Encryption Software
Outwit hackers with email and file encryption
Encryption provides security for your files by encoding the text or data so that it cannot be understood unless accessed through a specific password or key. It can be used with emails or files and ensures that information is viewable only to those it is intended for.
Email encryption software uses both a private key and a public key. You are the sole possessor of your private key. The public key can be made available to the general public or to whomever you choose. The public key is used to encrypt the message when others send you an email; you can then decrypt the message with the private key.
The private key also encrypts outgoing messages and can be used as a digital signature, verifying to recipients that the email is from you. However, it is important to encrypt all email messages rather than just the ones containing important information. If only private emails are encrypted, they will stand out to a hacker as the ones containing the information they seek.
File encryption software encrypts data that can then be accessed only with a specific key. It encodes certain files rather than the entire hard drive. A different key can be assigned to each file for enhanced security and management. Some software cleverly disguises encrypted data in seemingly unlikely places, such as in photos, sound files or Web pages, making it nearly impossible to find secret documents or important information.
Encryption software can be found for free download online. Digital signatures for emails can also be found for free from Thawte or Comodo, among others.
Features and Benefits
Encryption software allows you to:
- Limit who can access information.
- Protect important information, such as credit card numbers, being transferred in emails.
- Use separate keys for separate files, enhancing security.
- Disguise important documents and information to hide them from hackers or other computer users.
Top Choices
- Thawte
- Comodo
- PGP
- FireTrust
Major Considerations
- How much security do I need?
- Do I want to make my public key available to everyone or limit who can use it?
- Do I want to encrypt my emails, my files or both?
Price Range
Basic encryption software can be found for free, but for the full advantages of encryption software, expect to pay $30 to $100, depending on your encryption needs. Extensive or sophisticated encryption software can cost into the thousands.
Summary
Encryption software provides an enhanced level of safety for your computer. Emails and files can both be encrypted and decrypted using a variety of public and private keys to ensure only you and those to whom you give permission can understand and access the encoded information. Encryption software is effective and simple and decreases a hacker's ability to intercept important data while making certain that you have safe access to the information you need.
Comments (0)