It was suggested that I chime in on encryption, so here it is (for what its worth).
I've been using the free version of a program called Cryptainer. This is a very easy to use program. It will make a volume on your hard drive that you can "drop" files into for encryption (making this volume is optional).
I've been primarily using it to send encryptped emails to our biller (superbills, id card copies, etc.) since it will generate a self-extracting file. The recipient just needs to know the agreed-upon password. I've been thinking of using it to do a monthly encryped backup to dvd of the AC folder.
Cryptainer uses the Blowfish algorithim designed in 1993 by Bruce Schneier. This appears to have been a pretty darn good encryption algorithim. Only one real problem.
In December 2007 Bruce Schneier apparently stated that "At this point, though, I'm amazed it's still being used. If people ask, I recommend Twofish instead." I got that from Wikipedia.
Nevertheless, I'm sure Blowfish will stop most yahoos. But the really determined , deep money guys might be able to break it. And given the stakes of ID theft, I'm starting to search for a new program using Twofish.
