If a computer, especially a laptop, is lost or stolen, any files on it could be accessed by someone else, which could mean personal information, pictures or anything you did not want to be made public could be seen by someone else.

Using Windows encryption.

First of all Windows XP Pro and some versions of Vista allow folders and files to be encrypted if they’re on an NTFS files system, so not everyone can make use of this encryption option. If it is available then individual files can be encrypted, or a folder can be made encrypted and any files in that folder will be encrypted.The easiest way to find out if it’s going to work is to try the following:

Open an explorer window and choose a place to experiment, perhaps in the “My Documents” folder and create a new folder, I called mine “Secure”. Select the folder and right click and then click on “properties”. On the general tab click on “advanced”. Select the “Encrypt contents to secure data”. Click OK until you get back to explorer. You should see the folder name is now in green.

Next find a document you want to encrypt, copy or cut the file, navigate to your secure folder. Paste the file into the new folder and its name should be in green text. You can continue to use this file as if it were not encrypted. However, if you now log off (you do have a password for your Windows log on don’t you?) no one else can open this file, even if they remove the disk.

Alternatives to Windows encryption.

I have tried a few alternatives to Windows own encryption tools. One advantage is that they permit encryption regardless of the version of Windows. One application that has worked is Tru Crypt. It does have some extreme options, but the simplest allows you to create a virtual disk, which is encrypted and can be used as if it were a real disk. The steps are quit simple, download the software and install, create a virtual disk and choose a password. Map the virtual disk to any drive letter, for example “S:” and use as a separate device. To make it even simpler to use, I have created a shortcut in My Documents so it appears as just another folder. During the boot up you will be asked the password, once entered the device is available for that session.

Summary.

The advantage of using the Windows features is that they are fully supported by Microsoft. However, not every version supports encryption. Other applications like TruCrypt have far more features than the average user will need, but the simplest will suit most users.

Remember to keep a back up of your files in case your laptop goes missing.

For further information in Southampton and surrounding areas, call now on 023 8098 8079 / 0870 330 4387 or send an email