But having your files on a laptop or PC is unsafe.
Devices could get stolen and a simple mistake while browsing the internet could give a hacker complete access.
Your best option to fully secure your files and folders is to encrypt them.
What Is File Encryption?
By encrypting a file, you scramble its content beyond recognition.
You unlock it using a cryptographic key, i.e.
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a password or code.
That way, only authorized individuals with the encryption key can dive into the data.
Why Do You Need File Encryption?
There are multiple reasons you should encrypt one or more of your files.
Encrypting your file before sending it ensures that it stays secure even if someone intercepts it.
Layered Protection
Cybersecurity works in layers.
For a hacker to access any of your files, they need to pass through multiple barriers.
Which Files Do it’s crucial that you Encrypt?
Determining which files need more security is a subjective question.
Related:How to Encrypt Your iPhone or iPad Backup
Why Not Encrypt Your Entire Drive?
But full disk encryption is not recommended for the average user.
In addition to compressing files, it also allows you to encrypt them with a secure password.
On its own, its an excellent security measure that can stop and frustrate most attackers.
But stopping there means you’re missing out on a lot of the benefits file encryption offers.
Preferably, it’ll be separate from the one you use to manage your logins.
Protect Your Devices
With timeand the right toolseven the strongest encryptions can be cracked.
Your first and last rule to keeping your files safe is to physically and digitally secure them.
Learn More About Cryptography
Encrypting your files may be your first step into securing your digital property.
But that doesnt mean encryption ends at using generic software.
you might start learning aboutthe terminology of cryptography, what is a key, and whats an encryption algorithm.
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