This link should lead to a securing app that works well on any drive.
Don't loose the password or you'll be S.O.L.
 | Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years. Thanks, CNET Support |
General discussion
Please help me find a cost-effective way to secure my flash drive
Please help me find a cost-effective way to secure my flash drive
I hope you and your readers can help me with securing a flash drive. I realize that I can password protect and encrypt individual files that I save to a flash drive, but I'm looking for a way to overlay another layer of security to the whole flash drive, if that's even possible. I know that there are flash drives available with this kind of security built-in, but I'm looking for a more cost-effective solution for the flash drives I already own. I would appreciate hearing your readers' experiences with what's available, what works, and what doesn't work. Thanks!
-- Submitted by: Bob M. of Alexandria, VA
Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but
please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question.
Use TrueCrypt and a Password Hint - Other Recommendations --Submitted by DaveMiko
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7588_102-0.html?messageID=3235446#3235446
Try TrueCrypt --Submitted by Allan Press
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7588_102-0.html?messageID=3235270#3235270
Securing a Flash Drive - TrueCrypt --Submitted by Basuto9
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7588_102-0.html?messageID=3235302#3235302
Re: Flash drive safety --Submitted by sirpaul1
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7588_102-0.html?messageID=3235351#3235351
Thank you to all who contributed!
If you know of a solution for Bob, please click on the reply link and submit it. Please be as detailed as possible when submitting your answer and include any reference links that will help him. Thanks!
Discussion is locked
31 - 60 of 74 Posts
- Collapse
- Collapse -
This link should lead to a securing app that works well on any drive.
Don't loose the password or you'll be S.O.L.
- Collapse -
TrueCrypt provides an easy answer to this issue and it's free even to businesses.
- Collapse -
not all freeware is infected somehow. things from microsoft and iobit don't including malicious code. and the reviews i hav read about truecrypt on this forum, makes me think that it's well worth it.
so shelve your pride and try it!
- Collapse -
You will be able to create a secure volume on the flash drive, or any other drive , with TrueCrypt.
- Collapse -
design your own program....www.sourcecodes.net provides a code for a simple 25 bit encryption which is outdated...but if you work on it and modify it a bit to increase its complexity you might turn up with something interesting..........thats the alternative i can think of...sorry if i did not satisfy u pls pardon me for wasting your time
- Collapse -
Anything free is worth nothing...
try http://shop.kanguru.com/index.php/flash-drives/secure-storage/kanguru-defender?gclid=CIC3gYidzp8CFRKiagodlEs_zw
it sounds good to me but expensive. may be worth it if you store critical data it is all hardware meaning no software installations required which makes the most sense to me
I never have respect for anything softy..unless it is Microsoft compatible with approved stamp on it.
I never, never download free junkware developed by bored programmers out in the wild. Who knows if he has secret keys in the code you download. You never know
- Collapse -
You really don't understand much about free and open source programs if you make such bizarre and unsupportable claims.
- Collapse -
TrueCrypt it's free and good for all Hard Drives,Flash Drives,CD's, Folders, files and most other storage devices. I feel it's better than all of thoses security built-in progams. You have the full control over how you do it. You do it your way- secure a whole drive are just part of it. Encryption option are many. This a complete security program, secure any size drive. Down load this program from the TrueCrypt web site and the manual and read the manual. With alittle reading you'll find out how much you love this program. And if you do, send them a little $$ when you can to help with future developments. Check back from time to time for up grades. Better Than any thing out there you can buy !!!! Been there done that!!!
Good Luck.... G.O.Boyd
- Collapse -
I have tried TrueCrypt and you can't read files off of a USB stick protected with TrueCrypt unless you have Administrator rights on the computer you wish to use. How would/could you have such rights when you are not on your own computer? So if you want to access the files in an internet cafe while travelling, you are out of luck!
- Collapse -
I found a program called TrueCrypt to be very helpful. It basicly turns you whole flash drive into a secured file with all your other files and documents inside. It's free and not too hard to learn to use if you are careful to follow their directions.
- Collapse -
Just one program to use for this, Truecrypt. This Open Source Free software is just the best, in my opinion. It can create encrypted containers of any size on the thumbdrive and by using the 'Traveller' mode it can run right from the flashdrive without installing on the host computer. So if you have to transfer files to/from someone elses computer you don't have to install Truecrypt on their system to access your drive. And once the drive is removed it leaves no trace.
And while you are at it why not encrypt the whole system drive on your laptop? This software can do that too. No I am not affiliated with Truecrypt in any way, just love the software.
Richard, Indiana.
www.rickybee.com
- Collapse -
TrueCrypt - http://www.truecrypt.org/ - is free, easy to use, and works well on flash drives. I've been using on my backup flashdrives for a couple of years with no problem. HIGHLY recommended. Secure all or part of a drive. Works well on hard drives, too.
- Collapse -
I got here a little late to answer the question (and the Answer Is True Crypt), so I will expand a little on usb flash memory.
Recently, it was found that the existing password protection for many popular usb flash drives was, let's say, deficient. They were easily coaxed into being reset or revealed. I think you know or have heard about this.
Remember to back up all your files (away from the usb flash drive) before you install True Crypt. It can be agressive at times (I don't understand why it corrupts existing files on usb drives yet. It doesn't do it on desktop or laptop drives).
Oh, and lastly, stay away from electric motors after 10 PM.
- Collapse -
I found this site and now use the little program just follow instructions from the web site...and its works
Heres the Details http://usbsafeguard.altervista.org/
Hope this helps you
- Collapse -
If you worked for me, and I found out you used Flashdrives, you wouldn't work for me any more.
- Collapse -
This might be a harddrive with family information or some other confidential, personal information.
I have an encrypted flash drive that I use when I want to send family information that I would prefer not to send over the pipes.
- Collapse -
...I probably wouldn't work for you to begin with, sir.
I have 3 relatively unsophisticated users (i.e., teenagers) on a home network. Even though I keep their laptops up to date with antivirus and anti-malware software, in this environment I prefer to secure personal information in offline storage. If it's not online, it can't be accessed. And while that offline storage media is secured under lock & key, I feel that it still needs another security layer beyond simple password file protection. Thus, my request to Lee Koo.
Have a pleasant day, sir.
- Collapse -
USB Drive Combination Security Lock CL-ACC65022
USB Drive Combination Security Lock - USB drive security lock with 3 digit combination code. Protect and lock up your USB drive!
http://www.crazypc.com/products/usb-lock-53700.html
Just a thought
- Collapse -
O.K. I have been a Tech for 20 year and I am only 45. I have never ran into this issue before. Quality first in this situation!! Not quantity!!
I have had no issues with my Flash Drives such as you are predicting!! Flash drives are not great places to store important info you do know? Because they do outrageous things on Television with them is all fake. I have a 32gb Flash Drive that I put no Business on!!
Since you said Please Help I will look into this over this weekend. I am tracking this thread to receive updates from you !! I will work hard on this. I have several friends that work for Norton Security, CA Security and many Microsoft friends. I will do my best to help you out if it is possible!!
God Bless My Friend
- Collapse -
I am a seasoned I.T. Tech who has been in the industry for 13 years.
I have learned that ALL electronic equipment is vulnerable to various means of dysfunction.
So............MULTIPLE backups of data is necessary!!!!!!!!!
ALL of my sensitive data is backed up on 3 different portable HD's and 2 different flash drives.
YES, 5 copies on electronic devices, and oh yes, a backup on disc also.
Be safe, not sorry!
- Collapse -
Truecrypt is free software and I told you I would work hard to help you. This is the very best security software there is. Try it!! If it does not meet you needs please let me know and I will find something else!!
God Bless My Friend
- Collapse -
only ultimate and enterprise editions of win 7 have bitlcker pre-installed
- Collapse -
Try TrueCrypt at www.TrueCrypt.com, this is the best I could find!! Try it and let me know!!!
God Bless
- Collapse -
GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption helps you password protect USB drives, Thumb drives, Memory sticks, Pen drives, Jump drives and Flash drives.
USB flash drives are the most popular way to move data from one PC to another. They are small in size but can carry gigabytes of data. They are easy to use, convenient, affordable, but at the same time they pose a security risk and can be easily lost, stolen or misplaced. A secure USB drive with password protection is a must these days as the data that it contains may cost you millions of dollars if stolen or lost.
With GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption your USB flash drives and all other external storage devices can be very easily password protected. To protect your USB drives ,you can use GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption to install this encryption software onto your USB flash drive.After installing the software, the device will be password protected and encrypted by 256-bit AES. To access your data again, You can plug-in your USB drive into the computer and run the program "agent.exe" on your USB drive. To unprotect your secure USB drives, click 'Uninstall' and enter correct user name and password to uninstall this encryption software from the drive. Another great feature of GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption is that it divides USB drive into two areas: public area and secure area. You can store normal files in public area, and store sensitive data in secure area. On the contrary, all the files located in the secure area will be encrypted and absolutely private.
- Collapse -
Yes,I found that www.GiliSoft.com produce some professional encryption tools :
GiliSoft File Lock Pro
GiliSoft USB Stick Encryption
GiliSoft Secure Disc Creator
GiliSoft Private Disk
...
- Collapse -
Simply go to Google.com and type in Try TrueCrypt at www.TrueCrypt.com for Flash Drive Security Download and you will find it!!
God Bless
- Collapse -
- Collapse -
Try BioMetrics fingerprint technology:
AtoZbiometsecurities.com
2834@usasupremetech.com
CNET Forums
Operating Systems
Software
Electronics & Gadgets
Hardware
Tablets & Mobile Devices
General Help
Roadshow Autos
Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic