Encrypt using TrueCrypt

Truecrypt is a very simple and very powerful encryption tool. I have been using it for the past few years and still have not learned all of the ways that it can be used. I will show you the basics of how to get up and running. First, download truecrypt.

First you will come to this screen:

 Click Next

Again, click next (the hidden encryption is a little more complex, you should read manual first)

On this screen, click, Select File then a box will appear and ask you where you would like to store this encrypted file and what you want to name it. Once you name it click Save,  then Next.

Here you will not change anything, just click Next

Here you will designate the size of the encrypted file, then click Next.

Here you want to create a secure password, but  "Don't Forget"  what it is because nobody, (including some government agencies) can retrieve it for you.

You will see this warning about short passwords, click Yes

Click Format, then Ok

 Click Exit

Now, to open the program. Start TrueCrypt and you will see this

 First, choose a drive letter, then click Select File, here you will locate the file that you named in the beginning and click  Mount.

Once your screen looks similar to this, click  Exit. Then go to My Computer and you should see what appears to be another hard drive. You can copy and paste to this drive, just be sure to open TrueCrypt and click Dismount when you are done. Here is a video I made to help you see it in action.

DANGER!! FREE Wi-Fi at Starbucks!

  In case you haven't heard, beginning July 1, 2010 Starbuck's will begin to offer FREE wi-fi nationwide. Now, I'm sure you are wondering why I have declared this to be so dangerous. This is because there is a very dangerous type of attack that can be deployed at these types of hotspot locations. It's called a "Man in the middle" attack and it occurs when someone sets up there computer to act as a hotspot in locations such as coffee shops and airports, etc. Then, when you turn on your computer, you will see a internet access point that could belong to a nearby hacker just waiting for you to logon. Once connected, you will have no knowledge that all of your internet traffic is passing through the would be hackers computer, where he is gathering all of the packets that your machine is sending and receiving. Later, he can dissect this info to find your email addresses, passwords, credit card info, etc. All the while you are thinking that you are on a safe network owned by the establishment of which you are patronizing.

  Be careful when you visit public wi-fi spots, ask someone who works there what the SSID name is. This is the name of the network which shows up when your computer detects the access points in the area. Avoid any suspicious looking available networks.
Please share this with friends and family, these hotspots are a utopia for hackers. If you have any questions, please email me at thecommongeek@gmx.com