The theory of encryption can be a tough pill to swallow, but a great tool to have in your arsenal.
Thankfully, in a modern context, you just need to ensure that you have the right tools turned on rather than get to the nitty-gritty of it – which could be quite gnarly
Let us keep it simple, encryption is the process of encoding messages or information in such a way that only authorised people with the correct decryption key can read it.
it is performed by passing the data through a ‘cryptographic cipher’ making the output data incomprehensible to a malicious actor who might be able to intercept it.
Although encryption does not prevent your data from being stolen, It helps protect confidential data from unauthorised disclosure if the device it is lost, stolen or confiscated.
Most of your devices have pretty decent inbuilt encryption tools and turning them on goes a long way.
Beware, if you lose your password/recovery key, you might lose your data forever.
How to encrypt your Windows device
Within the Microsoft Windows ecosystem, BitLocker has been your inbuilt encryption tool since the Vista days.
However, you are out of luck if you are using the Windows 11 Home edition as it does not come with Bitlocker.
Meanwhile, a simpler windows ‘Device Encryption’ feature is available on every windows device or version,
Notably, BitLocker is a full device encryption tool with management controls that is available in Windows 11/10 Pro, Enterprise or Education edition.
To access Bitlocker, you need to type ‘Manage BitLocker’ on your search bar and follow the instructions to turn it on.
How to encrypt your Mac
Similar to Bitlocker, FileVault is your go-to encryption tool for Macs.
Unlike Windows, FileVault is freely available on all iOS versions.
Here are the steps to turn on FileVault:
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu > System Settings, click Privacy & Security in the sidebar, then go to FileVault. (You may need to scroll down.)
- Click Turn On next to FileVault.
- You might be asked to enter your password.
- Choose how to unlock your disk and reset your login password if you forget it:
- Click Continue.
How to encrypt your iPhone
On iPhones, turning on the passcode automatically turns on encryption, here are the steps:
- Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode.
- Press “Turn Passcode On” if not enabled already.
- Press “Passcode options” to choose a custom numeric or alphanumeric code (recommended).
- Confirm your device is encrypted by scrolling to the bottom of the Settings > Touch ID & Passcode screen. You should see the “Data protection is enabled” message.
How to encrypt your Android device
Android phones have full-device encryption if they run Android Gingerbread (2.3.x) or later.
On Pixel Phones and Nexus 5+, encryption is by default.
It is still there on other devices and versions, you just need to turn it on:
- Plug in the device to charge the battery (required).
- Make sure a password or PIN is set in Security > Screen lock.
- Go to Settings > Security.
- Press the 'Encrypt phone' option.
- Read the notice and press “Encrypt phone” to start the encryption process.
- Remember to keep the phone plugged in until complete.