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General discussion

How do you secure sensitive data on your computer?

Sep 8, 2005 3:03AM PDT

How do you secure sensitive data on your computer?

Use removable storage, such as memory cards or hard drives (what kind?)
Put it on CD-R/DVD-R and lock them in a safe place (where?)
Password-protect each file (tell us more)
Require a password to access the computer (tell us more)
I do not store sensitive data on my computer (why not?)
Other (what method do you use?)

Discussion is locked

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Use Hide Folders.
Sep 9, 2005 6:26PM PDT

I'm running Windows '98 SE, so i have no other option than use external programs, to protect my hard drive files i use "Hide Folders", it's a free utility that let you..... hide folders, last free version let you hide just 2 folders, but payed version let you hide 16 if 2 is not enouhg for you.

http://www.fspro.net/

I use an encription program before backup files to Cd's, any one can do this.

I also use Linux, there is no problem, if you have 2 linux installations, you will see that it doesn't matter if you log as administrator, you can't see the protected files of the another installation, delete them, backup them, or anything else, oviouslly linux must be configured correctly to do it.

Hope this help.

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Password protecting sensitive material
Sep 9, 2005 9:49PM PDT

I protect confidential material with a program called BCArchive 1.0. It seems to work well. The files can be transferred to a CDR too with the password lock. Try it.
O T Jayachandran

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My security
Sep 10, 2005 4:00AM PDT

I require a password to access my computer, but to top that off, I try not to store any sensetive data on my computer. Lists of passwords however, I HAVE to store on my computer, and what I do, is I encrypt them. The simplest way to encrypt something is to type it up in word, then take a screenshot of it, and save the PICTURE as an unknown filename, then of course, you put that in a password protected .zip file.

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encrypted passwords
Sep 10, 2005 6:57AM PDT

So, how do you get to those passwords when you need them? I use my passwords for different programs at least once every hour. That would get really tedious to unzip and rezip every time I wanted to look at my passwords.

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About securing data
Sep 10, 2005 9:44AM PDT

I use SystemRecovery.com and it works fine. Only thing is you have to watch regularly what is being backed up so your monthly invoice doesn't go up.

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Try using roboform?
Sep 10, 2005 3:44PM PDT

There's a program called "roboform" which purports to save all your passwords in encrypted form, and then enters them automatically when you are signing in. Sounds wonderful! I've never had the guts to try it cause I was afraid somebody could still find a way to hack through my firewall and steal my identity.
Is there anyone out there who uses roboform? Has it worked well for you? Have you had your identity stolen yet?

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Password Bios + Cryptainer.
Sep 11, 2005 3:37AM PDT

I live in Mexico, where you hear a new case about stolen computers every day. Of course, my pals are worried about who would see their private documents if their machines are stolen (physically). The answer is to activate password-bios. Even when Microsoft provides password protection, it is so easy to pass through it just with a Windows CD. Almost all system BIOS provide an option to password-protect the computer from the beginning. A few years ago, a group of system engineers (all co-workers), joined to try to unblock a PC with password activated on its BIOS. They were completely unable to access any data.

The other problem you may find is about people that actually HAVE access to your computer but you don't want them to see certain files. Cryptainer LE is a free software that creates virtual HD that are completely hidden and unaccessible without password.

This is what I've done for protecting myself, and that completely worked when my old Laptop was stolen about 4 months ago. My advice is to use a combination of both password-bios and Cryptainer and never worry about having sensitive info on your computer.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE TWO OR THREE BACKUPS OF ALL YOUR SENSITIVE DATA "JUST IN CASE".

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EasyCrypto
Sep 11, 2005 6:38AM PDT

I haven't read through to see if this software has been mentioned already, but I have been using it for several years and its FREE. It also allows you to zip files into an exe file with password protection.

Wins my vote evry time.

www.handybits.com/easycrypto.htm

Mike Smith

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Securing sensitive data
Sep 11, 2005 9:17AM PDT

I use a power on password and login account to protect my computer. I don't leave my computer turned on during the day also.

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password protection of data
Sep 12, 2005 12:56AM PDT

I use IOMEGA removable media 100M disk drives. The disks are individually password protect plus removing the disk prevents any access.

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It's not that sensitive anymore
Jun 3, 2008 10:11PM PDT

To secure the data on my computer I have been using Rohos mini- free encryption software and Rohos Logon Key- two-factor authentication solution.Rohos Logon Key helps to prevent any undesirable access to my computer (automatic logon without need to remember complicated password by using USB flash drive) and Rohos mini that encrypts the files I work with (the disk size can be enlarged). Having both makes me feel secure enouhg from prying eyes.

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This system never fails
Apr 25, 2012 7:16PM PDT

I have a folder on my desktop with the label, "Removing the gearbox on a 1995 Jaguar XJ6" with a sub folder called, "Secondary action required". All my sensitive stuff is kept in there.
You couldn't pay my wife enough to make her look in that folder. Ergo, all my porn is safe, lol