Securing your laptop data

Due to the latest security precautions, air travelers are not allowed to carry on their laptops, being forced instead to check it in as luggage. Chances are that many laptops will be broken in the process, and many others will be stolen. As a precaution, now is the time to ensure that your laptop data is secure and cannot be compromised if lost or stolen.

First and foremost, ensure that your account on the laptop is password protected. Then proceed to enable File Vault to ensure that your data is encrypted.

FileVault uses the latest government security standard to safeguard your hard work. It protects all the info in your home folder from prying eyes, so your trade secrets stay secret, your holiday shopping lists are kept safe and your personal finance records remain protected.

To turn on File Vault, go to Systems Preferences, Security, and click on Turn On FileVault...

Windows XP users can use EFS to safeguard their data - for more info check out Encrypting File System overview, and Vista users will be able to use BitLocker.

And finally, invest on a secure and sturdy laptop case to minimize accidental damage in the cargo hold.

Cristiano Pierry

Comments

[Mark]

Thanks Cris! I have been meaning to do this for a long time and your post just reminded me to do it this weekend.

[John]

Hey cris,

check out PGPs solution as well, it provides an even more secure encryption mechanism for your Mac.