It seems like everything is stored digitally these days – you not only have to concern yourself with disposing of documents carefully, but you need to consider what happens to your old credit cards and CDs which may contain sensitive personal or business information. Could a dumpster diver access this information if they discovered your CD in the trash?

If so, a CD shredder or data destroyer can keep your information from getting into the wrong hands. Avoid opening the door for an identity thief to walk in and steal your information by properly disposing of your CD’s and documents.

What type of paper and CD shredder do you need? There is a wide selection of CD and paper shredders to choose from, with prices ranging from less than $20 for a very basic home paper shredder, into the thousands for an advanced high capacity paper shredder designed for businesses with high volume needs.

Before buying, it’s important to note that not all CD shredders actually shred or cut CDs and credit cards to bits. Some will simply do enough damage to the disc’s surface to make the data inaccessible

What you need to know before choosing a paper or cd shredder:

Evaluate your needs. Try to estimate how much you will use your shredder. This will help you to determine which model will be best for your needs. A cheaper model may work just fine if you are only planning to use is occasionally. If it is for home use, a smaller model should be adequate, but a cheaper model that is over used may leave you wishing you had bought a more efficient shredder. If you anticipate using your paper or CD shredder daily in your business, consider purchasing a higher quality model that is built for high volume and will be capable of shredding quickly and effectively for years to come.

Just how certain do you want to be that a thief cannot possibly piece your information back together?

Additionally, consider how much space you have for the shredder. Will you need to keep it in your desk or store it in a closet? Figure out your space requirements before purchasing.

Different types of CD and paper shredders:

• Cross cut shredder - cuts paper, CDs and credit cards in two directions, leaving only confetti-like scraps ready for disposal. Considered to be the most secure / most desirable type of paper shredding because an identity thief couldn’t piece it back together.
• Strip shredder -the traditional type of paper shredder will shred your documents into long thin strips.
• Data destroyer - renders all information stored digitally inaccessible.
• Light home / office shredder - typically a strip shredder, efficient and sturdy enough for light home use.
• Heavy duty paper shredder - built to shred high volumes of paper and CDs quickly and effectively.

Top Rated CD Shredders and Paper Shredders

The most frequently recommended and top rated in the industry are the Fellowes Paper Shredders. The Powershred PS 70 is a favorite because it can handle shredding 14 sheets of paper at a time and can also cut through your CD’s and credit cards. Keep in mind, this shredder will cut everything in strips, it is not a crosscut / confetti shredder.

Fellowes paper shredders for small business or home use are typically priced from $100  to just under $200. They also make high volume shredders for large business use.

Secure Your Confidential Information

Confidential and personal information needs to remain secret. Why stop with document shredding? Be sure your personal and confidential information stored digitally doesn’t land in the hands of an identity thief.