We are constantly putting more personal and financial information on our computers. In most cases such information is worth much more than the computer if your PC is stolen. Criminals are becoming more aware of this and using PC thefts as one way to facilitate identity theft.
One way to protect yourself is to encrypt your disk. This protects everything on your disk. However, if the encryption breaks down, your disk is no longer accessible for anything.
Another method of protection is to password-protect your files. Not all programs have this function available. (Note: Microsoft Office does allow you to password-protect your files. As well, there are a number of programs available that can be used to divulge an Office password.)
One quick way to protect a number of files at the same time is to use the program called My Lockbox (available for free on CNET at http://download.cnet.com/My-Lockbox/3000-2144_4-10789387.html?tag=dropDownForm;productListing).
My Lockbox completely hides one entire directory of files from view. You open the program with a password (make it strong!) While the directory is hidden/locked, the files in it cannot be opened. The directory can be made visible and usable by just clicking the “Unlock” icon.
