Laptop Security

Iconic

I have just read a thread where someone was able to crack an XP login password using freeware within one minute:eek:

Is encryption the only way to ensure your data is secure or are there other options?

mr_fishbulb

It is easy to reset the password on Local Windows accounts (as you have seen).

If you want to fully protect your data, you'll need a full disk encryption program such as TrueCrypt or FREE CompuSec (both free).

If you want to create an encrypted part of your hard drive to store sensitive files in, TrueCrypt can also do that.

But there is no way to get into these if you have lost the password.

Iconic

TrueCrypt looks pretty good. I have never used an encryption program before so I need to have a good look at the Beginner's Tutorial before I use it!
When you think about it most files are sensitive. For instance, even if you only used a laptop for the internet you wouldn't want someone to have access to your emails and be able to use your account.

totalsolutions

Listen HERE locate epsiode #133 re Truecrypt v5

Conor_3

Just to add, if you use any word that's in a dictionary or a list of names, you might as well not bother using a password at all as it can be cracked in a matter of minutes with a basic attack.

Iconic

totalsolutions wrote: »

Listen HERE locate epsiode #133 re Truecrypt v5

and episode 41 for part 1.

Thanks looks a great site.....I am going to download a couple of other interesting items:beer:

Iconic

Conor wrote: »

Just to add, if you use any word that's in a dictionary or a list of names, you might as well not bother using a password at all as it can be cracked in a matter of minutes with a basic attack.

I have just found this from the link above..

https://www.grc.com/passwords.htm

millwalll

It really does depend on how it is cracked over a netowrk, or having axcess to the computer. Over netowork make sure you have no folder set to sharing and you have a good password. Best way to make sure you are safe is dont use the same password. Dont use common words, have somthing like AkJl..##'/68JK as your password a good mixture of letter,numbers,special charaters makes it hard to crack.
If you talking about doing this and the person has axcess to the computer. Put a password on your bios this will stop them botting from a usb or live cd.

there are lots way to stop this happen having a good password is the best way.

mr_fishbulb

millwalll wrote: »

If you talking about doing this and the person has axcess to the computer. Put a password on your bios this will stop them botting from a usb or live cd.

Good advice. Still need some sort of encryption though as you could take the disk and put it an another machine.