Encryption is a method of coding the information in a file or e-mail message so that if it is intercepted by a third party as it travels over a network it cannot be read. Only the person or persons that have the right type of decoding software can unscramble the message. Encryption is the most effective data security.

Pretty Good Privacy’s PGP for Personal Privacy is an excellent E-mail encryption tool, and there are clever proxy tools for preventing servers from seeing personal information. Being informed about security and privacy issues is the beginning of a good defense.

Information on free and commercial PGP encryption can be found at http://www.pgp.com.