Full-Disk vs File Encryption: Which Do You Need?
Full-disk encryption protects everything on a drive. File encryption protects specific files or folders.
Full-disk encryption
Protects data if a device is lost or stolen while powered off. Examples include BitLocker and FileVault.
File or folder encryption
Protects chosen items even when the system is running or when files move between devices.
Which to use
Use both: full-disk for baseline protection and file encryption for particularly sensitive documents or shared files.
Key takeaway: Turn on full-disk encryption and add file-level encryption for the most sensitive data.
