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 the fact that all computers with Windows 7 onwards includes by default an encryption program.
The vast majority of people have the belief that keep information encrypted it is only for entities that have valuable data or things to hide. But, this does not have to be the case, since the average user can also protect themselves by this method.
If you want to know some of the reasons why you should encrypt your storage drives and also learn 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 drive encryption is an action that allows modifying the information of the same until leaving it as a code difficult to read, thus avoiding unauthorized persons can access this data. Next, we will know how to carry out this process in Windows. The method to do it is the same in any version of Windows, since the program with which it is carried out comes by default in this system.
In this case, we will be working with Bitlocker:
- For start it is necessary to open first “My computer” or “My computer”.
- Subsequently, we must insert disk or USB If it is an external device, the one that we are going to encrypt.
- We start by right clicking on the device to encrypt and select 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 hinder quick access to our encrypted information.
- After pressing “Next”, we will jump to another window where it will ask us to select a backup method to back up the password with another code in case you forget it.
- We can choose between three methods: “Save to Microsoft account”, “Save to file”, “Print recovery key”.
- The first option is to save it in the account Microsoft, but the Internet is required at the time of use. The second alternative is to make a copy on a separate USB; This works well when we do not have a printer, which would be the last option and the most recommended, since it is a way to save the backup copy of the physical code in a safe place.
- As we continue, we must choose what disk quantity it will be encrypted, and it may 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 you will not have to worry.
- It is recommended to choose the new encryption if it is a local or fixed disk, because all 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 operating system versions.
- Finally, we can see in the last step a review of the entire procedure that will 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 drives, it is necessary to clarify that it is only one of the many security methods. In addition, it is not an infallible method, as it can be violated, but accompanied by a good antivirus and a good insurance firewall that can be an excellent protection. Since it is an information protection method, it can be very useful for large corporations and companies that manage large amounts of data.
With all your storage devices properly encrypted can prevent theft of information, which translates into avoiding the loss of large amounts of money. For users in general it can be very useful because, even if information that could compromise large capital is not handled, the theft of personal data among large number of files can also be prevented such as photographs, papers, personal projects, and even school theses.
List of the best programs to encrypt internal or external hard drive in Windows
Now let’s get to know the best programs to encrypt and secure your storage devices. This is a small list of free programs that serve as an alternative for those who do not have BitLocker in the computer.
Go for it:
AxCrypt
This is an excellent encryption program launched in 2001 and as it is licensed free it can be used with any version of the Windows operating system. It fulfills different functions in addition to protecting the information on the storage units, which can be compression and size reduction.
It has a simple operation in which the user to encode a file or drive you must right-click on it and select the option “AxCrypt”. When it comes to accessing any protected data, the program will ask for the previously established password. To decode or unprotect a file the procedure is similar, but obviously you must have the password.
Download AxCrypt Windows
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 discs. It allows both the encryption of a specific file, and also the encryption of an entire 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.
Download VeraCrypt Windows
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 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.
Download Diskcryptor Windows
TrueCrypt
It is one of the best encryption programs that can be found in the free software community. It is interesting also by the fact that it is compatible with any operating system and not just 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 keep information in a hierarchical manner. Currently, in the business environment it is discontinued, but for ordinary users it has not ceased to be an excellent tool.
Download TrueCrypt Windows
COMFORTABLE Disk Encryption
It is a software designed purely 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, company 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 safely.
Download COMODO Disk Encryption Windows