Personal File Encryption
 

Can someone perhaps recommend a free (or very low cost) file encryption program that can be used to protect files - either when being transmitted over the Internet or in case the laptop is lost / stolen?

Many thanks

To email files, WinZip is free, easy, and provides 256-bit AES encryption.

On your machine, see if BitLocker is already available. Or look at VeraCrypt.

I use VeraCrypt on my hard drives.

If it's a PC, it's called Bitlocker and is included in the OS as shipped.

On a Mac, it's called FileVault.

On Linux...oh who are we kidding, you would already know. ;)

Just make sure you know your local laws...in some jurisdictions you can be compelled to provide the encryption key or face other charges (contempt, etc.).

I help manage our IT at my work and we use a combo of Diskcryptor and TrueCrypt. Basically we use Diskcryptor for whole hard drive encryption of PC's running Windows 7 or earlier and Truecrypt for file encryption. For my laptops running Windows 8.1, I just turned on the HDD password instead of doing the whole HDD encryption. After much research I've found this is the best, FREE solution for us to be HIPAA compliant.

The issue with Bitlocker for whole disk encryption is that it isn't available on all versions of Windows 8 as far as I can tell (I may very well be and I just can't figure it out...I'm definitely no expert!)

Good luck!!

:eek:

TrueCrypt is no longer being developed. You should probably stop using it since bugs are no longer being addressed.

As an FYI, BitLocker is only included with the enterprise/pro versions of Windows (starting with Vista). So if the OP has home or regular versions of the OS, it will not be included.

Ultimate/Pro/Enterprise versions only.

Uhh guys, unless there's a TPM chip (trusted platform module chip), please don't think that Bitlocker, or ANY of the software mentioned in this thread cannot be hacked/broken into (relatively) easily (if you know what you're doing.)

You want an almost bulletproof system that even hackers go...to hell with this?

Bitlocker + TPM.

Correct.

Yes, a very salient point.

And I stand corrected on Bitlocker shipping with all versions of Windows. :)

VeraCrypt - works cross platform

https://veracrypt.codeplex.com/wikipage?title=Downloads

SOP for the US Marines though for leaving a Toughbook behind in an emergency, even though their machines are bitlockered with TPM chips?

A grenade is used to blow up the machine.

:eek:

:D:D

How does pointing out a correct software version translate to commentary on resistance to hacking?

(I guess your handle explains it)

You were also the first to suggest BitLocker.

The fact that it's significantly less secure without TPM support is absolutely worth noting, and I for one appreciate SAP's commentary.

Your sarcastic comment was not necessary.