Encryption - what are you using?

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:55 pm

I have a laptop that I'd like to encrypt some folders that contain personal information. I don't want to encrypt the entire hard drive. Some of the folders would be Thunderbird's data folder that holds my emails. Another may be My Documents and maybe My Downloads.

I heard that TrueCrypt should not be used due to security issues, but according to Gibson Research, it's still a good program to use.
http://www.howtogeek.com/203708/3-alter ... ion-needs/

https://www.grc.com/misc/truecrypt/truecrypt.htm

So how does this work if I already have folders such as Thunderbird files and folders that exist already? Do you move the files and folders to the encrypted volume?

psypher · Post by **psypher** » Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:15 am

You create a container (stored as a file in the OS) which is mounted by TrueCrypt. Once that is done you treat it as any other drive. You have to mount it before running any program that has files stored in the encrypted/mounted container. TrueCrypt was fine up to version 7.1a (which I have), but you had to have had it downloaded since they removed it after the incident.

TrueCrypt has been forked over to VeraCrypt which has addressed various issues with TrueCrypt and is being maintained. https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/

Bitlocker is available on current versions of Windows.

And there are other commercial products available as well, but I'd have to look them up. It's been awhile since I last researched them.

Post by **FlyingPenguin** » Tue Mar 03, 2015 12:57 am

TrueCrypt is still secure, but no longer supported. Works fine as long as you don't use UEFI in Windows 8.

Steve Gibson is hosting the TrueCrypt 7.1a installer on his FTP. Link is in the middle of this page: https://www.grc.com/misc/truecrypt/truecrypt.htm

Bitlocker works fine as well as long as you're not hiding anything from the Feds. MS has pretty much indicated that they can crack Bitlocker under a subpoena.

Executioner · Post by **Executioner** » Tue Mar 03, 2015 11:09 pm

OK thanks for the feedback. If Gibson says that TrueCrypt is still okay, then I'll give that one a try. I have nothing to hide from the Feds. I just want to protect my emails if my laptop happen to be stolen by a local scumbag - you know - dumb criminals. I also have ESET AV that has Anti Theft protection. If the laptop is stolen, it will tell me where it is. It will also enable the built in cam to take pictures of the scum that stole it.