How to encrypt files

This article lists the current possibilties for file encryption at the Department. If your are using confidential data at home or when travelling, you should encrypt your data to prevent abuse.

Solutions

These solutions are all vetted by USIT's security people.

Light-weight Linux encryption: GnuPG

GnuPG is fast and easy.

Really fast HOWTO on how to protect one file:
gpg --symmetric <file.ext>
This will prompt you for a passphrase.
rm <file.ext>
Now you only have the encrypted file.

gpg <file.ext>.gpg
You'll be prompted for the passphrase. Now you have an unencrypted copy of the encrypted file.
 

Encryption of large datasets: TrueCrypt (Windows/Linux)

TrueCrypt is supported for Windows and all Linux distributions. Its most compelling feature is the possibility to make a virtual, encrypted disk which can be decrypted and mounted at will, across all platforms. We're happy to help you set this up if you have a need, or you can check out http://www.truecrypt.org/.

Other encryption needs on Windows

USIT have several tips on their security pages.

drift@geo

Tags: GnuPG, TrueCrypt By Michel Heeremans
Published Jan. 25, 2011 10:58 AM - Last modified Sep. 30, 2013 12:38 PM