This document discusses different methods of file and disk encryption, including file encryption, file system encryption, and whole disk encryption. It provides examples of common encryption tools for each method, such as PGP and GnuPG for file encryption, Microsoft EFS and ZFS for file system encryption, and BitLocker and Truecrypt for whole disk encryption. For each tool, it outlines key advantages and disadvantages.

1. By: Brittany Gilstrap

2. File Encryption
 File encryption is a method of
cryptography that can be used for
individual files, or small groups of files.
Pg 386

3. Common Tools for File
Encryption
 Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) is an encryption
for files on a Windows system.
 Advantages: Can use RSA or Diffie-Hellman for
algorithms that are asymmetric, and use IDEA
for algorithms that are symmetric.
 Disadvantages: Any users sending encrypted
messages or files to each other must both use
PGP or it is unable to be read.
http://www.ehow.com/list_5924278_disadvantages-
pgp-encryption_.html

4. Common Tools for File
Encryption
 GNU Privacy Guard is file encryption
that is open source.
 Advantages: Open source, so skilled users
are capable of customizing more than other
kinds.
 Disadvantages: Can only use open-source
algorithms.
Pg 386

5. File System Encryption
 File System Encryption is a method of
cryptography used by an operating
system that will encrypt groups of files.
This will even “store, retrieve, and
organize” your files.
Pg 386

6. Common Tools for File System
Encryption
 Microsoft Windows Encrypting File System
(EFS) helps encrypt for Windows running
the NTFS file system.
 Advantages: Easily encrypted and decrypted
when users access or move files. Also, all files
are encrypted to the system as they are saved.
 Disadvantages: Never encrypt the system
folders, this will cause performance problems.
You can not encrypt, and compress a file at the
same time. Cannot transfer a file to a system
without NTFS or you will lose your encryption.
Pg 386-387

7. Common Tools for File System
Encryption
 ZFS File System is an encryption tool used
for the Oracle Solaris ZFS system.
 Advantages: Uses AES encryption with 128,
192, or 256 key lengths. Uses hardware
acceleration or software algorithms
automatically.
 Disadvantages: Oracle only.
http://download.oracle.com/docs/cd/E19963-
01/html/821-1448/gkkih.html

8. Whole Disk Encryption
 Whole disk encryption is a method of
cryptography that is used to encrypt
everything on the disk to prevent any
threats such as data theft.
Pg 387

9. Common Tools for Whole Disk
Encryption
 Windows BitLocker is hardware-enabled,
and is used to encrypt anything on the
computer, either a whole volume or even a
small file.
 Advantages: Prevents the hard drive to be
accessed in another computer, and does not
allow for booting from other operating systems.
 Disadvantages: Windows only.
Pg 387

10. Common Tools for Whole Disk
Encryption
 Truecrypt is a whole disk encryption tool
that is open-source.
 Advantages: Compatible with all recent
operating systems. This tool is
automatic, transparent, and happens in real
time. Hidden volumes, and hidden operating
system keep away theft.
 Disadvantages: Downloaded, but other than
that. Seems like a nice encryption tool.
http://www.truecrypt.org/