Is Microsoft's Private Folder too private?

Posted Jul 11th 2006 12:03PM by Tom Taulli
Filed under: Launches, Microsoft (MSFT)

Talking about "Microsoft security" often brings chuckles. Well, over the past few years, the company has been putting an enormous amount of resources into security. So you can expect to see a myriad of such products hit the market.

One such product is Private Folder 1.0. Basically, you can create a completely secure file folder on your PC.

Interestingly enough, this may be an example of unintended consequences. After all, what if your kid uses a Private Folder to hide less-than-approvable activities, such as by storing pictures and downloads?

Or, what if an employee is doing the same thing on corporate computers? Suppose you have some things to hide from your spouse?

Something else: Private Folder has no documentation; there is no customer support provided. Also, if you lose your password, you are out-of-luck.

But if you are good at remembering passwords – and have things you want to keep very secret – Private Folder is free at Microsoft.

Tags: Microsoft, PC, Private Folder, PrivateFolder, Security