Encryption

Encryption refers to the ability to have your backups stored in scrambled format that no one else can read -- unless they have the password you used when you created the backup. If you're just backing up your home computer hard disk, you might think you don't need all that secret agent stuff. But there are some reasons you might want backup software that supports encryption.

The more you use the computer, the more likely it is you've created some sensitive information you don't want just anybody to be able to see if they happen to pick up one of your backup discs. One common example is tax returns. If you use a popular application like TurboTax to do your taxes, you definitely want to backup those files, but you probably don't want anybody else to be able to read your backup disc.

One very good reason to use encryption is if you have to store your backup on someone else's computer. Usually, the company that provides your Internet connection also gives you some disk space on their computer that you can use, for example, to hold a website. This can be an inexpensive way to make sure you have a copy of your backups somewhere outside your house, so a fire or burglar doesn't end up taking out both your hard disk and all your backups in one fell swoop.

Of course, anything involving passwords comes with some hassles. You need to choose a good password that other people can't easily guess, and forgetting your password could mean your backup is unusable.

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