Kim Komando has advice for keeping your most private photos private. (iStock)
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Once you host a national radio show about all things tech, you hear some pretty wild stories. There was the girl who called me because someone stalking her daughter knew after they were eating dinner — and even posted mom’s phone number on a porn site. Tap or click here to learn how I helped track down a stalker and get him arrested.
Some folks swear they’re being watched but do not have the evidence or expertise to prove it. Tap or click for signs you’re being stalked and never just paranoid.
Then there’s the renowned skilled fashion photographer who reached out recently. He’s taken pictures of all of the famous supermodels. At home, he takes beautiful nude photos of his wife. Naturally, he desires to keep them secure.
If you could have sensitive shots of any kind you wish to protect, keep reading.
Encryption is the magic word
Once you’re storing sensitive photos, that you must take extra precautions. I don’t recommend counting on Google Drive or iCloud alone. For one, they’re obvious targets for hackers. If someone gets their hands in your Google login or Apple ID, they get access to all of your photos, including those meant for less than certain eyes.
Probably the most secure option for storing images is cloud storage which lets you arrange your private encryption key. Meaning only you’ll be able to unlock the photos, videos, and documents you store there.
My pick is IDrive, a sponsor of my national radio show, but any cloud storage with private key encryption will get the job done.
One caveat: Be sure you don’t lose or forget encryption key you arrange. Any reputable company doesn’t store your private key on their servers; it’s yours and yours alone.
You possibly can reset your encryption key settings, but that routinely deletes all the info out of your account. It could sound intense, however it’s also reassuring. There’s no way a hacker will find a way to see the private photos you uploaded since they’ll disappear when the important thing changes.
Photo with reference to hackers and data security.
(Photo by Thomas Trutschel/Photothek via Getty Images)
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You may as well compress and encrypt images
Here’s one other solution if you wish to keep on with the cloud storage option you’re already using, and it doesn’t assist you to set a personal encryption key: You possibly can compress and encrypt your sensitive images.
On a PC, try a free service like 7-Zip. You’ll add your files to a folder, then compress them right into a ZIP file. Bonus: You don’t must create an account or download anything to make use of this open-source software.
Here’s how it really works: Open 7-Zip, select the file or folder you wish to compress, and click on Add.
After you save the folder to your computer, you’ll be able to encrypt it. To do that on a Windows PC:
- Right-click on the file or folder.
- Click Properties > Advanced.
- Select the box that claims Encrypt contents to secure data.
- Select OK > Apply > OK.
To get the job done on a Mac, you need to use Disk Utility to password-protect a folder. This works like a ZIP file, using Mac’s encryption method. Here’s how it really works:
- Click the magnifying glass within the upper right corner and sort Disk Utility. Hit enter.
- In the highest menu, click File > Recent Image. Find the folder you wish to encrypt and click on Select.
- Give the folder a reputation and select where you wish to put it aside.
- Under Encryption, select 256-bit for the strongest encryption. Click Save, then set a password.
Give the folder time to process. This might take a bit depending on how large the files are.
Note: Similar to with the encryption, I talked about above, that you must keep track of the password you employ to encrypt a folder. When you lose it, you is not going to find a way to open the folder.
How you can protect photos in your phone
If you wish to secure photos stored in your phone, you might feel comfortable counting on a password alone.
On an iPhone, the built-in Notes app is a straightforward option to do that. You only must use the Lock Note feature.
You possibly can even take photos through the Notes app so that they don’t appear in your camera roll. Go to Settings > Notes, then slide the toggle next to Save to Photos to the left to disable it.
To check it out, open the Notes app. Create a latest note and tap the camera icon > Take Photo or Video.
Finally, that you must protect the note (and the photo stored there) with a password. Here’s how:
- Open Notes and select the note you wish to lock.
- Tap the More button, then tap Lock.
- Enter a password, then give yourself a password hint. You may as well enable Face ID or Touch ID.
- Tap Done.
How you can secure private photos in your Android
On Android, your best bet is using an app. The Keepsafe photo vault is option. It can request permission to encrypt your photos and videos.
Select Grant access and create an account. Arrange a pin code and tap the + button, then Import photos > Import. Now your private pictures won’t show up in your camera roll. You’ll only find a way to view them within the Keepsafe photo vault.
There’s a version for iPhone, too, if you wish to go the app route.
On this photo illustration an Android logo seen displayed on a smartphone.
(Photo Illustration by Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Find out about all the most recent technology on The Kim Komando Show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her each day suggestions, free newsletters, and more, visit her website at Komando.com.
