[How-To] Encrypt Your Browser Profile and Other Important Data

[amazinghorse]

Today I will show you how to encrypt all your internet browser data and other sensetive information.
So even if your laptop or hard drive will be stolen, your personal data stay safe.
 
For encryption you will need VeraCrypt.
VeraCrypt is a free disk encryption software based on TrueCrypt.
VeraCrypt adds enhanced security to the algorithms used for system and partitions encryption making it immune to new developments in brute-force attacks.
VeraCrypt also solves many vulnerabilities and security issues found in TrueCrypt.
 
For secure deletion of existing data chunks(to prevent unwanted recovery) you will need CCleaner.
When you delete a file, Windows removes the reference to that file, but doesn't delete the actual data that made up the file on your hard drive. Over time, this data will be overwritten as Windows writes new files to that area of the drive.
This means that, given the right software, someone could reconstruct all, or parts of files that you've deleted. For privacy and security reasons, you can set CCleaner to wipe the free areas of your hard disk so that deleted files can never be recovered.
 
Be extremely careful!

Steps:
1. Create encrypted file container
2. Copy your browser profile to encrypted container

Default profile path for browsers:

Firefox(help) :

%APPDATA%\Mozilla\Firefox\Profiles\

e.g. profile folder name: xxxxxxxx.default

Google Chrome/Chromium(help) :

%LOCALAPPDATA%\Google\Chrome\User Data\

e.g. profile folder name: Default

Opera(help) :

%APPDATA%\Opera Software\

e.g. profile folder name: Opera Stable
 
3. Copy all your sensitive data to encrypted container.
Password DB, important documents... e.t.c.
 
4. Delete original profile and files
If you have a SSD use your manufacturer's software for secure erase!

• Intel Solid State Toolbox
• OCZ Toolbox
• Corsair SSD Toolbox
• Samsung Magician
• SanDisk SSD

4.1 Wipe out free space of your HDD(HDD ONLY!)
 
5. Change profile path for your browser

Firefox:
Use the Profile Manager

Google Chrome/Chromium:
Running from a Custom Location
e.g. add the --user-data-dir flag to chrome.exe shortcut, like this: chrome.exe --user-data-dir="F:\crypto_profile"

Opera:
Same as Google Chrome/Chromium
 
 
Don't forget to adjust Auto-dismount(for example on session lock) and other important settings of VeraCrypt  If you need more strict control over your encrypted data.