microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin

Derz wrote:

> How safe is data stored on an XP Professional System if it is stolen.
>
> The system has two accounts, Guest and one user. Both are Password protected.
> The Hard Drive is NTFS format.
> The Data area Permission gives full access to the group "Everyone".
>
> Reading some posts related posts, I've seen 3rd party encryption software
> recommended.
> Does NT/NTFS Encrypt. Is additional software necessary?

NTFS is a file system, not a security measure. It does support
permissions for access but that is easily overriden. The hard disk can
be taken to another host or used under a different instance of Windows
and anyone with admin-level privileges in that instance of Windows can
take ownership of your files to access them. Permission-based access
can be circumvented. It really is only for file management, not for
file security.

EFS may be available depending WHICH version of Windows XP you are
using. Windows XP Home does not include EFS support. You mention
Windows XP Professional which does include EFS support. Be sure to read
ALL the help articles in Start -> Help and Support regarding the use and
management of EFS-protected folders or files, especially the part about
exporting your EFS certificate to removable media for safe keeping.

If you don't want to rely on an encryption scheme that employs a
cryptographic key unique to a user account but want to use something
that relies on passwords and more portable then look at TrueCrypt.