Archives - Encryption

First-Time Student Laptop Safety Checklist

While phones and tablets have become the go-to computing devices for many students, the laptop still has an important role to play. Any assignments requiring a lot of typing or working with complex documents such as slide decks or long PDFs, are usually better suited to the laptop’s unique capabilities. Many laptop models now even […]

Use encrypted messaging apps instead of SMS when possible

Text messages, sent via carrier SMS, are fixtures of mobile communications. But they’ve lost ground to over-the-top (i.e., internet-based) services such as Apple iMessage, WhatsApp and Telegram. Those alternatives are not only more richly featured, but many have end-to-end encryption as well – something SMS and even its successor, RCS, do not support.

Set up security code change notifications in WhatsApp

Every WhatsApp conversation has its own security code to indicate that the exchange is encrypted end-to-end. It is presented as both a 60-digit code and a QR code. Sometimes, the code will change, such as when someone switches devices or reinstalled the app. You can turn on notifications about these changes within WhatsApp settings so […]

Learn how to encrypt your hard drive on Windows or MacOS

If your computer were ever lost, you’d want the peace of mind that the data contained on it wouldn’t be recoverable by whoever stole or found it. Full-disk encryption is the best solution here. Both Microsoft Windows and Apple MacOS contain built-in utilities – BitLocker and FileVault, respectively – for encrypting all of your local […]

Check for evidence that your information is being encrypted

To prevent attackers from stealing your personal information, online submissions should be encrypted so that the appropriate recipient can only read it. Many sites use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Hypertext Transport Protocol Secure (https). A lock icon in the bottom right corner of the window indicates that your information will be encrypted. Some sites […]

Use end-to-end encryption for sensitive communications

End-to-end encryption means a message is protected throughout its entire journey from sender to receiver. Many common forms of communication, from email to many chat apps, don’t enforce it, though. Look for apps that provide a detailed explanation of their encryption measures, and explore encrypted email if you are worried about the contents of your […]