Windows 7 has its own data encryption tool, however, it is only available in both Ultimate and Enterprise editions. If you have Windows 7 home edition and would like to encrypt your hard disk, try TrueCrypt, which is a free utility that is much more powerful than BitLocker.
TrueCrypt is a free Open Source disk encryption utility that works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. With TrueCrypt, you can encrypt the entire hard disk, a partition, or a flash drive, depending on your needs. The encryption process is fast and with the help of the Wizard, it makes encryption process as easy as 123.
Main Features:
- Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
- Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
- Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
- Provides plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
- Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.
The only trouble with these sort of powerful encryption software is the inability to recover the password if you happened to forget it. There is absolutely no way of recovering the data unless you have a supercomp to brute force your way out of the situation.
As shown in the screenshot above, you are given a wide variety of choices, each has its own pro and con. Most users will be fine with AES data encryption algorithm.
Next Part: Free Sophos Data Encryption Software For Windows XP, Vista And 7
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