Comments for How can I keep data on my laptop secure?

Comment from Luis on 2009-10-11

2009-10-11T16:12:00Z

Hi, when installing TrueCrypt what is the best option to use: Install or Extract (for travel) ... BTW I run Windows 7 and there is a message saying is not supported ... any risk on using it despite of this !?

I just install. (Extract is useful for some cases, but if you're not sure, just install.) From what I've seen it works fine in Win 7, but I'd expect an update very quickly after 7 releases.

11-Oct-2009

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Comment from Bererker on 2009-04-28

2009-04-28T09:20:31Z

I´m using this discryptor.net software. I think that really makes ma data secure.

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Comment from Martin on 2009-04-14

2009-04-14T08:30:12Z

I run Alertsec and it sure is easy. The good thing is that they have a great telephone support which help you unlock your laptop when you forget or type your password in wrongly (Which I have done twice in the last 16 months..) so it is worth that little extra you pay - compared to installing it yourself. It is encryption we are talk about here - so if you b-gger it up you are really and truly lost.

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Comment from David Lawrence on 2009-04-12

2009-04-13T01:01:44Z

This is a great article and discussion. One of the things I have been pleased by is services services like Alertsec which offer hard disk encryption as a fully managed service. It uses the Full Disk Encryption (former Pointsec) software but is a web based encryption service that radically simplifies deployment and management of PC encryption. It is a heck of a lot easier for an enterprise than trying to manage all those laptop encryption on your own! We put off encryption for way too long (and got burned once) and this managed approach made it possible for us to afford it from a money and more importantly staff resource perspective.

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Comment from georges on 2009-04-02

2009-04-02T21:29:00Z

See the winsesame faq about the deleting of a protected file there :
http://www.aragonsoft.com/en/winsesame/faq20.php

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Comment from Larry Schumaker on 2009-03-19

2009-03-19T14:05:58Z

File protection is great with passwords for access and editing. But it doesn't stop somone from accidently deleting the file.

How do I stop an accidental deletion?

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Comment from Bill on 2009-03-09

2009-03-09T21:24:09Z

I'm 99% ready to set up TrueCrypt. I travel and do not want anyone to steal my data - if they steal my laptop. What setting should I select? BB

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Comment from akshay on 2009-02-28

2009-02-28T14:05:48Z

I am working in a company which makes website for health, fitness, mini roulette, IT, shopping etc and I was in a great need of buying a laptop. So I finally bought a Dell Latitude D530, laptop last week.
Most of the people adviced me that it would not be a good deal to buy a laptop, instead they advised me to buy a desktop. I don't know why people have so much misconception regarding buying a laptop.

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Comment from Dr. PC on 2009-01-28

2009-01-28T16:26:38Z

You can also use the BIOS option of providing a password to your hard drive - this keeps honest but nosy people out and is much more difficult to "break" than a Windows password.

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Comment from Rick on 2008-12-11

2008-12-11T17:14:07Z

Rick,
I have a need for serious data security. Is there a program that would automaticly wipe clean my hard drive if say..I dint log in every 2 hours. Is there something that will allow me to call from a cellphone and activate the program that would WIPE my hard drive. By wipe I mean NEVER be able to recover the data or for that matter use the laptop again at all.

WIPE? No. But you can get just as secure, I believe, by keeping your data in a TrueCrypt volume with an appropriately strong passphrase, and configuring it to auto-dismount on inactivity.

- Leo
12-Dec-2008

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Comment from Aillen on 2008-12-04

2008-12-04T17:43:02Z

The best way is to install winsesame :
the address is http://www.winsesame.com
It is very safe and easy to use.

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Comment from mitch on 2008-08-26

2008-08-26T07:00:19Z

you can keep it secure by installing a security software.

you can get it from http://www.inspice.com

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Comment from Steve on 2008-07-26

2008-07-26T11:56:39Z

>> But are you really saying you want to open your sensitive encrypted data on a system where you don't know who the administrator is? A system that might have been compromised with spyware or what not before you even got to it?

Fair comment, but I work in a variety of universities & companies, I need access to my data while there and very few allow admin access!
I'll look at tcexplorer - thanks
S

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Comment from Steve on 2008-07-24

2008-07-24T16:51:06Z

TrueCrypt doesn't work from a usb drive unless you have admin access to the PC. This rules it out for me as most corporate PCs I use (and public ones) don't allow admin access.
Any decent alternatives?

There are two issues:

Yes, the device driver either requires administrator privileges or an administrator must have already installed TrueCrypt making it accessible to all users.

But are you really saying you want to open your sensitive encrypted data on a system where you don't know who the administrator is? A system that might have been compromised with spyware or what not before you even got to it?

It just doesn't seem like a good thing do to, in my opinion.

All that being said, perhaps http://sourceforge.net/projects/tcexplorer/ might be an option.

-Leo

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Comment from Soundwash on 2008-06-03

2008-06-04T05:32:23Z

while the suggestions others made are good ones (using "live CD's" etc) I have to go with Leo on this one..

Truecrypt is practically the industry standard for any pc techs in the know.. it being Open Source *to me* means it is more trustworthy as far any possible "backdoors or backdoor keys" being built in or handed over to the NSA or Big Brother, seeing as how you can check the code yourself..(or anyone else) its offers very fast on the fly encryption in various forms as well as multifactor authentication.. ie, you can set it up so it needs both a password and a keyfile (or as many keyfiles as you wish) to unlock its goodies)

the keyfile can be any file you choose, anything, even an mp3..or let truecrpt randomly generate one.. -on the laptop itself or on separate media (USB key, CD etc) for added protection..

you can encrypt the whole drive or create an "opaque" file that is mounted as another drive letter, -which can easily be burned/copied to external media.. it also allows you to combine encryption algorythms if want to go crazy. although you will take a little more of performance hit doing that.

Trucrypt limits the volume size to a max of 1 Petabyte. -which i'm sure is all you'll need for the time being. -so no worries there.

personally, i'd just keep sensitive data on two USB keys (or smart cards such as those used in cameras and the like) and leave the rest of the laptop unencrypted. -thats your call.

Trucrypt also has "Traveler Mode" for USB keys so you can carry any important data on just a the key itself.

what this mode does is allow the USB key to be a become a fully self-contained, plug-in, on the fly encrypt/decrypt hardware device. -that leaves no foot prints. -you could combine this with a say, a "Live CD" Ubuntu distro on a bootable high-speed USB key for the ultimate easy "ready to boot" secure "traveling O/S" that you can plug into any USB 2.0 port..

lastly, Truecrypt volumes contain no volume headers of any kind and truly look like a bunch of random noise (gibberish).. cant prove there is anything there..for those who need a bit more discretion than the average joe..

Research it for yourself. you'll find many industry heavyweights using it. -combine it with a virtual machine for added fun.. :)

btw: if you want to learn more about PC security, give steve gibson's Security Now podcasts a listen. -over at grc.com.

if you cant make an informed decision after getting schooled by him, well..

-soundwash

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Comment from Leo on 2008-04-28

2008-04-29T02:08:24Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

It may have limitations, but that's not one of them. I have
a 16 gigabyte TryeCrypt volume on my 32gig thumbdrive.

Leo

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFIFoMYCMEe9B/8oqERAvXsAJ9vkHbfk7E6QR/bcHUddleD/TvSwQCfVCGu
FdP4MOj5s8DALpFilaeC71I=
=7ZJV
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Comment from Alexandere Lancy on 2008-04-27

2008-04-28T00:04:24Z

I think Truecrypt has limitations - not above 100 MB. I find deslock easy to use, without any limitations and is free.

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Comment from Blaze on 2007-11-04

2007-11-05T04:36:38Z

Hey I was wondering about Lojack on my Dell. It seems like a great way to protect sensitive data. My Dell Laptop has Absolute's Computrace Module on the BIOS but I disabled it b/c I read about how the company is able to see private files on my compute, although i now don't know how much more important this is compared to tracking down my computer if it were stolen. I was wondering if i could still install the software and it work without the hardware side of the service working, and if so i have another question. Couldn't someone then just wipe the harddrive or reinstall windows or i heard it doesn't work on non-windows OS's, so then install say ubuntu or something and connect to the internet no problem. Cool, that's all for now, Hey great work, much appreciated. Thanks, Blaze

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Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2007-09-17

2007-09-18T00:06:43Z

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE-----
Hash: SHA1

If your system has been compromised with a keylogger, then absolutely, all bets
are off as they could easily sniff anything you type including your TrueCrypt
password.

Basically if your system has been compromised in any way, you must assume the
worse.

Leo

-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----
Version: GnuPG v1.4.7 (MingW32)

iD8DBQFG7xaYCMEe9B/8oqERAmzhAJ46vhyOKUANsQMxKizN3H+SPof7JwCgi/DW
egxssENxomLOCleB5seo3NM=
=Dal0
-----END PGP SIGNATURE-----

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Comment from Ran on 2007-09-17

2007-09-17T12:51:39Z

I wonder what about keyloggin programs for Windows XP? If a potential intruder would like to get to the encrypted volume, he could install keyloggin software considering he has the access.
Is TrueCrypt offers any protection for such scenario?

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Comment from Vladimir on 2007-06-08

2007-06-08T14:26:35Z

Some time I used PGP disk to protect my private data, but now I am using Eterlogic SecretDrive, it supports many encryption algorithms, RAM disk, and hidden volumes. It is fully compatible with Windows Vista, so I recommend it to anyone.
You can get it at http://www.eterlogic.com

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Comment from Tim on 2006-09-17

2006-09-17T22:42:59Z

Knoppix
Slax
Puppy linux
Pc linux OS
D@m small linux

They all work on CD as a read only OS.
You really DON'T need a hard drive!!!!.
just use a small thumbdrive to store stuff.
Make sure your on a router that has PPOE or auto DHCP selected so your linux CD knows you want to surf the WWW.

Learn linux it's the ultimate in privacy.
Don't count on payware that bloats your OS to the size of the hindenburg.
Right now this message is being typed in Slax Linux 5.1.7 LIVE CD no HD
Pentium 4 2.4 Ghx
2 gig ddr
4 gig Gigabyte I-ram pseudo drive____ ((((IDE CARD with 4 sticks of 1 gig each on it))))
Nvidia 128 meg graphics.
Linksys 10/100 ethernet card.
1 dvd read drive
2 cdrw burner drives.

Not meant to impress just to show the configuration.
Gigabyte motherboard

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Comment from Tim on 2006-09-15

2006-09-16T06:00:58Z

Easy as pie

Chuck the hard drive all togeather
Set CDROM drive as master in bios
boot up in slax linux,surf as usual
keep a little usb thumbdrive handy for backing up stuff.
Oh and a little knowledge in linux would help.

But hey no body can get your data cause you don't have a hard drive on that IDE cable inside the unit its self ...lol

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Comment from felix on 2006-08-28

2006-08-29T01:33:59Z

I found this article to be informative, even though I already take some measures to ensure the security of my data. Personally, I keep my laptop secure using software like StompSoft's Digital Vault. (http://www.stompsoft.com/digital-vault.html) This allows me to encrypt any files that I choose, additionally, I can also encrypt my emails and files that I keep on my USB drives. For me, I feel that this is all I really need to keep my data from being exploited by those who would seek to do so.

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Comment from Mike on 2006-06-19

2006-06-19T14:41:34Z

I use Private Disk (http://www.dekart.com/ ) - quite satisfied - and the support these guys provide is extraordinary - not the least thing when you trust your data to this kind of software.

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Comment from Daniel Arthur on 2006-04-19

2006-04-19T09:29:55Z

I`ve enjoyed reading it but please next time make it brief and concise.

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Comment from anonymous on 2006-04-14

2006-04-15T03:13:13Z

use truecrypt instead of pgp because its a lot cheaper, but its a bitch to get started, i had to read the readme.

--
Proxys get around bess

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Comment from altman on 2006-02-24

2006-02-25T05:35:23Z

Great article. Some other physical, logical, and integrated laptop security choices can be found at http://www.ilinktechnology.com

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Comment from Kyle on 2006-02-13

2006-02-13T16:31:28Z

For real top level data security take a look at www.datazap.co.uk
it had nothing to do with encryption but looks really good. basicly it deletes selected files if someone logs on to your system without the correct code.

what do you think?

kyle

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Comment from Kody Rodgers on 2006-02-10

2006-02-11T07:09:21Z

I totally agree with what you're saying. I wish more people felt this way and took the time to express themselves.
Keep up the great work.

Kody Rodgers
http://www.vaiosonylaptopcheap.com

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Comment from anonymous on 2006-01-27

2006-01-27T21:39:33Z

I used pgp 7.0 which offered the same functionality, and more. The Truecrypt virtual disk looks to be just as good AND they added a nice new feature: the "hidden" volume. If forced to unveil a password you can mount the volume with a second password that only gives away part of the data, not your truly secret stuff. I started to use Truecrypt in the 1st place because I could not find a pgp (or gpg) version that supports XP anymore...

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Comment from Pedro Camargo on 2005-08-12

2005-08-12T16:43:15Z

You can use an anti-theft laptop tracking service like: http://www.stealthsignal.com

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Comment from ruby on 2005-08-07

2005-08-07T14:52:55Z

Thank you for making this information available. It has been extremely helpful to me. I plan to do a lot of traveling and I needed a place to start the search for making my laptop secure. THANKS :o)

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Comment from peter on 2005-05-24

2005-05-24T07:59:12Z

What about stuff like Secustar's DriveCrypt Plus Pack DCPP? Encryption of the whole volume and operating system at the kernel level...

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Comment from peter on 2005-05-24

2005-05-24T07:57:43Z

What about stuff like Srcusrar's DriveCrypt Plus Pack DCPP? Encryption of the whole operating system at the kernell level...

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Comment from Leo on 2005-05-16

2005-05-17T03:55:01Z

When I last looked at PGP it wasn't as clear to use and didn't provide the virtual disk drive functionality. If that's changed, it could be a good alternative as well.

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Comment from alex b on 2005-05-16

2005-05-17T03:48:51Z

why no mention of PGP? is TrueCrypt better?

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Comment from whhatener on 2005-05-06

2005-05-06T09:05:49Z

really bad

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