The need for data protection, previously reserved for corporations protecting sensitive data from competitors, has now spread to virtually all computer users. Widespread Internet access has placed millions of computers at risk of data compromise, accompanied by high risk of financial loss. To be effective, any data encryption system has to fill several roles. It must protect data on the computer from casual observers when the user leaves his desk, and also provide strong protection from online threats. It should additionally prepare encrypted files for safe transport to another computer without decryption facilities and, for maximum flexibility, also encrypt clipboard contents. Finally, it must be easy to incorporate into the user’s daily routine. Da Vinci uniquely meets these requirements. It was designed with emphasis on cost-effectiveness and ease of use while employing the strong and widely-accepted AES 256-bit encryption algorithm. This system is for all practical purposes unbreakable, since enormous resources are required to break Da Vinci. Designed for personal and corporate use, Da Vinci is simple to incorporate into daily computer use while providing powerful data protection. Its features include drag-and-drop to move information in and out of the protected area, self-decrypting files for recipients without Da Vinci, network compatibility and clipboard content encryption. Data is encrypted and placed in a Private Data Container, part of the computer’s existing hard drive, but accessible only by entering the correct password. When connected to the Private Data Container, it carries a designation like any other disk, so it can be used just like any other disk. Data is automatically encrypted and decrypted on-the-fly, so the user works unaware of the process. When disconnected from the data container, the disk designation disappears and data is protected from casual observers, online hackers and anyone else that may want to access personal files.
