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What is EFS (Encrypting File System)?

April 26, 2017EFS encrypting file system

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What is EFS (Encrypting File System)?

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The Encrypting File System (EFS) is a component of the NTFS file system on Windows 7, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional, Windows Server 2003 and Windows Vista. (Windows XP Home and WIndows Vista Home don’t include EFS). EFS enables transparent encryption and decryption of files by using advanced, standard cryptographic algorithms. Any individual or program cannot gain access to the encrypted data without the appropriate cryptographic key. EFS has several advantages over traditional encryption techniques. EFS’s encryption technology integrates into the file system, so users can’t access the hard disk without going through the file system. EFS drivers run in kernel mode to provide better security. EFS is easy to manage and completely transparent to the user. A user can encrypt only those files or folders that need protection. Users who don’t have the private key can’t access the data. If encrypted files are moved they stay encrypted.