Latest news
Since the advent of PCs, encryption technology has evolved at a spectacular rate. Whereas before, the real problem in deciphering an encrypted message lay in the need to make large-scale calculations, computers have made it possible to carry out such calculations at amazing speeds. These same machines have also enabled encryption systems to be made both more accurate and complex.
Nowadays, it is unthinkable that data of any consequence should be transmitted without having previously been encrypted to prevent exposure to the prying eye. Unfortunately though, the common perception of data transmission is limited to the Internet and therefore many other systems that can and should be protected with encryption are generally ignored.
Laptop computers have now become a standard accessory for today's highly mobile business people, meaning also that all information stored on these computers is highly mobile and needs to be adequately protected. Although passwords can be used to impeded unauthorized access, they are little obstacle to the skilled and determined intruder.
With these kinds of problems in mind, Microsoft has incorporated an encryption system in its operating systems to prevent unauthorized access to information on disk. This system, the 'Encryption File System' (EFS), allows files and folders to be encrypted so that if a laptop or disk were to fall into the wrong hands, it would be impossible to decipher the information it contained.
To further heighten security, EFS includes various layers of encryption. Each file has its own unique encryption key, which is essential in order to be able to work with the file. This key, which is also encrypted, is only available to users authorized to access each file. EFS is actually integrated into the file system, thus reinforcing security against unauthorized access and at the same time making administration easier for users. The encryption and decryption of data is completely transparent and requires no user interaction other than selecting the file to encrypt.
Spotlight

Is it time to professionalize information security?
Posted on 23 May 2013. | The issue of whether or not information security professionals should be licensed to practice has already been the topic of many a passionate debate.

Review: Logging and Log Management
Posted on 22 May 2013. | Every security practitioner should be aware of the overwhelming advantages of logging and perusing logs for discovering system intrusions. But logging and log management comes with its own set of difficulties.

Experts highlight top data breach vulnerabilities
Posted on 22 May 2013. | Hidden vulnerabilities lie in everyday activities that can expose personal information and lead to data breach, including buying gas with a credit card or wearing a pacemaker.

A closer look at Mega cloud storage
Posted on 21 May 2013. | Once a novelty, nowadays many cloud storage services are fighting for their piece of the market in the virtual world. Mega offers 50GB of free space with great pricing on Pro accounts.

The CSO perspective on healthcare security and compliance
Posted on 20 May 2013. | Randall Gamby is the CSO of the Medicaid Information Service Center of New York. In this interview he discusses healthcare security and compliance challenges and offers a variety of tips.
By subscribing to our early morning news update, you will receive a daily digest of the latest security news published on Help Net Security.
With over 500 issues so far, reading our newsletter every Monday morning will keep you up-to-date with security risks out there.





