Re: Windows Vista and encrypt sensitive files

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After serious thinking Rajoo Sharma wrote :
Rajoo Sharma wrote:
Gene E. Bloch wrote:
On Sun, 09 Aug 2009 00:08:48 +0200, Rajoo Sharma wrote:

Joe Morris wrote:
"Rajoo Sharma" <shuj@xxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

I have a computer with very sensitiv information, soo I need some help to ensure that my files a secure.

All of my important files are located under c:\users\username\Documents
Filsystem is ntfs and 32 bit windows Vista

I want to prevent access to these files from other users who
- Can hack my windows password
- Boot up with ubuntu to access files on the disk
- can take my disk and connect to another computer as secondary drive and ectract files.

Is there a way in windows i can use to encrypt my files soo nobody can read these?
Not directly answering your questions (see some of the other responses to your question) - but assuming that the files in question do not represent something illegal, make certain that there is a way that people who need to see them are able to do so if you die or are incapacitated. (Your employer if these are business files; your family if they're personal.)

For that matter, also be careful to ensure that *you* can get in if you forget the password - stay away from the files for a few months and you'll be wondering if you used "MySecre!Pa$$w0rd" - or was it "mYsECRE|Pas$wOrd"? If whatever encryption tool you use has a lockout after some number of failed attempts (and thus protects against brute-force attacks) you'll need to remember just how to use a secondary login.

And answer this question (to yourself, not the newsgroup): just how much protection is *really* needed for the files? You can build a complex, cover-all-bases security blanket for the files, but if they're not that valuable, why bother? One mantra in the security arena is that you protect data to the point that it costs an attacker more to gain access to the data than it is worth. For some data, that figure might be in the $billions; for others it might be the cost of an hour or so hacking at the interface. It's your call.

Joe Morris

Thank for your response. First of all the files are not illegal at all. I just want these files to be protected. I must not be too protected as you have described above, but protected good enough. I think the option malke described seems to be good. Please let me know if you have som other ideas.

I use TrueCrypt as well, and I recommend it. And so you don't forget it
ever, here's a secure password:

Sh1bB0leth

OK, that part is just a joke, but I'm serious about TrueCrypt.

Then true crypt it is :)

http://www.hd720i.com/Windows-Vista-and-encrypt-sensitive-files-328240.aspx

I have do used true crypt, and my opinimum is that this software is fantastic. Thanks to all for their help and time :)

I'm pleased that you've had a happy outcome. Enjoy your new security!

--
Gene Bloch 650.366.4267 lettersatblochg.com


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Windows Vista and encrypt sensitive files
    ... Joe Morris wrote: ... Filsystem is ntfs and 32 bit windows Vista ... If whatever encryption tool you use has a lockout after some number of failed attempts (and thus protects against brute-force attacks) you'll need to remember just how to use a secondary login. ... One mantra in the security arena is that you protect data to the point that it costs an attacker more to gain access to the data than it is worth. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Best place for a password?
    ... One protects your machine from hands-on tampering. ... The other protects your machine from remote tampering, ... you could use encryption to secure your ... data in case your hard drive is stolen or your network password is cracked. ...
    (alt.computer.security)
  • Re: Windows Vista and encrypt sensitive files
    ... help to ensure that my files a secure. ... Filsystem is ntfs and 32 bit windows Vista ... If whatever encryption tool you use has a lockout after some number of failed attempts (and thus protects against brute-force attacks) you'll need to remember just how to use a secondary login. ... One mantra in the security arena is that you protect data to the point that it costs an attacker more to gain access to the data than it is worth. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Windows Vista and encrypt sensitive files
    ... ensure that my files a secure. ... Filsystem is ntfs and 32 bit windows Vista ... If whatever encryption tool you use has a lockout after some number of failed attempts (and thus protects against brute-force attacks) you'll need to remember just how to use a secondary login. ... One mantra in the security arena is that you protect data to the point that it costs an attacker more to gain access to the data than it is worth. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)
  • Re: Windows Vista and encrypt sensitive files
    ... ensure that my files a secure. ... Filsystem is ntfs and 32 bit windows Vista ... failed attempts (and thus protects against brute-force attacks) you'll need ... OK, that part is just a joke, but I'm serious about TrueCrypt. ...
    (microsoft.public.windows.vista.general)