Maximum PC - UK (2020-03)

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unlock an encryption key, which in turn decrypts the

file so it’s readable. Some encryption can be further

strengthened by the requirement of additional forms

of authentication such as so-called key files or physical

devices, like smart cards.

Encryption keys are created using special

algorithms. Common examples include Advanced

Encryption Standard (AES) and Twofish. The higher

the bitrate, the more secure the key, so 256-bit is

better than 128-bit, and 512-bit is better than 256-bit.

Encryption is a resource-heavy process, particularly

as bitrates increase, so be prepared to see protected

files take longer to open or save. If you have a modern

CPU, you’ll find AES is by far the quickest encryption

standard, thanks to the implementation of hardware-

accelerated AES encryption on supported processors.

Encryption can be performed on individual files or

entire drives, and that’s where we begin our feature,

with a comprehensive guide to scrambling the files on

your PC. Turn the page to get started.

WORRIED ABOUT THE SECURITY and visibility of

your data? Do you have sensitive files you want to keep

away from potentially prying eyes? Worried that your

cloud backup isn’t as secure as it might be? Concerned

that the data on your laptop might be vulnerable to

theft? Want to dispose of files—or an entire PC—

without compromising the data (including previously

deleted files) on it? You’ve come to the right place.

In this feature, we explore numerous options for

protecting your data, both data stored on your PC and

that backed up elsewhere, whether on local storage or

in the cloud. We also reveal how to ensure all data you

delete is shredded beyond recovery, too, enabling

you to pass on a PC or drive to a new home without

having to worry about the data previously stored on it.

When it comes to sensitive files, the solution

lies in a process called encryption. File encryption

works using cryptography to scramble the contents

of files so they’re unreadable without the correct

authentication—usually a password that is used to

BY NICK PEERS

34 MAXIMUMPC MAR 2020 maximumpc.com

protect your data

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