Encrypt data on a NAS?

[sdsumike619]

Planning on doing some major organization and data protection activities soon. I was thinking about getting a wireless NAS and hiding it in the attic. Then I discovered that there aren't a lot of wireless NAS devices available and it can get both very hot and very cold in the attic. So the next option I am thinking about is data encryption. If I keep the NAS in the office, and it gets stolen, is there a way to encrypt the data so that when whomever connects and tries to use the device again, they won't be able to see the data on the drive(s)? I would of course have an offsite backup in place ahead of time..

[AlanHK]

See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Full_disk_encryption
TrueCrypt is well-regarded, and free.

[sdsumike619]

Hmm, well maybe not even actual data encryption, but just something that might exist so that if someone steals it, when they turn it back on, there's something like a password, etc that has to be entered before any data can be accessed...?

[AlanHK]

Hmm, well maybe not even actual data encryption, but just something that might exist so that if someone steals it, when they turn it back on, there's something like a password, etc that has to be entered before any data can be accessed...?

Those are trivial to crack.
You just plug the drive in as a slave and access the data directly.

Whole disk encryption works like a device driver, after you do the password it just acts like an ordinary disk.
Again, try TrueCrypt. http://www.truecrypt.org/

[sdsumike619]

that truecrypt looks pretty confusing unless you're really "into it"

[AlanHK]

If you can't invest 30 minutes reading the manual, best to forget about it.

[Jim44]

that truecrypt looks pretty confusing unless you're really "into it"

Actually, it's not terribly difficult to set up for basic disk encryption, but yes, it also has a lot of features for the advanced user.

Start with the "Beginner's Tutorial" - http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/?s=tutorial - 19 steps over 5 pages.

(I use the "Traveler Disk" feature to encrypt one of my USB keys; haven't yet used it on a hard disc.)