Data encryption is probably one of the currently most ignored computer security issues. People password protect their Windows and think that’s it. Done. We’re safe! Unfortunately, reality is different: As long as your data is not encrypted using a secure and uncrackable encryption software, you are running into huge risks if anybody should ever get access to your hardware.
A common argument I hear all the time when teaching people about data security is that they have nothing to hide or that their data is of no interest to anybody and therefor not at risk. Well, how can I say this nicely? You’re WRONG! Access to your personal data is not only a huge invasion of your privacy, it is also exactly what identity thieves and other Internet crooks are looking for. Imagine, for example, somebody finds your credit card number, your family’s last vacation pictures are suddenly showing up on dubious websites, or someone selling fake/stolen items on the Internet using your name…
I could go on for hours enlisting horrific examples of how people have suffered from insufficiently protecting their data, but for the purpose of this post, I’d like to give some food for thoughts on things we all have on our hard drives that definitely need protection:
Emails. Many people are using programs like Outlook, Firebird, Windows Mail, etc. to read and write their emails offline, however, only a few realize that these are stored just like regular files and are easily accessible to anyone knowing where to look. Protecting them from unauthorized access should be a no-brainer and is an easy thing to do.
Contacts and Calender entries: Personally I use MS Outlook to store these data along with my emails, however, there are other programs out there allowing for an easy administration of your contact files and/or calendar. Obviously, you would not want to share that information with the wrong people either, but in most cases the info sits on your hard drive without being encrypted.
My Photos: I think almost everybody has a digital camera these days and be it pictures of yourself, your family, or your children, you never know what people may do with them if they fall into the wrong hands.
Passwords: If you are like me, you cannot remember the thousands of passwords and logins you have accumulated over the time and have them written down at some place to make sure you don’t forget them. Well, it’s obvious that they need to be encrypted. When using programs to manage your passwords, make sure the programs are not just storing your passwords but are actually encrypting them.
Anything related to banking, credit card info, etc. I actually have that info stored in my Password Manager, as well, but I used to keep a list of those data before. No explanation needed why this should be encrypted
My Documents: Anything I ever scanned (Passports for example) or written (Job applications, CVs, etc.) should not just be lying on my hard drive to anyone, either. I simply configured Windows to store the folder “My Documents” in an encrypted area.
Information leading to my address and/or other personal information. Ever called your bank or credit card company to make a transaction. People who have enough personal information about you, can easily do that in your name without you even noticing it.
Information about your family and friends.
And so much more…
If you could identify with any of the above mentioned and are currently not encrypting your data, you should start doing it now! Check out our latest tutorial for more info: Hide and Encrypt Your Data with Steganos Safe
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