We can understand encryption as a process where a key algorithm with specific codes is used to modify a message. Regardless of the language structure or the meaning of the message, this encryption process is incomprehensible.
The reason we do this task It can vary according to the needs or tastes of each one. In this article, we’ll tell you how encode a hard drive and we will point out the many advantages that this technology brings you.
This process is very quick and simple, so it will be easy to guide you through each step available in this comprehensive article.
What is a disk encoder and what are these tools for?
Currently, the virtual world has evolved enormously and more and more, we process and store data that requires certain protection. For this, we need tools that help and prevent This data falls into the hands of the wrong people. Encryption or disk encryption, it is a system that allows us to hide information from others.
Working by means of an algorithm used that is responsible for changing the original information and converting it into random data. These data are impossible to read or understand by a person who does not have the authorization to do so. Encryption is generally a highly recommended, automated technology that is available to everyone. However, encrypting a disk is referred to as an option that has the ability to improve security and privacy from our archives.
There are two types of disk encryption, each with different characteristics that we must take into account:
Software Encryption
As its name tells us, this procedure requires programs (such as VeraCrypt or Microsoft BitLocker) to perform data encryption and decryption. Certainly the speed is slower, since it is absolutely necessary to encrypt all the information on the hard disk, also the data must be decrypted one by one and re-encrypted during use, thus reducing system performance.
Another of its characteristics is that this encryption is generally based on passwords. In other words, if you enter the correct password, the files will be decrypted; otherwise they will remain locked. If encryption is enabled, it will use a special algorithm to encrypt data written to disk. Then it decodes them using the same software as the reads from disk for authenticated users.
Hardware Encryption
This method is known to be the most reliable and safe. The encryption process is kept separate from the rest of the computer, making it difficult to intercept or destroy. Its function automatically encrypts all the data and we don’t need any strange execution to use it.
Also, by employing a dedicated processor can reduce the load on the rest of the device and speed up the encryption and decryption process. On the other hand, if you try to connect the disk to another computer, you will not be able to directly access the data without a previous password.
What are the benefits of encoding a hard drive? Reasons to do it
Encrypting a hard drive it has several advantages that you can take advantage of to keep your data safe anytime.
We present what they are:
Security and Privacy
One of the main benefits that disk encryption offers us it is the confidence of having our information secure. On the other hand, if the Privacy is a factor that worries you, encryption will also help you fight against this type of problem. An encrypted hard drive prevents unauthorized users from reading the information on your PC. In this way, if a person does not know the corresponding key or does not have an encryption key at hand, they will not be able to access the data that we store on the computer.
Full encryption
We don’t have to worry about deciding which file to encrypt and this becomes a very advantageous and efficient option for situations where users may deny or forget to protect secret or confidential files. The entire drive will be fully encrypted.
Destruction of Data
The Encrypted hard drives can help us destroy the data stored on them. If we use a very robust algorithm to encrypt all the information and then destroy the public / private key, no one will recover the data stored on the disk. Therefore, if our disc is stolen or we think about selling it, we can guarantee that no one will restore our data.
Disadvantages that you must take into account
The first disadvantage What is discovered when encrypting a hard drive is that, if it is not done correctly, it is the Loss of all data stored on the hard drive. Also, since they are encrypted, they cannot be recovered.
Also, with forgetting a password or the encryption key, it will be done impossible to enter the data. Another downside is its tendency to slightly reduce overall computer performance, so some tasks can be slow. If we encrypt the entire disk (including swap files), the operating system may lose some optimizations. Also, the startup process may slow down.
Learn how to password a hard drive to protect its content
Mostly, when we work with the operating system Windows or MacOS, the existing information is extracted or eliminated by some error.
For that reason, we will explain the process of protecting your hard drive:
On windows
Windows makes use of a tool called BitLocker. It is developed by Microsoft and it is installed on most computers that use its operating system. If not, you can get it on their download page. After securing ownership, we must confirm that the drive we want to encrypt is in the correct format. If this is not the case, encryption may not be possible, due to typical read and write restrictions. If this is the case, format so that let’s not have any problem in the process.
Now the first step is a simple operation, simply right click on the device icon to which the password will apply and select “Enable BitLocker”.
Then, a window will open where you will be given a choice between two options: “Use a password to unlock the drive” and “Use a smart card to unlock the drive.” Select the first one and then enter the password twice. When you do this, a windows warning requesting the generation of a password recovery key, which you can save in your account Microsoft, to a file or print. You can choose the option of your preference.
Then, you will have to choose between two encryption options: One, it’s faster and will only encrypt used space. Another is slower and will be used to encrypt the entire device. Choose the one you like the most and click “Following”. This will take you to a new window with two more options to choose the encryption mode: “New encryption mode ”and“ compatible mode”.
The second option is the most recommended for a “USB” or “external hard drive”as this mode allows the encrypted device to work on other Windows computers. Select one and press next. Finally the last window will open. All the options you selected in the previous steps will be explained in detail here. Check carefully to make sure you don’t make a mistake in any step. When I finish, click “Start encryption” and you just have to wait for it to complete.
On macOS
If you are using Mac, the process is much easier, because all you have to do is to format the drive, connect it to the computer and right click on the icon displayed on the desktop.
You only need select the option “Encrypt” to enter the password you want to use to lock it.
List of the best programs to encrypt hard drives that you should know
Here are some of the most used programs that you can consider to encrypt your hard drives:
VeraCrypt
Download VeraCrypt Windows
Download VeraCrypt MacOS
TrueCrypt
This software can not only encrypt the entire data disk at once, but also encrypt the system partition where the operating system is installed. TrueCrypt has not been updated since 2014, however, it remains an effective tool for data encryption.
Download TrueCrypt Windows
Download TrueCrypt MacOS
DiskCryptor
Considered as one of the best encryption programs comes DiskCryptor. Its capacity allows to encrypt any hard disk internal or external, as well as the system volume. Its characteristics are unique and pleasant, in addition to grant a special ease of use.
Download DiskCryptor Windows
Steganos Safe
This software is more like a virtual safe that grants the ability to protect files and folders on local disks, USB sticks, CDs, DVDs, external HD and in the cloud. Use the 384-bit AES-XES algorithm to encrypt files, and can be considered as an option to encrypt efficiently.
Download Steganos Safe Windows