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Encryption

[Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 220
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in PC & Mac Hardware and Software #1
I have to share a pc at the moment & have encrypted files like bank details etc. using axcrypt.
How safe is this & can it be accessed by other users if they try hard enough?

Comments

  • irishguyirishguy Posts: 22,172
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    #2
    Very safe and practically impossible to hack unless you've chosen an obvious encryption key/password
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 220
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    #3
    Thank you - that's a weight off my my mind. :)
  • max99max99 Posts: 9,002
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    #4
    All depends on:
    • The skill level of the person
    • Their interest in nosing through your stuff
    • How much you trust them.
    A simple keylogger can be installed in minutes and will run in the background recording everything you type in - so the axcrypt password along with all your other login details can easily be harvested by someone with fairly basic skills.
  • LION8TIGERLION8TIGER Posts: 8,484
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    #5
    As in post 2, more or less impossible.
    As in post 4, if you are accessing that info while on the shared pc, then quite easy if they want the info that much.
  • flagpoleflagpole Posts: 44,641
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    #6
    yeah the encryption itself is secure, unless your friend works for the NSA, GCHQ etc. The weakness comes from elsewhere probably password capture. Software keyloggers, some kind of usb intercepter, hidden camera... they can even record the sound of the keys. Plus there is the possibility of capturing the files whilst unencrypted.

    You could keep your pr0n on a usb key and encrypted. For extra security, still not perfect, but nothing is.
  • max99max99 Posts: 9,002
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    #7
    Using Truecrypt with a keyfile will give you an added layer of security. As well as a password, you can specify that a particular file (jpg, mp3, etc.) has to be present to decrypt the data. This keyfile can be kept on a USB stick and stored away from the machine when not in use.
  • irishguyirishguy Posts: 22,172
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    #8
    flagpole wrote: »
    You could keep your pr0n on a usb key and encrypted. For extra security, still not perfect, but nothing is.

    haha encrypting your porn seems a bit OTT.. do people actually do this?
  • [Deleted User][Deleted User] Posts: 220
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    #9
    I'm certainly not hiding anything dodgy I can assure you - it was a perfectly genuine query; I'm quite a novice when it comes to computing & need to feel secure.

    Thanks for the serious answers - appreciated.
  • max99max99 Posts: 9,002
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    #10
    PatMcgroin wrote: »
    I'm certainly not hiding anything dodgy I can assure you

    I think your username suggested otherwise...
  • ForestChavForestChav Posts: 35,127
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    #11
    Best to keep your passwords secure, plenty of numbers/uppercase/lowercase (the combination), not using dictionary words or sports teams, not giving it out to other people etc... if you're concerned don't save it on the machine but unless there's a keylogger on there it's fine. You're not liable for fraud anyway.
  • max99max99 Posts: 9,002
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    #12
    ForestChav wrote: »
    If you're concerned don't save it on the machine but unless there's a keylogger on there it's fine. You're not liable for fraud anyway.

    Hmm, off on a tangent, but what would a typical banks response be if someone using your machine with your permission accessed your account using a keylogger? Would the bank cover it or blame it on you for not using enough caution? I wonder if a precedent has ever been set?
  • ForestChavForestChav Posts: 35,127
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    #13
    max99 wrote: »
    Hmm, off on a tangent, but what would a typical banks response be if someone using your machine with your permission accessed your account using a keylogger? Would the bank cover it or blame it on you for not using enough caution? I wonder if a precedent has ever been set?

    I wouldn't know, but I would presume it would work on the basis that you had not authorised these transactions personally...
  • max99max99 Posts: 9,002
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    #14
    ForestChav wrote: »
    I wouldn't know, but I would presume it would work on the basis that you had not authorised these transactions personally...

    Yeah, I'd hope that's how it would work, but I wouldn't be too surprised if some of the banks got a little arsey about it.
  • flagpoleflagpole Posts: 44,641
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    #15
    it's in the bank's interest to push internet banking.

    they'd much rather you paid your bills online than stood in the branch as it saves them ££££'s, for this reason they are quite keen to ensure that online banking doesn't get a reputation as insecure and are quite generous with the comp.
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