Full hard disk encryption.
With full hard disk encryption, every sector of the hard disk is
encrypted. Some access control products provide this
feature. The following factors vary from one product
to another:
1. Reduced performance
The more powerful the encryption algorithm, the poorer the
performance of the computer. It is customary to choose
a less powerful algorithm for full hard disk
encryption so that performance does not suffer too much. For
example, a test showed that full hard disk encryption using DES increased
Windows startup time by 600-700%.
2. Encryption power
A compromise always has to be reached to ensure encryption does
not unacceptably reduce computer performance. The most
widely used algorithms - simple XOR, blowfish or
proprietary algorithms (developed by individual
companies) - maintain the best possible performance.
3. Handling 16 and 32 bit disk access
Many products have difficulties if 32 bit disk access is used in
Windows. You should bear this in mind if individual
applications require 32 bit disk access. There
is a simple test that those uninitiated in the world of cryptography can use to determine the power of an encryption algorithm. Create a
file containing nothing but the same character. It is
a sign of weakness if the encrypted result also
contains only a series of identical characters.
Poor encryption algorithm :
Unencrypted data : AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Encrypted data : BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB
Good encryption algorithm :
Unencrypted data : AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Encrypted data : #sah&%8jJnOlp)D#g1Hu/
Security FAQ
Windows Privacy Tools - http//www.privacywindows.com
| 
