Encrypted computer

[R2D2]

I have been told that I need to operate an encrypted computer. Not just encrpyted client files but the whole computer????? I haven't a clue how one achieves that -is it a software thing or a hardware thing....???? Any help greatfully received!

 

[agatward]

Generally this is a software thing, there are very few machines currently that have encryption supported at the BIOS level -- certainly places that mandate this (MoD related sites) have custom BIOSes created by the equipment vendor, at vast expense!

Suggest you look at Truecrypt or similar software. You can encrypt your entire hard disk and it will not boot unless you enter the correct password.

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

 

[R2D2]

Thankyou! I'll start my reading their!

 

[columb]

Yeah, go with TrueCrypt

But remember that British Law requires you to give out password in court!
That's why you should create 2 partitions:

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source Disk Encryption - Documentation - Hidden Operating System

Cheers
Chris

 

[R2D2]

My computer is encrypting itself with Truecrypt as we talk. I need it because I carry client files around on my laptop and I don't want sued if it gets nicked!

 

[Brian WH]

My computer is encrypting itself with Truecrypt as we talk. I need it because I carry client files around on my laptop and I don't want sued if it gets nicked!

Your not an MP or Government Agent then?

 

[Spinal]

Doesn't BitLocker also offer to encrypt your entire drive?

 

[Gareth]

We use BeCrypt, you can buy hardware encrypted drives as well.

 

[Beetnik]

Just gone down the Bitlocker route. Running Windows Vista Ultimate.

Easy to set up and seamless in operation. Need a flash drive in order to boot the system and then a password at the usual time.

Previously used software which took for ever to encrypt/decrypt thus making it a waste of time.

 

[Spinal]

Just gone down the Bitlocker route. Running Windows Vista Ultimate.

Easy to set up and seamless in operation. Need a flash drive in order to boot the system and then a password at the usual time.

Previously used software which took for ever to encrypt/decrypt thus making it a waste of time.

I've been tempted to try BitLocker for a while now... not from a security point of view (I don't even know what algorythm they use) but from a legal point of view... i.e. "my hard disk was encrypted, so I did my side to protect the data your honour". I've heard good things about it's speed and ease of use but haven't tried it myself...

May give it a go now!
M.

 

[Sp!ke]

Just be doubly sure you have unencryptd backups somwhere whatever tool you might be using.

All too often I get people losing access to encrypted data which ends in tears.

 

[flango]

I don't know if you travel to other countries but be aware that encryption software and encrypted hard drives are illegal in some countries and they actually check at customs. I have to have 2 laptops for that reason, the main one is encrypted down to BIOS level the second just has whatever I need on it for that particular trip. Penalties in some countries are harsh and the Immigration / Customs will have no hesitation in imprisioning you until it is resolved.

Just a thought

 

[spinaltap]

All Macs come complete with computer encryption (File Vault), which automatically encrypts and decrypts your files while you're using them.

If Windows is your passion, you can run Windows natively on a Mac via BootCamp, Parallels, Fusion, VirtualBox or CrossOverMac Pro (runs Windows apps without requiring a Windows OS).

 

[219]

Could you just keep your client files on an external encrypted drive , not on the computer itself ? Depending on the file sizes , you could possibly keep them on something like a CF card which could always be kept about your person therefore less risk of theft .

 

[R2D2]

Truecrypt is working just fine and suprisingly hasn't slowed the machine down (?) next opertation to clone the hard drive for backup. I've used XXclone and its great with unencrypted hard drives now lets find out how it copes with encrypted hard drives!

 

[Sp!ke]

What happens if you lose your encryption key and your backup is also encrypted?

 

[Beetnik]

What happens if you lose your encryption key and your backup is also encrypted?

creek the paddle without a up you're (<<-- unencrypt that)

Keep multiple copies and back up using another encryption device - but I'm sure you knew that

 

[Sp!ke]

So the moral is dont rely on a cloned encrypted drive.

 

[flango]

creek the paddle without a up you're (<<-- unencrypt that)

No Problem you just go here

 

[crockers]

I don't know if you travel to other countries but be aware that encryption software and encrypted hard drives are illegal in some countries and they actually check at customs. I have to have 2 laptops for that reason, the main one is encrypted down to BIOS level the second just has whatever I need on it for that particular trip. Penalties in some countries are harsh and the Immigration / Customs will have no hesitation in imprisioning you until it is resolved.

Just a thought

Which countries?