Community poll forum: How do you secure sensitive data on your computer?

I'm running Windows '98 SE, so i have no other option than use external programs, to protect my hard drive files i use "Hide Folders", it's a free utility that let you..... hide folders, last free version let you hide just 2 folders, but payed version let you hide 16 if 2 is not enouhg for you.

http://www.fspro.net/

I use an encription program before backup files to Cd's, any one can do this.

I also use Linux, there is no problem, if you have 2 linux installations, you will see that it doesn't matter if you log as administrator, you can't see the protected files of the another installation, delete them, backup them, or anything else, oviouslly linux must be configured correctly to do it.

Hope this help.

I require a password to access my computer, but to top that off, I try not to store any sensetive data on my computer. Lists of passwords however, I HAVE to store on my computer, and what I do, is I encrypt them. The simplest way to encrypt something is to type it up in word, then take a screenshot of it, and save the PICTURE as an unknown filename, then of course, you put that in a password protected .zip file.

I use SystemRecovery.com and it works fine. Only thing is you have to watch regularly what is being backed up so your monthly invoice doesn't go up.

I live in Mexico, where you hear a new case about stolen computers every day. Of course, my pals are worried about who would see their private documents if their machines are stolen (physically). The answer is to activate password-bios. Even when Microsoft provides password protection, it is so easy to pass through it just with a Windows CD. Almost all system BIOS provide an option to password-protect the computer from the beginning. A few years ago, a group of system engineers (all co-workers), joined to try to unblock a PC with password activated on its BIOS. They were completely unable to access any data.

The other problem you may find is about people that actually HAVE access to your computer but you don't want them to see certain files. Cryptainer LE is a free software that creates virtual HD that are completely hidden and unaccessible without password.

This is what I've done for protecting myself, and that completely worked when my old Laptop was stolen about 4 months ago. My advice is to use a combination of both password-bios and Cryptainer and never worry about having sensitive info on your computer.

YOU SHOULD ALWAYS REMEMBER TO HAVE TWO OR THREE BACKUPS OF ALL YOUR SENSITIVE DATA "JUST IN CASE".

I use a power on password and login account to protect my computer. I don't leave my computer turned on during the day also.

To secure the data on my computer I have been using Rohos mini- free encryption software and Rohos Logon Key- two-factor authentication solution.Rohos Logon Key helps to prevent any undesirable access to my computer (automatic logon without need to remember complicated password by using USB flash drive) and Rohos mini that encrypts the files I work with (the disk size can be enlarged). Having both makes me feel secure enouhg from prying eyes.