Why's my HDD or SSD not encrypted?

[Millar14]

Hello, tried searching this before posing this question couldn't find an explanation.

So, I have a Lenovo laptop running Windows 10 Home, and it originally had a HDD. I replaced that with an SSD and it improved a lot. I kept a hold of my HDD just in case I ever needed to return my laptop within the warranty period so I could return it how I got it. Just out of curiosity I plugged in the USB to SATA cable of the HDD to my laptop while the SSD was in the laptop. I was expecting not to be able to see my HDD files and data, but to my surprise I could. Why was this allowed to happen? I thought if my computer was ever stolen that my data wouldn't be accessible and would be encrypted on the storage. The only thing I can think is that because the HDD was running previously on this windows machine and the OS is still installed on the HDD, that's why the computer WITH SSD installed could get straight into the data on the HDD which is detached.

Can anyone clear this up for me?

Thanks, much appreciated.

Millar

 

[rgd1101]

It is not encrypted unless you have encrypt it.

 

[k1114]

Drives were never and have never been encrypted unless you do it yourself. All your common phones, tablets, and other electronic devices are the same. Having a login on it doesn't encrypt it.

 

[Millar14]

Thanks for the responses. I always thought that the log in basically was the 'key' to un-encrypt the storage. Like a phone needs a password when it's linked up to a PC, i just assumed that you couldn't access the data without a password or finger print.

So, I have windows 10 home edition, what is my options to encrypt my laptop data and make me less vulnerable to having my data stolen?

Thanks

 

[k1114]

A login/password is like a gate, if you just go around it, what's behind isn't changed. For most people, these simple types of security will stop them from getting the data. Most people aren't stealing your laptop/devices for the info on them but rather the hardware cost. If someone knows how to get past passwords, they are doing other things worth more money. It's really why it's pointless to encrypt for most people as your info is not worth the trouble unless you're some vip. Identity theft does happen to normal people and there are other data safe practices which will do just fine but I can't blame you for wanting to encrypt.

There are some free apps like veracyrpt. There is a small decrease in performance as your pc will have to decrypt to use files.

 

[USAFRet]

Adding to the above...with a full disk encryption like veracrypt, you have to be really careful.
If that volume ever gets corrupted, or you forget/lose the password...it is gone permanently. Absolutely no chance of recovery.

 

[Millar14]

Thanks guys. I really appreciate your knowledge, you are really educating me on the matter. I'm nearly 30, and I never knew somebody could simply take out your hard drive and gain access to all your data on it. In the days of all these advanced biometric scanning technologies I can forgive myself for thinking my data was encrypted in the background. I'm honestly so surprised. I have also now realized a practical use for Windows Pro vs Windows Home as Pro comes with Bitlocker, Home does not.

Also, @USAFret , nice use of the Storm Shadow missile.

 

[USAFRet]

Also, @USAFret , nice use of the Storm Shadow missile.

That's actually the USAF AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile.

Here, dropped from an F-15E:

 

[Millar14]

Also, @USAFret , nice use of the Storm Shadow missile.

That's actually the USAF AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile.

Here, dropped from an F-15E:

When you're right you're right 😀