An encrypted hard disk would prevent someone breaking into your house from getting the key. For the truly paranoid, one could also boot a Linux live CD and use dd to random number write their hard disk a few times, then zero it out before encrypting their hard disk. The more you random number write before you zero it out, the harder it becomes to recover anything (to a point, there are supposedly special devices that can do it if you provide the platters from the disk).

Also, in case your computer gets stolen, one should have an encrypted flash disk with the keys on it, that you either keep with you at all times, or keep with a trusted friend. Backups are always important.

OK, so we create the key, install an alarm system in our home and office, encrypt the hard disks of all the computers (better if previously write them with random data from a Live CD), make a backup of the keys in an also-encrypted flash disk that we always keep with us, set a password for the key that must be used every time we connect via SSH... And we'll achieve the highest level of security available with today non-extraterrestrial technology, a level of security only crackeable by Chloe O'Brian herself with an overdose of Red Bull and stinky Twinkies, a level that is higher than just using a properly chosen password, which will be cracked, on average, one time every 207 705 580 years.

Who said "paranoid"?

And that's the key word; properly

_________________
Rgds
Stephen
(Linux user since kernel version 0.11)

That actually sounds like my setup.....

_________________
Paid support
How to ask for help
1. Give details of your problem
2. Post any errors
3. Post relevant logs.
4. Don't hide details i.e. your domain, it just makes things harder
5. Be polite or you'll be eaten by a grue

Not many people are smart enough to choose a proper password. Though IMO those people shouldn't use anything that should have a password anyway.

An alarm system for home and office isn't necessary unless you've got a highly advanced computer Erasing the hard disk with random data, then overwriting with 0's, and encrypting the hard disk with a good encryption scheme should be enough.

As you said, nothing is totally safe, even the aliens can be compromised by anyone who understands their technology. But as so many other people said, "Better safe than sorry!" And yes, I am paranoid