PC Magazine Windows Vista Security Solutions

Encryption offers the highest possible levels of protection for your personal files. While its security benefits are great, it's vital that you treat encryption with respect - in the same way that encryption serves its purpose in keeping others from accessing your personal files, it also has the potential to lock you out of your own files, if you're not careful. Keep the following points in mind when it comes to securely encrypting files:

• Always designate a DRA if you plan to encrypt files using EFS.

• Always export and securely store a copy of your EFS certificate and private key, along with those belonging to the DRA. Have other users do the same for their user accounts.

• Set the EFS encryption attribute on folders rather than individual files when possible.

• If you choose to share EFS encrypted files, ensure that they're stored in a folder location that is accessible to other users.

• If you are using EFS to encrypt files for personal access only, store them in a folder that other users do not have access to.

• If you're running Windows Vista Home Basic or Home Premium Edition, use a third-party file encryption program like Dekart Private Disk Light to protect your files.

• When using a third-party encryption program to protect your files, take steps to ensure that you do not forget the password(s) used to decrypt and access your files.