Encryption Basics: How to Secure Your Data

Encrypt your devices

Modern iPhones and most Android phones encrypt storage by default when you set a passcode, so use a strong one. On computers, turn on FileVault on a Mac or BitLocker or Device Encryption on Windows. If a device is lost or stolen, encryption keeps the data unreadable.

Use end-to-end encrypted messaging

End-to-end encryption means only the people in the conversation can read the messages, not the service provider. Signal and WhatsApp use it by default, and iMessage does between Apple devices. Regular SMS text messages are not end-to-end encrypted.

Check the connection

HTTPS encrypts the connection between your browser and a website. It protects data in transit, but it does not mean the site itself is trustworthy. Avoid entering passwords or payment details on public Wi-Fi without HTTPS.

Protect passwords and backups

A password manager stores your passwords in an encrypted vault and makes unique passwords practical. Add multi-factor authentication to email and financial accounts. Turn on encrypted backups where available, such as Apple's Advanced Data Protection for iCloud.

What encryption cannot hide

Encryption does not remove information that is already public. Property records, court cases and business filings remain searchable no matter how well you secure your devices. To see what is public about you, read what public records show about you, then use Search Tools and our data broker opt-out guide.

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