is used to scramble and unscramble data. In asymmetric key encryption, two different keys are required: one to scramble and one to unscramble. With either method, a recipient cannot access the original data without the correct key.
Here is an example of data that has been encrypted:
You can decrypt this data with ShyFile, a
web-based encryption program. Go to
paste the encrypted message into the appropriate box, and use this key
to decode the message:
Encryption software is available for many purposes. You may already be familiar with one form of encryption software: many e-commerce and donation Web sites use Secure Socket Layers (SSL). Whenever you visit any Web page with an address starting with "https" instead of "http," SSL will automatically encrypt anything you type into that page, such as passwords or credit card information, before sending it over the Web.
Our guide focuses on encryption software for email and files, which is considerably more complicated than SSL encryption. Encrypted files can be attached to an email message, uploaded to a Web server via File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or put on a floppy disk and passed by hand. Email messages themselves can also be encrypted. It is not necessary, however, for an email message to be encrypted in order to send it with an encrypted attachment. For example, an encrypted document can be attached to an unencrypted email message that says, "See the attached confidential document." Encryption software specifically intended for use with email is generally easier to use than software intended to encrypt files, because email encryption software integrates seamlessly into the email program. Some email encryption software, for example, adds buttons to your mail program's menu.
Different software programs have different strengths and vulnerabilities, and employ different ways of distributing the keys that scramble and unscramble data. Some software programs require the recipient of an encrypted document or email message to use the same software the sender used. Others simply require the recipient to possess the same key or password that the sender used.
Ask around, and you'll hear varied opinions on whether to use encryption. Certainly, it can add complexity to using your computer. It may be a minor inconvenience such as having to log in with a password every time you turn on your computer, or a major hassle, such as having to fool with a difficult interface every time you want to do anything on your computer. Encrypting large files can take a lot of time and computing power. Even worse, losing passwords or corrupting encryption program installations can lead to data loss. So why bother?
The answer is simple: if the data on your computer is sensitive enough, you should use encryption. For example:
If the answer to any of these questions is "yes," you should take steps to ensure the privacy of this data.
Keep in mind that you don't need to spot suspicious men in a satellite dish-equipped van parked outside your building to warn you that you are potentially at risk of data theft. Malicious hackers may find vulnerabilities in your Internet connection. It's a good idea always to assume that it's possible for someone to violate your computer's security and privacy, and act accordingly to prevent it. This is especially true if you are using Microsoft software, which is particularly vulnerable because it is so widely used. (Malicious hackers know they can cause the most damage by targeting widely used software programs.)
Even if you take the extra steps required to encrypt your data, there are still likely to be vulnerabilities that could allow a skilled or well-funded data thief to get access to your data. Read the section on vulnerabilities for details.
It's up to you to weigh the risk of data theft against the trouble it would take to guard against it by using encryption. Because the usability, learning curve, and difficulty of using these programs factors greatly into the equation of whether you want (or need) to use them, our software reviews focus on how easy it is to get star