encrypt data it has always been one of the best methods to protect them from local or remote attacks. As complex as the term may sound, it really is a simple process to perform, Apart from that all the computers with Windows 7 onwards includes an encryption program by default.
The vast majority of people believe that It is only for entities that have high-value data or things to hide. But, this does not have to be so, since the average user can also protect themselves using this method.
if you want to know some of the reasons why you should encrypt your storage drives and also learn how to encrypt all the content of your internal or external hard drive, then you should stay in this entry that includes everything you need to know.
Steps to encrypt an internal and external hard drive in Windows 10, 7 and 8
The hard disk encryption is an action that allows you to modify its information until it is left as a code that is difficult to read, thus avoiding Unauthorized persons can access that data. Next, we are going to know how to carry out this process in Windows. The method to do it is the same in any version of Windows, because the program with which it is done comes by default in this system.
In this case, we will be working with Bitlocker:
- For begin you need to open first “My Computer” or “My Computer”.
- Subsequently, we must insert disk or USB if it is an external device that we are going to encrypt.
- We begin by right clicking on the device to be encrypted and selecting the option “Enable BitLocker.”
- This will open a window in which we must select the type of encryption lock. The first option is recommended, which says “Use a password to unlock the drive.” Well, the second includes other external factors that can make it difficult to quickly access our encrypted information.
- After clicking on “Following”, we will jump to another window in which It will ask us to select a backup method to backup the password with another code in case you forget it.
- We can choose between three methods: “Save to Microsoft account”, “Save to a file”, “Print the recovery key”.
- The first option is to save it in the account Microsoft, but Internet is required when using it. The second alternative is to make a copy on a separate USB; This works well when we don’t have a printer, which would be the last option and the most recommended, since it is a way of keeping the physical code backup in a safe place.
- In continuing, we must choose which disk quantity it will be encrypted, and it can be the entire disk or only the space occupied by files. It is recommended to encrypt the entire disk when it is a local disk and only encrypt the data in use when it is an external disk or a USB.
- The next step gives the option to choose between a new encryption and the standard encryption, this option is unique to Windows 10. So in previous versions there will be no need to worry.
- It is recommended to choose the new encryption if it is a local or fixed disk, because all the files will be compatible. Instead, if it is a mobile disk it is better to use standard encryption so that it is compatible with all computers and their different versions of operating systems.
- Finally, we can see in the last step a review of the entire procedure that is going to be done so that the user is clear about all the details, once ready, click on “Start Encryption.”
Protect your physical disks Why is it important to always encrypt them?
Before saying the importance of encryption on disks and storage units, It is necessary to clarify that it is only one of the many security methods. Furthermore, it is not an infallible method, as it can be violated, but accompanied by a good antivirus and a good firewall for sure that can be excellent protection. Since it is a method of data protection, it can be very useful for large corporations and companies that handle large amounts of data.
With all your storage devices properly encrypted can prevent theft information, which translates into avoiding the loss of large amounts of money. For users in general, it can be very useful because, although information that could compromise large amounts of money is not handled, You can also prevent the theft of personal data among a large number of files such as photographs, work, personal projects and even school theses.
List of the best programs to encrypt internal or external hard drive in Windows
Now we are going to know The best programs to encrypt and secure your storage devices. It is a small list of Free programs that serve as an alternative for those who do not have BitLocker on the computer.
Go for it:
AxCrypt
This is an excellent encryption program released during the year 2001 and since it is a free license it adapts to any version of the Windows operating system. It fulfills different functions in addition to protecting the information of the storage units, which can be compression and size reduction.
It has a simple operation in which user to encrypt a file or drive You must right click on it and select the option “AxCrypt”. When trying to access some protected data, the program will ask for the previously established password. To decrypt or unprotect a file, the procedure is similar, but obviously you must have the password.
VeraCrypt
This was released in 2013, so it is a bit newer than the previous program, being another of the best programs when it comes to protecting the information on our drives. It allows both the encryption of a specific file, as well as also the encryption of an entire disk regardless of its size.
Count with one powerful encryption and compression algorithm that greatly increase security, of which we can highlight: RIPEMD-160, SHA-256, SHA-512, that were developed in the most prestigious technological institutions in the United States.
diskcryptor
This program has a complete encryption system and it is available to any user thanks to its free license. It has different encryption protocols that allow the particularity of encoding certain partitions of a disk if necessary.
This system also includes support for encryption algorithms of the type: AES, Twofish, Serpent. What also allows you to support and work with large hard drives. Thanks to the powerful algorithms this application guarantees high encryption speedsHowever, this can also be affected by the computer’s processor.
TrueCrypt
It is one of the best encryption programs that can be found in the free software community. It is also interesting because of the fact that It is compatible with any operating system and not only with Windows.
Apart from the basic functions of an encryption program, has the ability to create backups of information to prevent loss or damage. This software was developed to be used by large companies, since they generally maintain information in a hierarchical manner. Currently, in the business field it is discontinued, but for common users it has not stopped being an excellent tool.
COMODO Disk Encryption
It is a software designed clearly for large companies because it has all the protocols so that they can protect their data and also compress them to save on resources. With this tool, a company’s data managers can manage everything from a single computer if desired. It is also said that provides the best environment for customers and consumers of different companies to carry out information transactions securely.
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