Question: "What are the pros and cons of using encryption and what software do I need?"
Answer: In last week's QOTW email, we explained what encryption is and we talked a little about whether you should use it. We explained that in some industries, encryption is mandated. But, for many of us, encryption is a question of whether we really need to participate or not. Hopefully, this week's answer will help you make that decision.
Pros and Cons - Remembering that you can encrypt individual files and folders
or you can encrypt an entire hard drive,
the Ben Franklin list of pros and cons varies slightly depending on the method. We'll call encrypting individual files/folders "partial encryption." We'll call whole hard drive encryption "FDE" (full disk encryption).
Partial Pro - Whichever files or folders you encrypt can only be accessed by those individuals who have the key. Anyone else trying to access the files or folders will be locked out from reading the information.
Partial Con - The decision to encrypt a file or folder rests solely on the computer user. If he or she forgets to encrypt something which should be protected, then anyone who has access to the computer might be able to get to the information.
FDE Pro - The entire drive is encrypted locking out those without the key. This means that there's no chance the computer user will forget to encrypt an important file or folder.
FDE Con - Should the encryption key be lost or stolen, then the entire hard drive will be locked out and the only alternative might be reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling everything.
Encryption Software - Windows 7 and Windows 8 come with FDE encryption software included. This software is called BitLocker and will encrypt the entire drive and create a key which can be stored on a USB drive, a network drive or printed out. if you are interested in using BitLocker to encrypt your entire computer, please email us and we will send you the instructions.
For Mac or for encrypting individual files/folders on a Windows machine, we have used a free, Open-Source software program called "TrueCrypt." You can download TrueCrypt
HERE. Before you download and install this program, you should click on "Documentation" on the menu at the top and have a good look at the instructions for use.
Remember: Encryption is great for protecting your information. However, lose the key, and you're in major trouble!!
