Create a Hidden Encrypted Volume on Your Computer to Hide Sensitive Data When You're Forced to Decrypt Your Machine [Security]

Using full-disk encryption (FDE) is a great first step if you want to protect your data, but sometimes it isn't enough. The U.S. Government can force you to decrypt your data, so if you truly want to stay protected you need to hide your sensitive files elsewhere and use your primary disk as a decoy. Security expert Brandon Gregg explains:

FDE drives still leave your data and personal information vulnerable in at least two scenarios: 1) You are forced to turn over your password (as in Judge Blackburn's District Court ruling), or 2) Someone has hacked into your live machine and remotely recording your keystrokes/data while you work. To address these issues, we are also going to put our personal/business files in an encrypted directory-but not using just any encryption scheme. Encryption with hidden volumes is the key to really protecting your information and rights. With a correctly implemented hidden volume on your encrypted hard drive, you don't have to worry when someone cracks (or coerces you into giving up) the password. When they use it to open the door, they will only see the closet.

Brandon suggests using a bad password for the "closet" (your encrypted hard drive—not the sensitive data), such as password. It'll get cracked easily, which will encourage the person looking at your data to believe that you're not smart enough to hide and encrypt your truly sensitive data elsewhere. Keeping that data in a secret volume is a very clever trick and requires hardly more work than encrypting your disk in the first place. If you're looking to keep your files secure, this is a great way to do it.

Three steps to properly protect your personal data | CSO Online via Quora

The Hidden Benefits of DIY [DIY]

When we repair or make our own items there are obvious benefits such as money we didn't have to shell out to repairmen or skilled artisans, but there are also many hidden benefits such as transferable skills, inspiring your children to try projects, and self reliance that makes you less apt to panic when things do go wrong.

Personal finance weblog The Simple Dollar also argues that the skills learned through DIY will allow you to barter for other needed items or skills. Think about it, lets say you learn how to replace parts of a broken toilet instead of calling a plumber. Your costs are parts and tools you may need and your time versus calling a plumber. You may not save a tremendous amount the first time you are called upon to use your toilet-repair skills but if you do this three times throughout your life you'll undoubtedly save money in the long run. Not only that but you'll better understand how plumbing works in general and have the confidence to take on more advanced plumbing projects. Finally, if your neighbor who runs a landscaping business has a broken toilet you might be able to trade a couple hours of your time for free lawn care for the next few months.

In the end spending four hours learning to fix a problem that a plumber could repair in one hour may save you enough to make up for that lost time several times over. Photo by Chad Magiera

Why Do It Yourself? Digging into the Value of DIY | The Simple Dollar