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Files, folders, and even entire hard drives may be encrypted. Care should be taken when storing the password that unlocks any encrypted data – modern encryption technologies are very powerful – if you forget or lose a password, your data may not be recoverable.
- Folders (Containers) Tools are available that allow folders (or containers with multiple files) to be encrypted and mounted as they are additional drives (these appear similar to a connected thumb drive).
- Files: Encrypting a file no one may view or change that file unless they possess the pass word or phrase. This is a good idea for files containing important data such as other passwords, financial information, or other such data that you would never want leaked. Check the Help Documentation for your chosen software package – Microsoft Office has the built-in capability of protecting individual documents with a password.
- Folders (Containers) Tools are available that allow folders (or containers with multiple files) to be encrypted and mounted as they are additional drives (these appear similar to a connected thumb drive).
- Full Disk Encryption: It is possible to encrypt an entire hard drive. This encrypts the entire computer, meaning that the machine will require a password or pass phrase before starting. If you lose the pass word or phrase, your computer will need to be reformatted and all data will be lost! However, despite the risks associated with full drive encryption, it is the best way ensure that all your data is secure.
- Whitman Computers: If you wish to encrypt the hard drive of a Whitman-owned computer, please contact WCTS.
- Personal Windows Computer: For your personal Windows computer, the best option for full drive encryption is BitLocker.
- Personal Mac OS X Computer: Full-disk encryption is available on all supported versions of MacOS. See the Apple Support page for Filevault2 for details.
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