Can you password protect a usb flash drive?

[jezzerr]

Ive got one and its got stuff on there that needs to be protected in case it ever gets lost/stolen.

Is there anyway i can put a password on it so if anyone put it on a pc they will need to put the password in before they can see whats on it.

[Houghsx]

Originally Posted by jezzerr

Ive got one and its got stuff on there that needs to be protected in case it ever gets lost/stolen.

Is there anyway i can put a password on it so if anyone put it on a pc they will need to put the password in before they can see whats on it.

You sure can, take a look at the link

Steganos*Safe Professional*:*Overview*- Steganos GmbH

People may know of a free alternative but I have used this one in the past and liked it.

[Bretto]

Obviously NOT the best protection in the World.....
Maybe you would WinRar the files, and add a password.
Certainly not an elegant option.

[jezzerr]

Originally Posted by Houghsx

You sure can, take a look at the link

Steganos*Safe Professional*:*Overview*- Steganos GmbH

People may know of a free alternative but I have used this one in the past and liked it.

Thanks Sounds a good program but freeware would be better

Originally Posted by Bretto

Obviously NOT the best protection in the World.....
Maybe you would WinRar the files, and add a password.
Certainly not an elegant option.

I did think of doing that way but would prefer getting it protected better,But that is a good option

[the_weaver]

There's a freeware program called Truecrypt which you could use. Just search for it in Google and you'll find the website. You can create a password protected encrypted carrier file up to the size of the usb stick. You then open the carrier file as if it was a hard drive and copy your files into it. When it's open your files will be accessible for read and write as usual. You should be able to put a traveller copy of Truecrypt on the usb stick as well. You might have to copy your files off the usb stick to start with, then create the carrier file, then copy the files back over. There are loads of alternative methods so have a read of the help files on the website. The encryption is strong so make sure you don't forget your password or you won't be able to access the files.

The Weaver

[jezzerr]

Ill check it out in my old ate google

[drinsain]

Use FolderLock !

[xorzp]

i have tried a few encryption softwares. i think truecrypt is probably the best supported / free / open-source program that you can get. its upside is that it only decrypts your sensitive data when you access the files without persisting the unencrypted data on the drive ( unless you or your other software do so ) unlike FolderLock or zip / rar methods.

[jezzerr]

Cheers no harm in running both programs to see how i get on with them

Looking at google truecrypt seems to be the better program.

Edit: Only downside i can see is: For USB drives, you need admin privileges on host PC (any PC you want to use the drive on) so that Truecrypt Traveler can install drivers

I see with Folder Lock you have to install the program on any computer that you are going to be using,I thought i might be able to find a program that i can put on the flash so when ever i put it in anyones pc all i have to do is enter my password...

Thats what i was after but is there any programs like that.

[xorzp]

with FolderLock, you can choose to copy the program files to your usb drive. i don't think you need to install it on the computer you want to access. i was able to run it on different machines without problems, but i had admin rights on both of them, so you may want to check. TrueCrypt seems to be a more secure option, but FolderLock may be more convenient in this case.

[the_weaver]

There's another encryption program called FreeOTFE which might be worth a look. I haven't tried it.

There are USB drives which have the encryption done by hardware rather than software. They have the encryption logic on the drive itself. They will be more expensive though. Have a look at the secure ones on this page:-

USB Flash Drive - Memory - Keychain - Thumb drives


The Weaver

[jezzerr]

Ive now got folder lock

Is there anyway you can have it so it opens up big after ive put in the password,Evertime i put my usb stick in,The folder is allways small i know all i have to do is to click on that little square box to maximize but it would be nice if i could have it open up big all the time.