Hard drive security question...

[sdsumike619]

Hi, I'm trying to figure out a way to keep sensitive data (financial, etc.) safe in case the house is broken into and the computer is stolen.

I know that a windows password is useless, pretty much all passwords are useless. so then I got the idea of just unplugging the hard drive and either taking it with me, or hiding it in a safe place when I'm gone. The thinking is no hard drive, no data. This leads to my question:

Is it possible to use an external firewire hard drive as the main system drive? Or does the main system drive have to be the one connected to the motherboard via the ribbon cable... ?

Or if anyone has another suggestion for security, that would be great too.. Thanks

[ViRaL1]

I think it's possible. But why not just a standard hard drive in a mobile rack (they're pretty cheap). Encryption is also an option unless someone just REALLY TRULY wants to get to your data. If it's not terribly sensitive I wouldn't worry, especially if it's just your own personal financial data. Small fish usually aren't worth it unless they're just floating on the surface.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.asp?DEPA=0&type=&Description=mobile+rack&Sub...&Go.x=0&Go.y=0

[sdsumike619]

how would the standard hard drive in that mobile rack thing connect to the motherboard.. I'd have to have the computer case off right? In other words, the ribbon cable is made to be housed in the case, what would I do about that?

[ViRaL1]

It's a 2 piece unit. One part mounts in the case in a 5.25" bay and has a standard parallel ribbon cable (or SATA) connection that you plug your data cable and your power cable into. The inner tray (the mobile part) snaps into the rack and carries the connection to the drive (data and power cables inside the mobile rack). Unlock, lift the handle and voila! you're mobile.

(Just make sure you're turned off before you unlock and pull your drive out.)

[redwudz]

If you don't have a lot of data, 2GB or less, you can get a USB thumb drive with encryption built in and put the sensitive data in there. You could keep the drive off site or at least not plugged into the computer when you aren't using it. This would be simpler than using encryption on the hard drive itself, or using a removable hard drive.

But if you do have a lot of files, then the removable hard drive, or a external hard drive might be better. You could put your boot drive in a removable drive bay and then the computer would be useless. I just wonder if you want to go to the trouble of pulling the drive each time you leave home.

Another alternative would just be to use an encryption program. I thought XP pro had one, but I couldn't find it. PGP is one that has excellent security, and not too much trouble to use. Here's a freeware one: http://www.cypherix.co.uk/cryptainerle/index.htm?adv=cp_pgpe

[ViRaL1]

XP Pro does offer encryption.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/features.mspx

Encrypting File System (EFS) with multi-user support


Encrypts each file with a randomly generated key. The encryption and decryption processes are transparent to the user. In Windows XP Professional, EFS can provide multiple users access to an encrypted document.


The highest level of protection from hackers and data theft.

[Sabro]

First and foremost I highly suggest some type of encryption. But why not store the important / encrypted data on to cd / dvd for easy transportation, offsite storage and easy retrival?

Constantally installing / removing / moving the hard drive around is a risk due to damage to the unit (platter crashes) and the likes and can cause unfavorable results when you need them the most.

We deal with alot of theft cases and have been victims ourself of system snatchers, and a majority have no idea how to get past a simple login and tend to ditch the system if its not easy to access/use.

In some cases, these systems may be sold off to others who have more knowledge about accessing a 'locked' box, but the value associated with them tends to be lower because they are locked and thus makes them less desirable for sale.

Use encryption of some sort indeed, but if you don't focus on a secure primeter surrounding the system, your very likely to lose more then just your important information stored on your system as it may be easier for them to aquire sensitive information from other sources (purses, wallets, files, receipts, etc).

Sabro

[Seeker47]

If you don't have a lot of data, 2GB or less, you can get a USB thumb drive
. . .
But if you do have a lot of files, then the removable hard drive, or a external hard drive might be better.

Agreed. I don't like to leave anything on the HDD that I would worry about falling into the wrong hands.