We're often on the go so having portable, easy-to-use products has a great appeal. As we all approach that time each year to file taxes it's important to think for a moment about protecting all our personal information, and one type of device that helps do just that is a paper shredder.
Of course, in this information age, keeping data safe goes well beyond tearing paper into little strips. News breaks every day of companies that lose customer data, spilling names, account numbers, social security numbers and more into the hands of those who would do harm. But often we are most vulnerable in the simplest way: the important documents that, after they serve their purpose to us at home, end up in the garbage can.
This is the easiest way for a crook to get your personal information. Digging through trash for the details of your financial life is a time-honored practice among the less savory types in our society. So do yourself a favor and make what you send to the dump useless to anyone with bad intentions.
Not too long ago we saw a shredder that's plainly easy to use, requires little power and still gets the shredding job done right. The Kinlan USB Paper Shredder plugs right into the USB port of your desktop or laptop computer for power – or if you're not in the mood to lug your laptop around it takes 4 AA batteries, as well.
It weighs only 12 ounces so it won't hurt your carry-on weight if you're taking it on a business trip. It takes five sheets at a time, which is pretty good for a low power, small form device.
Now, taking this out in front of clients may have them thinking you're a bit paranoid, but remind them that you're doing your shredding not just to protect yourself but them as well. You take information security seriously.
Will Safer
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About Will Safer and the BehindTheBuy blog
Will has been writing about consumer products, electronics and technology trends for more than 10 years. His first editorial home was technology trade magazine of record, TWICE (This Week In Consumer Electronics) where he was the first dedicated Web editor. His latest articles can be found in Conde Nast Portfolio and online at AOL News and Switched.com. Now he's happy to be a part of the team at BehindTheBuy.
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