Encryption Software

Now that I have most of the paperwork for fall semester completed, I have time to do some exploring.  With privacy issues associate with HIPAA and FERPA, it is important for clinicians and educators to use encryption software.  AxCrypt (http://www.axantum.com/) has just released a new update to the free encryption software.  The software is really easy to use.  Simply right-click on a file or folder and select encrypt from the menu. 

To learn more about encryption, go to How Stuff Works at http://www.howstuffworks.com/encryption.htm 

New computers often have encryption software pre-installed.

Free Encryption Software That is Easy to Use

Just about every day I am reading about lost laptops or stolen healthcare provider hard drives.  A wonderful GCSU colleague introduced me to a free open source DOD standard encryption software, Axcrypt http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/

It is a small file and easy to install and use.  It allows you to encrypt files and to electronically shred and delete them.

We all need to consider using encryption software for file with personal identifiers or those with patient or student identifiers.