• The Fastest External Hard Drive: Samsung T3
• The Fastest Mechanical External Hard Drive: Seagate Backup Plus Fast

In our mobile world it is more important than ever to be able to move large amounts of data at quick speeds. Right now there are three popular methods of moving and storing files: flash drives, cloud storage, and external hard drives. Of these options, external hard drives are your best bet.

While affordable, USB Flashdrives are just way too slow for all but the simplest of file transfers. And while cloud storage is an increasingly viable option, it does require an internet connection and opens you up to security threats. The Dropbox hack proves that sensitive data should be stored on physical hard drives. Finally, it takes a long time to transfer data over the cloud. External hard drives have the advantage of both speed and security. I looked at the recent generation to determine the fastest external hard drive.

The Fastest External Hard Drive: Samsung T3

The Samsung T3 combines solid state drive technology with a USB-C connection to provide the fastest read-write speeds of any external storage unit. It achieves 450MBs read/write speeds, which puts it on par with many internal SSDs. But it really shines when compared to even the fastest mechanical external hard drives, which sustain speeds around 230MBs. The T3 isn’t just the fastest external hard drive, it delivers the best overall experience, albeit at a very high price tag.

So why is this drive so fast? First, it benefits from Samsung’s experience as the industry leader in the internal SSD market. Samsung’s 850 PRO and EVO SSDs use V-NAND flash memory to store data, 32 vertical NAND cell layers that have a higher density and better efficiency than regular flash memory. The T3 uses this technology as well, allowing for a capacity of up 2TB in a small case.

It also incorporates a USB-C connector that supports USB 3.1 gen 1, which offers a transfer rate of 5GBps. USB 3.1 gen 2 reaches 10GBps, but is not yet supported by any external SSDs. The T3 also supports UASP, a USB protocol that speeds up data transfer. Reviewer benchmarks found that the T3 excelled at transferring incompressible data such as HD video files.

In addition to speed, the T3 outperforms external HDDs in both portability and durability. The palm-sized device is truly portable, letting you carry 2 TBs in your pocket without a second thought. It’s a lightweight 1.8 ounces, and has a dimension of 2.9 x 2.3 x 0.4 inches, making other SSDs seem bulky. And unlike a mechanical hard drive, a SSD has no moving parts. That makes it shock resistant and protects your data against accidental drops or magnetic fields. The T3 has rugged aluminum casing and an internal frame that is shock resistant up to 1500G force. You can accidentally knock it off your desk without having a heart attack.

In addition to safeguarding against clumsiness, the T3 protects your files against digital threats. It includes AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. It is compatible with Windows, Mac & Android OS.

The downside is that you need to pay for speed. The T3 costs about $0.4 per gigabyte, which is 10x more expensive than the fastest HDDs.

The Fastest Mechanical External Hard Drive: Seagate Backup Plus Fast

The major advantage mechanical hard drives hold over SSDs remains their price. The truth is that they deliver way more storage for a fraction of an SSD’s cost. So if you want both value and speed, go with the 4TB Seagate Backup Plus Fast. It is the fastest external HDD on the market and costs the same as a 500GB T3.

The Backup Plus Fast delivers transfer speeds that top off at 230MBs. That’s about half the peak performance of the T3, but 2x faster than most external HDDs. Inside the black plastic casing you’ll find two hard drives stacked on top of each other. This design accounts for the fast speed and immense memory, but makes the drive very bulky. In fact, it weighs nearly a pound and is almost an inch thick. You definitely won’t be carrying it around in your pocket.

It hooks up to your Mac or PC via a USB 3.0 cable and comes with backup software. Unfortunately, you might need that backup software because the drive is susceptible to RAID0, a type of data loss that occurs if one of the two drives should fail.  The Backup Plus Fast comes with a 3-year warranty, but its best to use the drive as a backup for important files.

The post The Fastest External Hard Drive of 2016 appeared first on Reactual.

We’ve researched websites such as V3.co.uk, PC World, Recovery-Review.com, Computeractive, Download.com, About.com, CNET, and PC Magazine. Here is the top rated data recovery software for USB drives:

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition (Free)

Pros:

• Effective USB drive data recovery
• Ability to perform Windows hard drive data recovery

Cons:

• 1GB limit on recovered data

Top Review Sources:

• V3.co.uk: 4.0/5.0 “An ideal solution for those seeking to recover lost data on all forms of removable media”
• PC World: “EaseUs Data Recovery Wizard Free actually works and it’s not a glorified undelete program like some you’ll encounter”
• Recovery-Review.com: “The program has proven to be a reliable, stable and fast tool”

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition is a full-featured undelete program with options for USB flash drive data restoration. No matter how you lost the files—accidental deletion, software crash, damage from malware, or even reformatting—Data Recovery Wizard will almost certainly be able to help. This program has advanced capabilities such as sector scanning and file name restoration. The only catch is that the Free Edition only allows you to recover 1GB of data. You’ll be able to scan for and see all the data that EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard finds and can restore, but without spending $70 for the paid edition, you can’t recover more than a gigabyte. With USB flash drive capacities commonly well above 1GB, it is likely you will need the paid edition. However, you may not, and even if you do, there isn’t any investment required to try out this solid performer.

Visit the publisher’s site to download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard Free Edition, as well as EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard ($70).

BadCopy Pro ($40)

Pros:

• Dedicated removable media recovery
• Fast

Cons:

• Only recognizes FAT file systems

Top Review Sources:

• PC World: “If you’ve ever inserted a CD, floppy, Zip disk, or thumb drive only to have Windows cough up an error message telling you it isn’t there, isn’t formatted, or some such, you’ll appreciate BadCopy Pro”
• Computeractive: “If you need to recover a file, it’s definitely worth giving BadCopy a try”
• Dowload.com User Reviews: 3.0/5.0 (35+ reviews)

BadCopy Pro is a dedicated removable media recovery program. USB flash drives commonly use the FAT32 file system. FAT32 allows data to be written and read between Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, so it is useful to have removable media formatted with FAT32. However, it is possible to format a USB drive with another popular file system, such as NTFS (used by modern Windows operating systems). If you don’t work with FAT32, look elsewhere for your USB flash drive data recovery software. However, if you are using FAT32, BadCopy Pro is worth a close look. BadCopy Pro is built to restore data on USB drives and other removable media. It works in a few simple steps to scan for deleted or corrupted files, and its interface is clean and simple. If you download the free trial version of BadCopy Pro, you’ll be able to preview the files it finds but not save them. If you are happy with the results, you can purchase the paid version in order to restore your data.

Jufsoft’s Bad Copy Pro is available for download as a free evaluation version, or as the paid, full-featured edition.

Recuva (Free)

Pros:

• Great performance
• Helpful interface
• Free

Cons:

• Some paid programs offer more features

Top Review Sources:

• About.com: 5.0/5.0 “Contains a simple wizard and advanced options – perfect for everyone”
• CNET: 4.5/5.0 “An excellent choice for anyone in need of reliable file recovery”
• PC Magazine: 4.0/5.0 “An attractive interface that you can navigate easily even when you’re distracted by the fear that you’ve lost precious data for ever”

Piriform’s Recuva is a well-known and respected name in the data recovery game. Its main draw is its ability to save data from hard drives, but it also has the capability to rescue USB drive data. Recuva’s friendly wizard guides you through the process in a step-by-step fashion. You will be able to preview your results before saving. In tests, Recuva performs very well in finding and saving lost data. Advanced options included a deep scanning mode, sector-based recovery, and secure file deletion.

Download Recuva for free on Piriform’s website.

The post The Top Rated Data Recovery Software For USB Drives appeared first on Reactual.

After researching expert and user opinions on sites such as CNET, Tom’s Hardware, Techworld, PC Magazine, ITPRO, V3.co.uk, Computerworld, and 4sysops, we’ve compiled a list of the top rated drive encryption software for PCs:

TrueCrypt (Free)

Pros:

• Free
• Low performance impact
• Works across platforms

Cons:

• Learning curve can be steep

Top Review Sources:

• CNET: 4.5/5.0 “The ultimate freeware encryption program”
• Tom’s Hardware: “We recommend downloading and trying TrueCrypt even if you are not looking for a security solution”
• Techworld: “TrueCrypt is a real winner and comes at a price that can’t be beat”

TrueCrypt is a major name in drive encryption software. Once installed, this free software allows the user to encrypt his or her entire drive, a process that initially can take several hours (the computer remains useable during the process). The user can select from three different encryption algorithms (AES, Serpent, and Twofish) or a combination of the three. Once fully encrypted, TrueCrypt continues to automatically protect new information in real time; a single master passcode is all that you need to boot your computer and go about your normal activities. TrueCrypt’s automatic encryption feature is likely to have little noticeable impact on system performance unless you have an older system or are using multi-level encryption—an extra security measure unnecessary for most users. In the event you need to remove TrueCrypt, the decryption process is clean and hassle-free.

TrueCrypt provides the option of partial drive and external drive (including USB flash) encryption. Additionally, TrueCrypt works across platforms, which is great for those who also use Macintosh or Linux. The learning curve for beginners can be steep; the user interface isn’t fully intuitive and there are dangers in using the software without adequate knowledge. However, TrueCrypt’s online documentation is excellent and provides adequate instruction for those willing to invest the time.

TrueCrypt is available for download on the manufacturer’s website.

ZoneAlarm DataLock ($37)

Pros:

• Solid protection from an established brand
• 24/7 password recovery hotline
• Simple encryption process

Top Review Sources:

• PC Magazine: 4.5/5.0 “Its makers have considered just about every possible eventuality to ensure that you don’t lock yourself out of the encrypted data”
• ITPRO: 5.0/6.0 “Using DataLock is about as simple as it comes”
• V3.co.uk: 4.0/5.0 “Good value for money”

ZoneAlarm is a familiar and reliable name in internet security. The company’s DataLock software offers full-disk protection by means of 256-bit AES encryption and a password prompt at startup. A stand-out feature of ZoneAlarm DataLock is the 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week hotline for password recovery. While forgetting your master passcode should be avoided at all costs when using any software encryption program, it is good to know that DataLock provides a convenient means of unlocking your system should you need it. As part of the quick and straightforward setup process, you will create security questions and answers that you’ll have to know in order to recover your password via DataLock’s hotline.

Initial encryption can take hours for hard drives packed with information, but your computer remains useable and subsequent encryption is performed on-the-fly with negligible performance impact. The clean user interface will be familiar to anyone used to using other ZoneAlarm products. Encryption with DataLock is largely set-it-and-forget-it. Note that DataLock is for laptops only; if the software does not find a battery connected to your computer, it will not install.

ZoneAlarm DataLock can be purchased through Amazon.

Microsoft BitLocker (Free)

Pros:

• Free
• Transparent operation
• Seamless incorporation with Windows

Cons:

• Only available for certain editions of Windows
• Not as feature-rich as other disk encryption utilities

Top Review Sources:

• Computerworld: “Encryption is difficult to implement properly…and Microsoft deserves kudos for making it possible to do this in such a tightly integrated way in Windows”
• 4sysops: “It greatly simplifies the encryption of a system drive”
• PC Magazine: “BitLocker reaches its full potential on computers that include…a Trusted Platform Module (TPM)”

Microsoft’s BitLocker is a free drive encryption utility available for the Enterprise and Ultimate editions of Windows Vista and 7, as well as Windows Server 2008 and Server 2008 R2. Though BitLocker is free, users running versions of Windows other than those listed above are not able to install it. For those using compatible versions of Windows, BitLocker is a strong-performing disk encryption utility. It employs 128-bit AES encryption and several modes of authentication, including entering a PIN at startup, using a passcode saved on a USB flash drive, or utilizing your computer’s Trusted Platform Module (TPM). TPM is an emerging, hardware-based technology that uses a special microchip to verify system integrity before bootup. The TPM stores a key used to unlock the system; if an attacker removes your hard drive, he or she will be unable to read its contents because the drive has been separated from the TPM. Likewise, if the Windows startup process is altered, the TPM will prevent the operating system from loading.

Once activated, BitLocker encrypts new files on-the-fly with very little performance impact. While all disk encryption software takes a slight edge off a computer’s overall speed, BitLocker is one of the least cumbersome. On Windows 7 machines, you also have access to BitLocker To Go, a utility that allows you to encrypt removable media.

The post The Top Rated Drive Encryption Software For PCs appeared first on Reactual.

Install a VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Using a VPN or “virtual private network” is the best way to make your internet activities private. Until recently, VPNs were mostly used by companies to secure their employee’s network connections. There are now VPN services designed for personal use.

When you are connected to a VPN, all the data leaving your computer is encrypted. This makes it very difficult for hackers and eavesdroppers to monitor your internet connections.

This is particularly important if you use WiFi hotspots (in the local coffee shop or at a university for example). When you use a public WiFi you are broadcasting all of your data “in the clear” with typically no security whatsoever. This can include your emails, IM messages, web searches, and any other data sent or received over the wireless network.

Note that a VPN is different from a web proxy, which only redirects your browser connections. A VPN encrypts and redirects all your internet connections.

VPNs are also useful for keeping your online identity private. The web sites you visit and your online activities become reasonably anonymous, because your online connections are being routed through an anonymous computer. In fact, many people use VPNs to help them bypass censorship and limits imposed on them by their government.

If your work or school may also impose restrictions of your internet usage, a VPN can provide a secure tunnel to an unrestricted internet. Similarly, VPNs allow you to internationalize your online presence. Many websites (like Hulu) restrict content to specific countries, which can be frustrating if you are traveling away from your home country. Many people also use VPNs to help them bypass censorship and limits imposed on them by their government.

Which VPNs To Use?

There are many VPN services out there, here the VPN some recommendations:

• VPNs that focus privacy, and do not log your IP address and connections: Private Internet Access and IPVanish
• VPNs with servers in many countries: HMA and Astrill

Encrypt Your Email and Instant Messages

Encrypt emails you’d like to remain private. You can use Thunderbird + Enigmail to send encrypted email (using PGP). Use a secure Instant Message client or a plugin that supports OTR (Off-The-Record messaging). You can use Ekiga, a free video, phone and instant message application, or you can use the free instant message client Audium that supports OTR (Off-The-Record messaging).

Secure Your Computers

Set up your computer’s firewall. Only login in as an admin user when necessary. Use a strong passwords for your user accounts. Set your computer to log you out after 15 minutes. Encrypt your hard drives where possible. Some Mac and Linux installations have drive encryption built  into the operating system — you can turn on this encryption quite easily. You can also use Truecrypt, a piece of free software that can create encrypted drive disks that appear on your system as a regular files.

Secure Your Home Network

When setting up a wireless network use WPA2 encryption, use MAC address identification, set you network to not announce itself.

Set up you your router’s firewall — only open necessary ports.

Secure Your Mobile Devices

Secure your mobile devices with passwords, set them to log out after 5-15 minutes of inactivity. You can use a VPN on these phones and tablets. The process is a bit more tedious (mobile devices tend to disconnect VPNs quite often) but it does work.

Other Security Tools and Tips

Install a virus detector and malware (trojan horses, spyware, adware) detector. See our previous articles for recommended products: “The Top Rated Anti-Spyware Utilities For Macs” or “The Top Rated Anti-Virus Software For PCs“.

If you are interested in monitoring the internet connections by made by your computer, you can install a network monitor. This is another good way to discover malware on your system, but it requires you to do manual monitoring and researching. You can use the free Net Monitor for Windows or the Little Snitch ($30) for Macs.

Internet browsers and the plugins like Flash leave traces of your online activities on your computer. This files are not cleared away, even if you tell you browser to reset or if you clear your browser cookies and caches. You can install a computer “cleanser” to delete these additional logs and caches. A good example of a cleanser for Mac is Onyx (free).

Considering setting your computers to use OpenDNS for your DNS (domain name service). OpenDNS features phishing protection and misspelling correction, and optional content filtering.

You can back-up or store files securely in the “Cloud” using a paid service like Crashplan. This service can encrypt you files with 448 bit Blowfish encryption (very strong), and store them encrypted on Crashplan’s servers. You keep the encryption key — Crashplan never sees or stores the key.

Don’t open emails from questionable sources, and don’t install applications from questionable sources, especially those found on file sharing services (they tend to have malware, viruses or trojans). If you use a torrent client, set the client to use secure connections where possible, and set it to change to random ports if possible.

Tor is free software that routes Internet traffic through a worldwide volunteer network of servers. Like a VPN it can create private internet connections. Tor isn’t as comprehensive as a VPN because it only works with the applications set to use Tor as a proxy. Tor tend to create slower internet connections than a VPN, but it is a free service, and it is can be run in tandem with a VPN for an extra layer of privacy.

The post An Introduction To Online Privacy Tools: Part 2 appeared first on Reactual.