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Hello, I have used partitions for a long time to categorize large amounts of data (one partition for games, another for backups, another for media, etc.). I have some of these partitions located on a second hard drive, and if someone wanted to they could easily see the data I have stored on this second hard drive which can be sensitive information. So I am thinking about removing these partitions so that they can only access the hard drive when they get the windows bootup screen. Would this slow down performance, or is there a simple way to make these partitions inaccessible?
Password protect them at least (ntfs full permsission as opposed to simple file share/not share); and even better encrypt the contents (too). I seem to recall that PGP is the most flavoured/favoured and difficult to crack...
So I am thinking about removing these partitions so that they can only access the hard drive when they get the windows bootup screen Removing a partition will delete all the data they contain so even you cannot see it. File permissions or encryption is the way to go.
Be aware that anyone logging in with Administrative rights and a little knowledge will get round the permissions problem. With encryption, forgetting the password can render the data invisible to everyone for ever and ever.
Stuart
Your data is never secure...EVER. If your data is that sensitive, it shouldn't even be on your system. Put it on an external HDD, lock the external in a security box, lock the box in a secure room & post an armed guard...lol
A simple (and effective) method is to have sensitive data on a separate disk. This can be a USB disk, but it can also be a detachable internal disk. These systems are not free (and particularly, not easy to find), but they are very effective. It would probably mean you would opt for USB, but USB is slow.
So, software protection ... if you hide partitions ... somebody could unhide. The software to do that, may remain on your C: drive, so ...
I would put it on cd or dvd . Then find a safe place for the cd.
And even then encrypt contents. Also make a duplicate set too... Opticals can be cracked/scratched, smashed etc. more easily than a conventional HD; so two sets stored apart...?
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