What is Disk Encryption?

Disk Encryption involves converting readable text into a format that only people with a secret decryption code can read. In technical terms, encryption converts plaintext into ciphertext using a cipher. It would be best not to share the decryption key since a malicious person can use it to decrypt the data.

Uses of data encryption

Data encryption has many applications, which include but are not limited to:

1. It facilitates secret communication amongst entities

2. It helps protect data in storage devices such as flash drives and hard disks

3. It helps to protect data in transit, especially through a network

There are many types of encryption, but for this article, we will covecomputer disk encryption.

Why You Should Encrypt Your Computer

Sometimes, your computer may fall into the wrong hands after a burglary, or you forget it at an unsafe place, or a thief snatches it while walking on the street. The person may easily access your data since all they need is to remove your hard disk, put it in an enclosure, connect it to a different computer via USB or attach it as a slave disk on your desktop.

It is essential that you encrypt your data because even if a person accesses the physical hard disk, they won’t access your data when it’s encrypted. However, please note that a network sniffer could access your data in transit over a network.

Disk Encryption Options

Different companies offer different encryption system solutions. However, all encryption systems use either two standard encryption key techniques: Symmetric or Asymmetric encryption. You can use the following disk encryption options:

• BitLocker for Windows – This is an inbuilt disk encryption technology provided by Microsoft in its Windows Operation System. Please note that not all versions of Windows OS support a BitLocker system, and not all devices support BitLocker technology. Windows 10 has an additional advanced encryption system called Device Encryption. You can check if your device supports Device Encryption by opening your computer’s system information under “Device Encryption Support.” To start using BitLocker, right-click on drive C and click the option “Turn on BitLocker.” Follow the prompts to the end and store your key safely. If your Windows OS doesn’t support BitLocker, you can upgrade to a higher one that supports it.

• FileVault by Apple – this is an inbuilt disk encryption technology provided by Apple Inc. for Mac OS X 10.3 and later versions. To turn on FileVault, open System Preferences, click the Security & Privacy icon, and switch to the FileVault tab. Turn on the FileVault, and the system will guide you through the entire process.

• Linux Encryption – Unlike Windows and Mac OS, where you turn on the encryption system, Linux requires a different process. You have to activate the encryption system when installing any of the Linux OS distributions. You will have to enter the security key each time you boot up your computer to open your encrypted disk.

• Open-source software – You can use open-source software such as DiskCryptor to encrypt your computer.

• Proprietary software – This involves using non-free software to encrypt your computer. You may have to buy it or pay a subscription fee before you can use it.

Bottom Line

Disk encryption is crucial as it will help protect your data if the hard disk or any other storage device falls into the wrong hands. If you are unsure how to encrypt your computer, consult a computer professional to avoid doing it the wrong way.