How to encrypt a USB key? Need help.

[Sylvain]

Is there a computer guru that can help me?

I want to protect some sensitive documents on a USB flashdrive.
I dont need to secure all the things on the flashdrive but I would like to secure a file with a password.

Is there a way to dowload a free software that will allow me to lock files with passwords?

I found many websites that talk about that and I tried a software but it doesn't work.
It should be quite easy to do but I have no idea where to start.

Also how secure are those encrypted keys?
Can someone still see my files without the password?

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[Randrayla]

Try TrueCrypt.

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

To encrypt a flash drive open the program, select "create volume", and then select the second option "Encrypt a non-system partition/drive." Follow the rest of the prompts.

The encryption with truecrypt is VERY good. I wouldn't worry about anyone getting access to your files unless they have your password.

 

[mrjarrell]

I second the TrueCrypt suggestion. It's unbreakable and free. Can't be beat.

 

[misconfig]

Yup TrueCrypt is one of your best options!

 

[Sylvain]

Try TrueCrypt.

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

To encrypt a flash drive open the program, select "create volume", and then select the second option "Encrypt a non-system partition/drive." Follow the rest of the prompts.

The encryption with truecrypt is VERY good. I wouldn't worry about anyone getting access to your files unless they have your password.

Thanks.
I have to install the program on my key in order to open the the encrypted file from another computer right?

 

[misconfig]

Thanks.
I have to install the program on my key in order to open the the encrypted file from another computer right?

Yep - you'll need a way to decrypt your pass phrase.

 

[moosebag]

Another good one

This one is excellent too!

Axantum Software AB | AxCrypt | File Encryption Software

 

[Sailor]

I use axcrypt also.

 

[Scutter01]

Truecrypt

 

[AngryRooster]

You could also take it a step farther. Depending on what you do with the encrypted files/folder on someone elses system they may be able to still be read/copied.

I have one of these Amazon.com: Corsair 16 GB Padlock 2 USB 2.0 Flash Drive CMFPLA16GB: Electronics with a full version of Linux installed and truecrypt installed on it. I don't have to worry about a keylogger, virus, temp files or other such problems because it carries its own operating system. A quick reboot from almost any computer and no traces are left on the host computer.

Works great and reasonably fast for the level of security to provides. The USB drive won't even be seen by the host system unless the passcode is pressed first.

 

[Mellow]

You could also take it a step farther. Depending on what you do with the encrypted files/folder on someone elses system they may be able to still be read/copied.

I have one of these Amazon.com: Corsair 16 GB Padlock 2 USB 2.0 Flash Drive CMFPLA16GB: Electronics with a full version of Linux installed and truecrypt installed on it. I don't have to worry about a keylogger, virus, temp files or other such problems because it carries its own operating system. A quick reboot from almost any computer and no traces are left on the host computer.

Works great and reasonably fast for the level of security to provides. The USB drive won't even be seen by the host system unless the passcode is pressed first.

That's exactly how I hide my porn stash!

 

[straid]

You can also encrypt on a file level, using PGP.

 

[AngryRooster]

That's exactly how I hide my porn stash!

LOL, should be well protected. But not much of a collection if it's all on a 16GB USB.

 

[Sylvain]

LOL, should be well protected. But not much of a collection if it's all on a 16GB USB.

I actually found out that my USB key is not big enough for me to copy the encrypting program AND my data on it.
I think Truecrypt takes 3GB, not sure.
So for now I can just have my non-encrypted files on it.

If you think that 16GB is not a lot then I guess you would laugh at my 4GB key.

I got it a few years ago, I have no idea what's the standard size for a USB key nowadays.

 

[mr.steve]

Here's a quick & dirty way to keep snoops away from your files:
Change the filename extension, as in filename.ext.
Change it to .pid or .sys .abc or whatever. Windows won't know what to do with it that way. When you need it change it back.
Not a perfect solution. This will depend on the type of files you're hiding. Sure doesn't take any room on the drive.