Does anyone here know about or use encryption software?

benking · Jan 17, 2011

I recently got a new laptop, cuz my last one was stolen. So I am really concened about someone getting my laptop and taking my data. So I have been looking at data encryption program. It seems like there are 2 main ones ZoneAlarms Datalock and TrueCrypt.

TrueCrypt is free and open source, which is good, but I have used free software before and it’s lack of support and updating is a negative for me.

ZoneAlarm Datalock has all the features of TrueCrypt, but it also comes with Zonealarm support and a 24/7 password and data recovery service and it seems like it is easier to use.

Personally, I would rather get Datalock, even though I got to pay for it, it just seems like a more complete package.

I just want to get a second opinion on this, am I correct in thinking that Datalock is worth the extra money for the support, easy of use and the password and data recovery service?

They also have the trial on the Zonealarm Datalock page.

DavidGP · Jan 17, 2011

Hi

What Windows version are you using? reason for asking this is some versions of Vista and Windows 7 come with Bitlocker which will do what you want.

I'm a fan of TrueCrypt and while it doesnt have updates each month or quarterly its a stable application, and for me always updating applications are not always the best options (anti-virus and anti-malware yes) for oen reason, with data encryption you want stability of the application, you do not want an update that will break the application, thus render your data inaccessable.

This is why personally I would read what others say on the ZonaAlarms forum about this application as well as the TrueCrypt one, get a feel for what users like me or you are saying about these apps.

One thing that kinda worries me is that ZA have a password recovery system, just thinking aloud but does that not fight in the face of protecting your data from access! if someone can reset your password then that not secure. Maybe they have many checks and blocks to stop anyine being able to reset the password.... well I'd hope.

But with Datalock and for $39 and customer support is good, but this has to be re-newed each year, so couple that with whatever Antivirus softare you use (if its a retail version say AVG, Avast, Norton, McAfee etc then you have to add more cost to this) your costs may be alot.

Now I dont know what data you have on your PC you wish to secure, but I will mention one thing I do is that I never save personal data to my Laptop or Netbook for the very reason of data security, I prefer to encrypt a portable USB HDD or Pendrive to save personal data, I also have a home network that I can drag and drop files from the Laptop or Netbook onto a secure network drive inside my desktop.

Their are pros and cons to both apps, hard decision to make and one that you will have to do yourself based on the importance of whatever data you are saving on your laptop.

foogoo · Jan 17, 2011

Whatever happen to hardware encrypted hard drives? I guess there was not a consumer market for them. I have used truecrypt, but have not had the chance to try whole disk encryption. Like David said, I'd look at forums and google it.
At my workplace we had Credant - it slows the systems & causes frequent BSODs that can be fixed if you do a registry recovery, still not fun. So they are backing off it on point of sale systems, yet keeping it on laptops.

Considered a power on password or HDD password?
Then just truecrypt important data.

Also I just read an article in hackin9 or 2600 about using Hamachi, a webcam prg & VNC to track a lost laptop. There is also a program called Prey. The other freebie tracker folded up shop. There is Absolute's LoJack for a fee.

TimW · Jan 17, 2011

For data and files that I want to encrypt, I use Encrypt Files.

You can also purchase Lojack for Laptops!

bigbazza · Jan 17, 2011

Maybe also consider using a "Passphrase", rather than a password.
Easier to remember and a lot safer, IMHO.
For example, "I consider Blowing in the Wind as Elton John's best song"
could become "1Cb1TwAeJbs"
Substitute 1 for I's, 0 for O's, etc., and alternate Capital letters with lower case ones.
And easy to remember if you are an Elton John fan.:-D
Substitute another musician and song, Baseball player and best game, Golfer and best round ever, or whatever. You get the idea. :major

Check out:
Passphrase from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passphrase
• Security
• Compared to passwords
• Passphrase selection
• Example methods
• Windows support
• And Much More!
• Main Features: (see the link above. Too much to list here.)

And as David says, Bitlocker, if your Windows version supports it.

Bazza

JonBoyFishhead · Jan 18, 2011

I am currently running Win7 Enterprise 64bit and bit locker is pretty good. I have read sveral articles where bitlocker was cracked. One method involved buying some $800 software, and the other involved Compressed air and liquid nitrogen. If someone would go to either of those extremes just to still your data, then I would think they would just be smart enough and well equiped to just hack the system....Just my opinion

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Does anyone here know about or use encryption software?

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