Encrypting My Personal Data

[laspis59]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend software for encrypting my personal data eg order information that I paste into Notepad and store on my hard drive,to avoid any unwanted prying eyes from getting hold of it.

All I'm using at the moment is WinRAR and using a long password to secure the text files from being seen.Is this a good enough way of doing it?

I heard that there is software that can hide files inside a video file for example.

Any recommendations are very welcome.

Thanks.

[redwudz]

You're probably thinking of steganography where data is encrypted inside a image or audio file. Sourceforge.net has a program available called steghide that you might look into: http://steghide.sourceforge.net/

If you are using XP Pro, it has encryption built in that you can use. Or you can use a word processor with on-board encryption.

EDIT: If the .rar files are just password protected, that may not be really secure. Encryption is a much safer method. One freeware program with 128bit encryption: http://www.cypherix.co.uk/cryptainerle/index.htm

Note: Be aware that these sort of programs may not be legal to import or export to all countries. The site should warn you if that is a problem.

[byteguy]

You can use a Notepad replacement that works in encrypted mode like CryptNote

CryptNote is a secure text editor. It transparently encrypts or decrypts user text with the AES/Rijndael algorithm. All you have to do is type a password when prompted and use it like Windows Notepad.

This has the added benefit that it doesn't need to be installed so there is no (obvious) record of it on your computer.

[laspis59]

Thanks for your feedback redwudz and byteguy.

I dont have XP Pro,only Home Edition at the moment but I'll give the software you recommended a try.

I'll try Cryptainer,steghide and CryptNote and get back to you.

I think it would be ideal to use Cryptainer or CryptNote and then hide the encrypted data inside an image or audio file using steghide to make things extra secure.

[laspis59]

Well,I've checked these tools out and I really like Cryptainer,CryptNote and another tool on the CryptNote website called dscrypt.

All I need to do now is to decide which one I prefer and is most secure.

Thanks again.

[SingSing]

There are a few here : http://www.portablefreeware.com/?q=aes&m=Search

I use crypditor.exe.

[fLYtRap]

You're probably thinking of steganography where data is encrypted inside a image or audio file. Sourceforge.net has a program available called steghide that you might look into: http://steghide.sourceforge.net/

If you are using XP Pro, it has encryption built in that you can use. Or you can use a word processor with on-board encryption.

EDIT: If the .rar files are just password protected, that may not be really secure. Encryption is a much safer method. One freeware program with 128bit encryption: http://www.cypherix.co.uk/cryptainerle/index.htm

Note: Be aware that these sort of programs may not be legal to import or export to all countries. The site should warn you if that is a problem.

Do you know exacly how to encrypt data in XP PRO? I'm kinda curious?

[redwudz]

One obvious thing to remember. Don't lose the key or nobody, including you, will be able to open them.

You can't get much more secure than 128bit encryption, whichever program you use.

[SingSing]

The most common is AES 128, and it has about 7 sub-mode. Wireless web and NSA are some of the users.

See : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advanced_Encryption_Standard

[laspis59]

Thanks for more replies with links guys.

I'll try out some at http://www.portablefreeware.com/?q=aes&m=Search

So can one of these tools be more secure than the other?I dont know anything about encryption and if 128bit encryption is most secure then all these tools using it should be just as good as the other?

Do any of these tools have an advantage over the others regarding security?

I cant decide which I feel is most secure and that's what I'm looking for,the best,most secure tool!

Which should I choose to use from now on?

P.S I tried Steghide but cant find a functional GUI to download just the source code.

[Bjs]

Good old camouflage

http://camouflage.unfiction.com/FAQ.html

[SingSing]

All encryptions are breakable. Well known method like AES are already borken, and often thesis for attack.

Camouflage is a very good idea. It wouldn't be broken if the attacker does not know where the items are.

[INFRATOM]

Checkout www.aladdin.com, I'm not sure how much it costs.

[laspis59]

Good old camouflage

http://camouflage.unfiction.com/FAQ.html

Thanks,now I've made my mind up,camouflage it is.I just hid a text document inside a WAV file.

This tool rocks.

Thanks to everyone who has helped me!

[ahhaa]

Believe it or not, MS offers 'genuine' XP users something called PRIVATE FOLDER, a download that encrypts folders... that way, only you & Bill know whats in there!:]

[Safesurfer]

Believe it or not, MS offers 'genuine' XP users something called PRIVATE FOLDER, a download that encrypts folders... that way, only you & Bill know whats in there!:]

Nah, they were forced to pull it due to corporate outcry over employees being able to encrypt data.

[ahhaa]

btw, seems to me the Verbatim flash drives come with an encryption program onboard

[MOVIEGEEK]

Believe it or not, MS offers 'genuine' XP users something called PRIVATE FOLDER, a download that encrypts folders... that way, only you & Bill know whats in there!:]

You can still get it here:
http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/Microsoft_Private_Folder/1152200243/1