PSA: 25 free tools to encrypt literally everything.

[backscatter712]

With the FBI and NSA on the snoop, we're all in danger of getting caught with our britches down, because we are not using proper tools to secure our email, files, etc.

So, here are 25 free tools to encrypt literally everything. Will it keep the three-letter-agencies out? Maybe not, but it'll make things more difficult for them...

LockBox Computing: 25 Free Tools To Encrypt Literally Everything

There are some classics in there like GnuPG, TrueCrypt and Tor, but all the tools are good. ZPhone is great for encrypting VOIP communications.

[soothsayer]

1. cool! thanks.

[burrowowl]

2. Might encrpyting invite the FEDs

to investigate you? Just wondering.

[Didereaux]

3. No, for several very valid reasons....

Research the subject thoroughly on IT security sites. You will find quite detailed analysis of your question. This is not the place for such things...not that it is wrong, simply booooooooorrrrring! Huge snooze factor! ;)

[BurningDog]

4. The hardest part about using encryption is that it takes 2 people to do it.

I think that software developers should build encryption into their applications by default. Of course that would open up a whole other barrel of problems, but it would be a good start.

[backscatter712]

6. Depends on the application.

Email, you're right - not only do you have to use GnuPG and a front-end, but you also have to talk the person you're emailing into using it as well.

OTOH, TrueCrypt is something you can use by yourself. Same thing with Tor.

One question to the DU mods - I've had difficulties when I've tried accessing DU through Tor - it throws me error messages about cookies when I try to post, presumably because when I use Tor, the IP address DU sees my traffic coming from constantly changes. Is there any way to make DU more Tor-friendly?

I do understand DU must take measures to prevent the boards from getting overrun by spammers and freepers, but I would like to use Tor if at all possible with DU.

[flashl]

5. Many moons ago ...

before the "Internet" as we know it today. Using unsanctioned encrytion alogrithims was a BIG no-no. Remember the travils of the original owner of PGP encryption?

[backscatter712]

7. Phil Zimmerman's a hero

He risked a rather long stint in Federal PMITA prison so we could be free to use strong encryption. It's a shame that so few people use it.

I've met him a couple times - very sharp guy. His newest project is ZFone, a tool that lets you encrypt your VOIP phone conversations. It's on the page in my link in my OP, or you can find it at http://zfoneproject.com/

[flashl]

8. Thanks, I didn't bother to mention his name because I thought everyone would say "who?"

Nor would they care. I never met him but made donations to help him.

[Richard Steele]

9. K&R