Platinum Edition Using® Microsoft® Windows® XP

File Encryption

With NTFS-formatted drive volumes, you have the option to encrypt files or folders to further protect them from unauthorized access. Windows XP file encryption utilizes the Encrypting File System (EFS), available since Windows 2000. As you've learned from the earlier sections in this chapter, Windows XP provides access control mechanisms by which to grant or deny specific activities against files or folders. So why would encryption be necessary? Why would you need the extra layer of protection provided by encryption if access to the file already requires authentication?

Well, I'm glad I'm pretending you asked.

You see, even though Windows XP can restrict access based on user accounts or groups, it is still possible to get around ...