DISADVANTAGES OF ENCRYPTION

- If you forget your passphrase and/or keyfile then there is almost no chance of recovering your data. 


- Some forms of encryption only offer nominal protection and can be broken easily with the right program e.g an older ZIP archive or Word Document. 

- Some encryption programs are too complicated for the everyday user and they may end up using them incorrectly. This could lead to securing data which they did not wish to encrypt or failing to encode data which they did wish to protect. 

- The very existence of encryption programs or encrypted files will attract suspicion as to what it is you are trying to protect whereas a non-encrypted system would not attract the same level of interest. 

- With reference to the above point, in certain countries such as the UK, Police can use legislation to compel you to reveal passwords to encrypted data. You could face jail time if you failed to comply. 

- Certain types of encryption software are banned in some countries. For example, US versions of the program PGP cannot be exported outside the country. 

- As Encryption protects your personal data e.g bank details, love letters etc. it also protects drug dealers who make deals from having their messages intercepted, terrorists planning attacks and paedophiles peddling child pornography.