Encryption Types?

[Jackp90]

I need to encrypt some data and I have some Questions:

What is the best encryption software to date?

How do I install it in Ubuntu?

Can I encrypt an external Hard Drive with it?

[randy78]

I believe GPG is installed by default... just go to Menu|Accessories|Passwords and Encryption Keys

With the program open, choose Key|Create New Key|PGP Key
Continue

Enter your info (default settings are more than enough)
Wait for keys to generate (Will take a few minutes)

Right click on file you want to encrypt|Select Encrypt|Select your key|Click OK

You can encrypt a full Ubuntu install by using the Encrypted LVM option in the Alternate Install cd.

Your passphrase is the weakest link... you could use the highest military grade encryption in the world and it wouldn't make a difference if you have a weak passphrase.

Make sure the passphrase is a minimum of 30 characters (Upper and lowercase letters, numbers, symbols... no dictionary words).

You can use Truecrypt to encrypt an entire external hard-drive

[hyper_ch]

depends on what you want to protect yourself against different strategies are recommended.