Encryption is the only way to truly protect your sensitive data. You must choose very long, obscure keys for encryption to work, but if you choose the right encryption algorithm(s) and pick a good key, your data is safe - from everyone except yourself.

You cannot simply trust your private information to be safe unless you use encryption and become familiar with the type of encryption technologies that are used when you surf the web and make purchases over the internet.

Encryption/Technologies you should know about:

• TCP/IP
• HTTPS
• DES
• Serpent
• Blowfish
• encryption cracking

Conclusions and recommendations:
A great, free encryption toll that works for Windows, Mac, and Unix is TrueCrypt. Download it here. It's use, along with a large (30+ characters) alphanumeric, mUlti-CaSe-siZE encryption key, and proper mounting and unmounting of the encrypted volumes ensures that your data will be protected.

But remember, if you have an encrypted volume on your computer, and say one day you mount the volume, un-encrypt it with your key, do some business, then turn your computer off and leave. If someone gains access to your computer, removes the hard drive and freezes it within 3-4 minutes of you leaving, they can potentially recover your keys.