In today’s digital age, data plays a very crucial role. Back in the day, users could protect the stored on their portable or desktop computers by using a simple password. However, times have changed. There are different varieties of threats lingering around that hold the capabilities to steal, corrupt, or sabotage data in numerous ways. However, to effectively combat the problem, there are multiple ways following which users can protect their data and stay safe from internal and external threats.

One of the most effective methods to protect data and keep it safe is encryption. According to Norton, encryption is securing data that involves encoding plaintext data to ciphertext. Once an individual has encrypted data, it can only be accessed using the unique decryption key. Only those with the key can decipher the encrypted data and access it. There are numerous types of encryptions, out of which full-disk encryption is one of the most popular and commonly-used forms. This article will cover multiple aspects of full-disk encryption and why every individual who wishes to keep their data safe and secure should consider using it. Let us get started:

What is Full-Disk Encryption?

Full-Disk Encryption or FDE is an effective strategy that facilitates users to combat cyber attacks, data breaches, and numerous other forms of data-related issues. It is a highly-secure method of keeping data safe from individuals or files with malicious intent. Using FDE, users can convert any data they wish to protect into a highly-confidential format, making it inaccessible to anyone who does not have the decryption key. As the name suggests, Full-Disk Encryption protects entire drives from becoming victims of cyberattacks.

Different Types of Encryption Applications:

Both the popular operating systems, namely macOS and Windows, offer support from numerous types of encryption applications and tools. Let us take a look at two of the most popular native encryption utilities of macOS and Windows:

FileVault – macOS’ default data encryption tool is called FileVault. It is a full-disk encryption tool that facilitates macOS users to protect all data present in their startup disk. The FileVault disk encryption mac offers users full-disk XTS-AES-128 encryption capabilities and a 256-bit key. One of the best parts about FileVault is that it is very easy to set the application up and use it to protect files from unwanted access. If you enable FileVault, you would need to enter the password or use the touch ID functionality to access your Mac’s user account whenever you turn on your Mac. To enable the feature, all you need to do is open the “System Preferences” utilities on your Mac, click on “Security & Privacy” followed by the “FileVault” option, and turn it on by clicking on “Turn On FileVault”.

BitLocker – Similar to macOS, Windows also offers a native full-disk encryption tool called BitLocker. The powerful tool facilitates Windows users to protect their hard drives from numerous types of threats, including information theft. BitLocker offers users the option to encrypt disks or just a specific part of them. It follows the AES encryption algorithm in CBC mode. Besides this, it also offers a 128-bit key. One of the few requirements of BitLocker to function efficiently on a PC is that the device should feature two NTFS partitions. To access the feature, users need to search for the utility in the Start menu and click on the app when it appears in the search results.

Reasons to Consider Using Full-Disk Encryption:

There are numerous reasons why you should consider using full-disk encryption. Here are two of the most important ones:

It Prevents Data Leaks

A data leak occurs when sensitive information gets accidentally exposed. If it happens, there is a very high chance that the leaked information gets sold on the Internet and gets misused. However, if you secure your drive by encrypting it, the data would remain safe and secure from leaks since only those with the decryption key will be able to access and open it.

It Secures Data From Cyber Attacks

One of the primary reasons every individual who wishes to keep the data stored on their local drive safe should use full-disk encryption to protect it from hackers with malicious intent. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for stealing sensitive information from users. However, encrypting your drive will render the data stored on your local drive unreadable to anyone who does not have access. Even if your drive physically gets stolen, the thief would not be able to access your data if the drive is encrypted.

If you use your Mac or PC’s local drives to store confidential data and sensitive information, it would be best to use full–disk encryption to fully secure your drives. Encrypting your device will prevent your data from getting leaked and make it less susceptible to cyberattacks.