Category: NSA/CSS Approved
Government PIVs : A Piece of the Security Puzzle

Government PIVs : A Piece of the Security Puzzle

                If you work in a government office or are a government contractor then chances are you have some form of government identification. That would be called a Government Personnel Identification Verification Card (PIV). For government workers and contractors, this smart card is an important piece of equipment. The PIVs are part of the Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 201 (FIPS 201) which is U.S. Federal government standard that specifies PIV requirements for federal employees and contractors. It also grew out of Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12; which in 2004 originally called for a standardization of identification for government employees and contractors.

Having a PIV will give you access to government/sensitive information and the equipment that monitors, contains and destroys of that information. It is meant to prevent the unauthorized access of government buildings and computer systems.

What is a PIV? A PIV is a card system implemented to store and collect biographic and biometric information which includes; full name, social security number, applicant ID number, date of birth, current address, a digital color photograph, fingerprints (10), biometric template (two fingerprints), organization, employee affiliation, work e-mail address, work telephone number, office address, copies of identity source document, employee status, military status, foreign national status, federal emergency response official status, law enforcement official status, results of background check, government agency code and PIV card issuance location.

All of this information is collected and combined with a Personal Identification Number (PIN), expiration date, card serial number, issuer identification number and a Contact Integrated Circuit Chip (ICC)/contactless ICC. There is also PIV authentication key, PIV registrar approval and a cardholder unique identifier which is used to authenticate the cardholder to host computer systems.

Why is all this information collected? This information allows the Department of Justice (DOJ) the ability to conduct background investigations and other national security checks for government employees and contractors. It also completes the identity proofing and registration process and creates a data record in the PIV Identity Management System (IDMS). The final result will be the issuing of a PIV card.

The privacy issues of each individual are also addressed. The risk of data compromise is addressed by physical, administrative and technical security measures. All information is on a need to know basis and all individuals with access have undergone vetting processes and have been trained to protect privacy data. Employee/contractor data is also protected in the physical sense with locked doors and storage containers and hosting facility buildings have security guards and secured doors and all entrances are monitored by surveillance equipment. Picture ID badges are required for access to the data and facilities. Technically, the data is encrypted when in transit and secured networks and servers are used.

A complete copy of the PIV standard and all its information can be found here.

All right, they have all this personal information and they secure it safely. Good news but what happens when the data is updated, revised or discarded? Computer files are easily changed and updated but paper copies that contain now incorrect information can’t just be tossed in the dumpster out back. They need to be shredded before disposal. That is where K.L. Security and our division of Dahle Paper Shredders come in.

Like with many other products, the government demands a higher standard for shredders that are used to destroy sensitive information. Our NSA/CSS 02-01 High Security Paper Shredders meet the current standard for the destruction of top secret COMSEC documents and materials and our products can be found on the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products List (EPL) for high security crosscut paper shredders; being on this list means that our products have been evaluated by the NSA or its designee and they meet the requirements of NSA/CSS 02-01.

One of our products on this list is the 20394 High Security Paper Shredder; it has a 16” feed opening and is driven by a powerful 2 hp motor. The solid steel frame houses and aligns two perfectly matched cutting cylinders that are milled from a single bar of German Solingen steel. The design maximizes durability and minimizes flexing to produce a consistently 1mm x 4.7mm particle size. It is also housed in a wooden cabinet with casters, making it easy to move and position in different places of operation.

The 20434 NSA-CSS 02-01 High Security Shredder has a lot of great features. It is designed to be used in a small office setting or by a team of employees for the destruction of top secret documents. Among the features are electronic sensors that turn the shredder on when you’re ready to use it and shut it off when the shred compartment is full or open. The matching pair of solid steel cutting cylinders is capable of reducing a single sheet of paper into over 15,500 particles. While the particles are reduced to such a small size that they’re impossible to reassemble, we still recommend that you stir the shredded paper to protect security and mitigate risk.

We want this article to serve two purposes. First off, if you are a government employee/contractor, we want you to be fully aware of how and what government security precautions and standards affect you. Second, we want to tell you about our NSA/CSS/GSA approved products that would be perfect for use in your government office. Information is digitalized across the boards nowadays but paper copies remain or can be produced. You must be prepared to shred documents when the need arises, use the right shredder.

 
Dahle CleanTEC Shredders are now NSA/CSS 02-01 Approved

This just in!!

The Cryptographic & Security Services Division of the National Security Agency (NSA) completed its evaluation of the Dahle North America, Inc., 41334 and 41434 crosscut shredders against the requirements in NSA/CSS Specification 02-01.

According to the release letter, “Dahle Model Numbers 41334, 40334, 41434 and 40434 will be added to the next release of the EPL for High Security Crosscut Shredders. These shredders will remain on the EPL under the condition that they will not undergo any design modifications that would alter the ability to destroy paper against the requirements ofNSA/CSS Specification 02-01. The capacity of the Dahle 41334 and 40334 will be listed at 7 reams of paper per hour at 3 sheets per pass, with a 10.25 inch feed opening. The capacity ofthe Dahle 41434 and 40434 will be listed at 11 reams of paper per hour at 5 sheets per pass, with a 10.25 inch feed opening.”

 

With the addition of these high security paper shredders, we are able to offer our customers more choice for their document destruction needs.

 

 

 
CD & DVD Shredder Destroyers meet NSA/CSS 04-02

Using a Digital Shredder for Optical Media Destruction

Destroy CD, DVD & BluRay Discs

Digital records need to be disposed of properly, but just how can you be sure that your data won’t end up in the wrong hands? CDs and DVDs are a cheap and convenient storage medium, but large fines or legal action will be involved if customer details, confidential files, or supplier records are not appropriately dealt with.

Today, CDs, BluRay and DVDs cannot just be broken up and thrown away, because forensic data specialists can recover files from even the smallest fragments. So, what you really need is a cd and dvd shredder. It is a fast, no-hassle way to dispose of confidential data that is stored on optical media. Here are two of our best-selling and most effective models.

The DX-CD2 is one of the newest and most reliable media destruction tools available today. It’s built-in cutter and high speed motor ensures that CD-ROMs and DVDs can be destroyed in 18 seconds or less, and it has an operational running cost of less than 1 cent per disc. The DX-CD2 is so effective that it is guaranteed to remove 100% of your digital data so that it is beyond forensic recovery by data specialists. This product meets the NSA/CSS 04-02 spec and is DoD approved.

It is simple to operate, quiet, and light enough to be able to be moved to all parts of an office environment. The DX-CD2 is compatible with all optical media, has replaceable cutters and dust bags, and comes with the NSA’s seal of approval for data destruction. For high security businesses and government agencies, there is no better way to dispose of your confidential CDs, DVDs, and Blu-rays.

The DX-CDm is another great option for fast and secure media destruction. It is the world’s first fully manual disc destroyer that exceeds DoD standards for removing data from CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW discs. Its simple design means that it can be used by anyone and it is capable of erasing a disc in just 5 to 10 seconds.

The flexibility of the DX-CDm is hard to beat as it can easily be employed in the field or on a vehicle of your choice. It also maintains the inner hub of your disc to allow you to the ability to verify the media destruction with others.

So, why take the chance? These government DoD approved digital shredders are a sure-fire way to guarantee that sensitive or classified information is completely removed from a CD, BluRay or DVD. They will help you comply with regulatory bodies, and give you the peace of mind that ensures no one will be able to use your data against you again. Call us today.

 
High Security Cross Cut Paper Shredders | Evaluated Products List

Paper Shredders that meet the NSA/CSS Evaluated Products Lists for Crosscut Shredding

Dahle paper shredders have long been known for the best quality, warranty and customer service. As such, the standards and requirements for shredding top secret and classified documents are not take lightly. The NSA / CSS evaluated products list (EPL)  includes the full line of paper shredders from Dahle, trusted leader in the shredding arena.

The National Security Agency compiles a list of the evaluated products (EPL) in the high security crosscut paper shredders category that meet the performance requirements of NSA/CSS Specification 02-01. Please not that it is very clearly stated that products that are on the EPL are not meant as an endorsement by the agency or U.S. Government. The crosscut paper shredders that are included on the list include the make and/or model number, brand name manufacturer and certain specifications such as feed width and the amount of paper shredded during the one (1) hour durability tests. You can read the NSA EPL document in its entirety here.

Dahle Paper Shredders on the Evaluated Products List include:

20434 DS, Deployment Shredder

  • Feed Width: 9 1/2″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 8 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 1/2 Hp
  • db Level: 56
  • Shredder Dimensions: 18″ x 16″ x 14″
  • Case Dimensions: 23″ x 22″ x 21″
  • Weight: 88 lbs
  • Oiling Frequency: Every 15 minutes of use
  • Shredder Performance Kit: Available

20634 EC Cross Cut Shredder

  • Feed Width: 10 1/4″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 12 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 2 Hp
  • db Level: 51

20834 EC

  • Feed Width: 16″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 16 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 2 1/2 Hp
  • db Level: 53

20835 EC

  • Feed Width: 16″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 12 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 2 Hp
  • db Level: 53

20394

  • Feed Width: 16″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 18 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 2 1/2 Hp
  • db Level: 56
  • Waste Volume: 50 gal
  • Waste Bag / Box: 706 / 739
  • Dimensions: 46 1/2″ x 27 1/2″ x 24″
  • Weight: 228 lbs
  • Oiling Frequency: Every 15 minutes of use
  • Shredder Performance Kit: Available

30434

  • Feed Width: 12″
  • Particle Size: 1mm x 4.7mm Cross Cut
  • Sheet Capacity: Up to 12 sheets*
  • Security Level: 6
  • Max Hp: 2 Hp
  • db Level: 52

33134 Dahle shredder is at the end of life cycle and is no longer manufactured.

20434 DXC, this paper shredder has a 9 inch feed width but is no longer manufactured.


According the evaluated products list, new shredder models are added on an as needed basis. It is best to contact the manufacturer or distributor to see if new products have been added to the list. Remember that it is vital to consider the shred volume (pages per day),  application and environment that the paper shredder will reside in to determine which model and brand meets your requirements for high security shredding.

 
Class 6 Container + Paper Shredder
GSA Approved Containers & Safes with a paper shredder

Package Discounts on Paper Shredders + GSA Class 6 Containers

GSA Containers are used for the storage of classified and up to top secret documents and materials. Typically these containers are bundled with a high security paper shredder to meet the document destruction needs of sensitive and/or confidential documents from getting into the wrong hands.

At DahleShredder.com we specialize in the bundling and package discounts of your Class 6 GSA safes with paper shredders. Our staff has over 30 years experience with GSA Approved container specifications and requirements in the Federal, Armed Forces and Govt. contractor marketplace.

5 Tips to Buying a Class 6 Container & Paper Shredder

1) Determine if you need a Class 6 or Class 5 safe, file cabinet or storage locker. The security ratings differ for the CL5 and CL6 and depending on your storage requirements you may need one or the other.

2) How much are you shredding? There are a wide variety of paper shredders that can accommodate up to thousands of pieces of paper per day. Let us help you determine the best paper shredder for your volume needs.

3) Do you need an automatic oiler? If you plan to shred hundreds or thousands of sheets per day or week, an automatic oiler will extend the life of your paper shredder investment and provide you the best ROI.

4) Do you want a package discount?  With tightening budgets, we are all faced with maximizing our dollars – let us help you save the most money with the best prices online. We offer special package discounts when you buy a GSA Safe + Paper Shredder.

5) Look for special features / details.  High security shredders should come standard with special features such as automatic on/off switches, reverse feed buttons and chain driven cutting cylinders. Mitigating security risk is serious business and your paper shredder should be the best you can buy.