encrypting my data...

[reiss]

hi
i often encrypt some of my personal info stored on my HD without actually knowing what its doing & for why. i realise it makes it probably 128bit encryption level but not exactly sure who this protects this data from. i can still view the files ok.

just seeking knowledge. thanks guys

peace

[vass0922]

just beware if your OS crashes your data is TOAST
You will NOT be getting that data back without the OS beign in tact.
So reinstalling the OS will not get your data back.
I believe you can save the cert to be able to retrieve the data later.

[reiss]

thanks for the tip.

do i understand correctly, an encrypted certificate is stored on my computer that allows me the rights to do whatever with the file.

i was encrypting some personal files, to zip up (with Password) and email to myself so that i can reinstall these details on my new computer in the UK.

by the way, im moving from florida to London.

but i guess if the new computer doesnt have the certificate i wont be able to read the files.
is it safe to save certificates too then?

thanks
trying to stay safe

[DVNT1]

This encryption prevents other accounts from seeing these files. Unlike just NTFS Security, booting with another OS, or putting the hard drive in another computer, will still not make the encrypted files readable.

EFS resources:
see http://labmice.techtarget.com/window...leMgmt/EFS.htm


Cert. backup specific: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=241201

[vass0922]

I dont' think it effects you copying your files onto CD or emailing.

The encryption (AFAIK) only effects the files while on your filesystem.

[reiss]

thanks guys

now i know a little more

[phenious]

if you are just doing little things I recomend Staganos Security Suite. I use it for my banking stuff and you can create a virtual Hard drive on your computer and encrypt it with AES encryption. (Fairly sure that is what it uses) Anyways You can make the hard drive any size you want as long as you have space for it or if you wish you can encrypt portable media and it will include a small <1Mb file so you can view your files on any computer assuming you know the password. It also has some great tools that allow you to erase your hard drive up to the Goverment Security standards (this takes a loooooong time to do a 120GB hard drive, trust me) There are also nifty tools like encrypt your e-mail and hide stuff in pics and MP3s. Great progam

-: phenious :-

[Scott Tiger]

Originally posted by vass0922
I dont' think it effects you copying your files onto CD or emailing.

The encryption (AFAIK) only effects the files while on your filesystem.

I'm 99% sure you're right. Once you're given the ability to "write" the data to a different location the encryption no longer applies.

[elroy]

Get Bestcrypt from www.jetico.com
It is one of the best encryption programs available. Easy to use and VERY secure. I've used it for years and never had a problem. You can make virtual encrypted drives on your hard drive or a floppy or cd or anywhere.

[John Prophet]

If you are the user who encrypted the files..then the encryption is "invisible" to you as far as I know....when u click a file it is automatically decrypted so u can use it etc.

You should probably find the certificate and burn it to cd etc and keep it safe somewhere.