    • O: Optical media, like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs
    • E: Electronic data media, like memory sticks, credit cards, and mobile phones
    • T: Magnetic data media, including ID cards and magnetic tapes
    • H: Hard drives from computers, laptops, and external devices

    In recent years, the DIN 66399 classification system has been expanded to include guidance on the level of protection required for all types of media. This is organized into three protection categories:

    • Class 1: Normal protection
    • Class 2: Higher protection for confidential data
    • Class 3: Very high protection for confidential and top-secret data

    The “P” Classification Explained

    Let’s break down the seven security levels from P-1 to P-7 in the DIN 66399 classification system, which is important for businesses and individuals. Each security level corresponds to specific particle sizes and document safety.

    • Level 1 refers to P-1 shredders that produce strip cuts in paper with a maximum shred width of 12 mm (0.5 inches) and a shred size of 2,000 mm² (3.1 in²).
    • Level 2 shredders create smaller strips like P-1 shredders but aren’t suitable for personal info. They shred up to 6 mm wide and 800 mm².
    • Level 3 is a P-3 shredder that makes strip cuts and crosscuts.
    • Level 4 P-4 shredders create small crosscuts and are popular for businesses needing to comply with HIPAA and FACTA regulations for confidential documents.
    • Level 5 are P-5 shredders, great for highly sensitive information. They create smaller cross-cut particles with a maximum surface area of 30 mm².
    • Level 6 or P-6 shedders are for very sensitive information. They make even smaller cross-cut particles with a surface area of 10mm².
    • Level 7 P-7 shredders are required for top-secret information. They produce the smallest possible cross-cut particles with a surface area of 5 mm².

    Breakdown of Shredder Security Levels

    Here are additional details about the types of documents used for each shredder and their corresponding security levels.

    P-1 and P-2: Basic Security

    P-1 and P-2 are strip-cut shredders that produce wide strips, making them suitable for non-sensitive documents such as junk mail, flyers, and general office waste.

    P-3 and P-4: Moderate Security

    P-3 and P-4 are cross-cut shredders that produce smaller particles, making them ideal for internal office documents, HR records, and financial statements.

    P-5: Confidential Security

    P-5 shredders are designed for confidential security needs. They make micro-cuts for enhanced protection, making them best for personal data, tax records, and business contracts.

    P-6 and P-7: High Security

    P-6 and P-7 are high-security shredders that produce super micro-cut particles resembling tiny confetti. They are essential for handling top-secret government, military, and classified business information. Organizations using these shredders manage GDPR, HIPAA, and financial compliance data.

    Matching Shredder Security Levels to Document Types

    When selecting the ideal shredder security level, review your document types and security requirements. Prioritizing document safety and regulatory compliance is essential for both your business and personal peace of mind.

    Assessing Document Sensitivity

    Classifying document sensitivity is essential. Review each document’s content, considering the type of information, risks of disclosure, and relevant regulations. This process assigns sensitivity levels—such as “Public,” “Internal,” “Confidential,” or “Highly Confidential”—based on access needs and potential consequences of a breach.

    Regulatory Compliance Considerations

    Assess the data protection laws that may apply to you, as these will influence your choice of shredder. These laws may include the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (FACTA).

    Industries such as government agencies, hospitals, doctor’s offices, and IT companies often require shredders with higher security levels. To comply, these organizations may also need to show a certificate of destruction after their shredding is completed.

    Additional Factors to Consider When Choosing a Shredder or Service

    When selecting the perfect shredder and professional shredding services, it’s good to consider other factors like efficiency, volume, and maintenance alongside security for the best outcome.

    Volume of Shredding

    The differences between personal, office, and industrial shredders relate to the level of security they provide and the volume of shredding they can handle. For those needing to destroy many documents, including confidential papers, it is best to hire professionals such as Midway Document Destruction. They can take care of all your shredding needs and offer various types of shredders.

    Maintenance and Durability

    High-security shredders can be very costly, as they require regular maintenance. This is another reason why it’s best to hire a professional who can take care of everything for you.

    Contact Midway Document Destruction Today!

    When it comes to shredding documents, there is more to consider than one might think. Protecting your business’s valuable information and ensuring compliance with industry regulations to avoid potentially hefty fines is crucial.

    If you are looking for reliable and secure document destruction and storage services in Chicago, IL, Midway Document Destruction is your best choice. With over 30 years of experience, we provide safe destruction and storage of your sensitive files at an affordable price!