Paper Shredder Security Levels

[PhillipsH]

DIN Standard 327251-1 is the European standard for paper shredder security. There are six types of security levels ranked in order of increasing security. It is usually recommended to use at least Security Level 3 when shredding personal or confidential documents. Security Level 6 is reserved for highest top-secret documents.

Security Level 1 (low security)
Security Level 1 is generally acceptable for home use. Less-sophisticated strip-cut shredders provide this level of security. This security level is useful for general information but not for personal information containing bank account numbers or passwords, etc.

Security Level 2 (low security)
ecurity Level 2 shredders still create long strip-cuts, but which are narrower in size than Level 1. As with Security Level 1, this security level is for general, but not personal information.

Security Level 3 (medium security)
Security Level 3 is the minimum security level recommended for confidential documents. Users who want to shred credit card applications and bank statements, or any documents with account or Social Security numbers, should use Level 3 shredders or higher.

Security Level 4 (medium to high security)
Security Level 4 is recommended for all confidential or secret documents. This security level is recommended for documents that would jeopardize personal or institutional security if they were to fall into the wrong hands.

Security Level 5 (high security)
Security Level 5 shredders are used for top secret documents and are supplied to government/military installations, where compromise of information may undermine national security.

Security Level 6 (high security)
Security Level 6 shredders are used most sensitive top secret documents in order to protect national security.

For home and office use, people should look for shredders that provide either Level 3 or Level 4 security. Cross cut shredders provide Level 3 security, while micro cut shredders provide Level 4 security.