I'd like to start encrypting files and I'm not sure where to start

Easto · Post by **Easto** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:59 am

I have been using KeePass as my choice for password storage on my computer. The master file is regularly backed up and kept in 2 offsite locations. As some background... I use long (21 characters or more) and highly random passwords for the websites that I visit that require logins. I do not use the same password at any 2 sites and I try to update them at least once a year.

I'm getting to the point where I would like to start keeping copies of files containing personal information on my computer. I would like to have them as secure as possible and be able to move the secure files or folders from my computer to my various local backups. For the record, these files are mostly (if not all) very small in size and I would not expect that they would ever take up more 100mb of space.

I'd prefer something user friendly while still offering a secure format.

RaisinCain · Post by **RaisinCain** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 12:34 pm

Here's what I have been doing. Hope that is close to what you're looking for.

http://www.medicalnerds.com/how-to-encr ... sing-7zip/

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 6:40 pm

TrueCrypt
http://www.truecrypt.org/

However, don't know what you're using to duplicate/copy the source files to the redundant locations....as some methods of copying or backing up cannot properly take the encrypted file...so check your methods with whatever product you use.

Easto · Post by **Easto** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 9:06 pm

RC, thanks I'll take a look at that option.

YOS, truecrypt seems to be the name I run across the most in my research. Thanks for the heads up regarding backups.

Faust · Post by **Faust** » Sun Jan 05, 2014 10:14 pm

I'll second TrueCrypt as well. Use/d it myself and would recommend it. Lots of features, but for the love of all that is holy make a pass/key backup CD and do NOT lose it.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Jan 06, 2014 7:28 am

Faust wrote:I'll second TrueCrypt as well. Use/d it myself and would recommend it. Lots of features, but for the love of all that is holy make a pass/key backup CD and do NOT lose it.

Heh...yeah had someone that had encrypted their laptop drive with TC "forget" the password they used. They had a few laptops....guess this one wasn't their daily driver and went unused for a few months. Anyways...yup...no password...nothing I can do for you! That's why good encryption is a method of security...if I could bust into it....how would it be secure? Hmmm...yeah.

Easto · Post by **Easto** » Mon Jan 06, 2014 8:53 am

Faust, understood.

If anything I consider myself pretty good at keeping backups and records of everything important. Once you lose some precious data on your first crash you learn quick how important keeping backups are.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Mon Jan 06, 2014 11:59 am

Another option....I have a Verbatim USB key, has a built in encrypted vault. This can be inserted in any computer and I just type in the password and the vault opens. Plus is has a portion of its drive which is regular, unencrypted...used like a regular old USB drive. Most brands of USB thumb drives have models with built in encryption. Typically cost a little more money.