Security Awareness (SA003-09): File and Folder Encryption
Today, computer users (Home Users and Office Users) face many computer security risks. Most of these risks are intentional, and are caused by intruders and attackers. These attackers can be inside or outside your network. Outside attackers use the Internet as a connective medium to exploit, harm and compromise computer systems through computer viruses, worms, back-door Trojans, and system penetration tools to gather and steal valued and proprietary information assets. However, other risks happen ‘unintentionally’ from legitimate users of the system, such as accidental deletion of an important file or folder; or failure in the protection mechanism/control of the system.
Unfortunately, computer attacks do not only target enterprises or big networks but also target home users. In fact, the number of attacks targeting home users is in the increase. One in 20 home users has had her computer broken-in, or has lost some useful files or received computer viruses. One in 40 home users has had her credit card number compromised by engaging in online transactions.
Unfortunately computer attacks can not be completed stopped. What is feasible is for home user to protect their computer system properly so that the effects from these attacks can be reduced. One way to reducing the adverse effect of a computer incident is be having your hard disk encrypted so that even if an intruder penetrates your computer, your personal and confidential files may not be easily compromised or stolen. Personal and confidential documents such as credit card numbers, bank statements and confidential files must be protected by encrypting them whilst in-store or in-transit.
Benefits of file & folder encryption:
- You will be able to prevent an intruder from viewing files and folders in your computer. This is extremely useful, and especially important should you use shared home PC, where other people have legitimate user access to the same computer.
- File encryption prevents file and folder viewing, and password-protects files and folders and their contents.
- Even when your computer is penetrated, the contents of the files can not be easily understand or stolen.
- Files and folders can not be copied, although they can be moved, but their contents remain unreadable to the intruder.
How to encrypt computer files/folders:
- Use Windows XP Encrypting File System (EFS) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307877
- Use free third-party software, such as AxCrypt http://www.axantum.com/axCrypt/
- Use COTS – commercially of-the-shelf software, such as FineCrypt http://www.finecrypt.net/about.html
There are many file and folder encryption software out there. Please check and select the right one for you.
Unfortunately, computer attacks do not only target enterprises or big networks but also target home users. In fact, the number of attacks targeting home users is in the increase. One in 20 home users has had her computer broken-in, or has lost some useful files or received computer viruses. One in 40 home users has had her credit card number compromised by engaging in online transactions.
Unfortunately computer attacks can not be completed stopped. What is feasible is for home user to protect their computer system properly so that the effects from these attacks can be reduced. One way to reducing the adverse effect of a computer incident is be having your hard disk encrypted so that even if an intruder penetrates your computer, your personal and confidential files may not be easily compromised or stolen. Personal and confidential documents such as credit card numbers, bank statements and confidential files must be protected by encrypting them whilst in-store or in-transit.
Benefits of file & folder encryption:
- You will be able to prevent an intruder from viewing files and folders in your computer. This is extremely useful, and especially important should you use shared home PC, where other people have legitimate user access to the same computer.
- File encryption prevents file and folder viewing, and password-protects files and folders and their contents.
- Even when your computer is penetrated, the contents of the files can not be easily understand or stolen.
- Files and folders can not be copied, although they can be moved, but their contents remain unreadable to the intruder.
How to encrypt computer files/folders:
- Use Windows XP Encrypting File System (EFS) - http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307877
- Use free third-party software, such as AxCrypt http://www.axantum.com/axCrypt/
- Use COTS – commercially of-the-shelf software, such as FineCrypt http://www.finecrypt.net/about.html
There are many file and folder encryption software out there. Please check and select the right one for you.
posted by Cyril at 2:34 PM
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