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Encrpting Files?

Discussion in 'Security and Privacy' started by amber1970, 2009/01/31.

  1. 2009/01/31
    amber1970

    amber1970 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello, I was wondering what was the best way to keep my home PC's files safe from being accesed by a hacker/other computer? I am the only one who uses it and I don't access it from anywhere outside my home. I use file sharing sometimes and am worried about this kind of thing. I have windows XP. Thanks for any help.
     
    amber1970,
    #1
  2. 2009/02/01
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    First ensure that you have a decent firewall - the Windows firewall - you don't say which OS you are using - is one way only - Inbound - in XP, but AFAIK Inbound & Outbound in Vista. A third party firewall is recommended - I suggest Commodo - freeware - install just the firewall, not the antivirus if you already have av software running which I sincerely hope you have :)

    You can check the efficiency of your firewall at ShieldsUp - your computer should be completely stealthed.

    If you are running XP Pro you can use the inbuild file encryption facility (not available in XP Home) .....

    How to encrypt a file in Windows XP

    An alternative, which I use on my laptop, is to place all your personal data in an encrypted folder using TrueCrypt - Open Source freeware. I can be argued that once the folder is mounted for your own use then in theory it is accessible from the outside - this is where your firewall comes into play.
     
    PeteC,
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  4. 2009/02/03
    amber1970

    amber1970 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Hello Again

    OK. I downloaded TrueCrypt and went through the step by step instructions like it said. So are my files safe from being read or stolen by another computer? I am using windows XP, sorry for not saying that in the first post. I do have Mcafee firewall and webroot AV. I am trying to avoid someone stealing info from my PC while im online or off. thanks.
     
    amber1970,
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  5. 2009/02/03
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Your files are safe as long as the encrypted folder is not mounted, i.e.it is not accessible to you or anyone else. Once the encrypted folder is mounted and you have access to them so does anybody else. If your computer was stolen, this applies particularly to laptops, all the data in the encrypted folder is inaccessible to anyone who does not know the password.

    If your computer is stealthed that is the best protection you will get from outside hackers and it follows that it is important to keep your AV and firewall updated. Did you run ShieldsUp as I suggested and, if so, what was the result?

    If you are running XP Pro - not Home you can encrypt individual files and access only those which you need at a particular time. You did not say which version of XP you are running.
     
    PeteC,
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  6. 2009/02/03
    amber1970

    amber1970 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Here is what is said


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    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------



    Port Authority Edition "” Internet Vulnerability Profile
    by Steve Gibson, Gibson Research Corporation.


    This textual summary may be printed, or marked and copied
    for subsequent pasting into any other application:

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------

    GRC Port Authority Report created on UTC: 2009-02-03 at 21:52:56

    Results from scan of ports: 0, 21-23, 25, 79, 80, 110, 113,
    119, 135, 139, 143, 389, 443, 445,
    1002, 1024-1030, 1720, 5000

    0 Ports Open
    1 Ports Closed
    25 Ports Stealth
    ---------------------
    26 Ports Tested

    NO PORTS were found to be OPEN.

    The port found to be CLOSED was: 1720

    Other than what is listed above, all ports are STEALTH.

    TruStealth: FAILED - NOT all tested ports were STEALTH,
    - NO unsolicited packets were received,
    - NO Ping reply (ICMP Echo) was received.

    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Press your browser's BACK button to return
    to the Port Authority results page.

    Gibson Research Corporation is owned and operated by Steve Gibson. The contents
    of this page are Copyright (c) 2008 Gibson Research Corporation. SpinRite, ShieldsUP,
    NanoProbe, and any other indicated trademarks are registered trademarks of Gibson
    Research Corporation, Laguna Hills, CA, USA. GRC's web and customer privacy policy.


    It said I failed the TruStealth Analysis. Is there a way to hide your ISP? and if I ever want to uninstall TrueCrypt is there anything special I need to do. Thanks again for your help.
     
    amber1970,
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  7. 2009/02/03
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    AFAIK True Stealth failed because one of the ports is closed - 1720 I would not see that as a problem - closed is closed :)

    Run All Service Ports - should show Stealth.

    My report ....
    Yes - it is in the documentation ....

    Then uninstall TrueCrypt through Add/Remove Programs.
     
    PeteC,
    #6
  8. 2009/02/04
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    Port 1720 is uised for NetMeeting and should be closed. If don't use NetMeeting then the port should be stealthed. This is accomplished by closing NetMeeting and configuring it NOT to load at boot. Note, other 3rd party comm. apps may use that same port.

    Technically, a closed port is almost as bad as a port that is opened. A closed port tells prying eyes w/ a network scanner, "yes, a computer exists at this ip address ".
     
    TonyT,
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  9. 2009/02/04
    PeteC

    PeteC SuperGeek Staff

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    Thanks for that, Tony :)
     
    PeteC,
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