How can I encrypt an entire flash drive?

Could you suggest a simple program to encrypt an entire flash drive?

- Richard

This question was answered on September 7, 2007. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

---

For all intents and purposes, today’s USB flash memory drives (a.k.a thumb drives or jump drives) are the equivalent to the old school floppy disk on steroids!

If you want to transfer files from one computer to another, backup files to prevent the need for major data recovery or take a presentation from home to work or school, a flash drive is the ticket

An average sized drive these days (1Gb) holds more data than a CD and can be the equivalent of almost 700 of the old school floppy disks in a form factor that is smaller than a pack of gum

It’s more convenient and flexible than burning CDs, it can be used as a backup system incase your computer crashes and data recovery is required and works with any computer that has a USB port.

The portability of the flash drive is also one of the hazards of storing files on it; they can be very easy to lose! Encrypting the files on the drive (which essentially scrambles the data and requires a key or password to unscramble it) makes good sense just in case it ever falls into the hands of an unauthorized user.

Often times, you will see folks with flash drives on their key chains or on a lanyard around their neck to help keep from losing these tiny wonders of technology (which is a good idea for everyone).

If you’ve ever lost a flash drive that had important personal data on it, you know exactly why Richard is asking this question If you have yet to experience that “rock in your stomach” then you may want to take the same measures to minimize your exposure in the event you ever lose your flash drive.

The first option is to buy a special flash drive that has security built into the unit Some companies use software security while others are incorporating Biometric interfaces (fingerprint scans) for keeping unauthorized eyes from viewing the contents.

Both types of drives can be found at various websites including Crucial.com, Kanguru.com, SanDisk.com, ThumbMax.com and Corsair.com.

If you already own a flash drive and have Windows XP Professional or Vista Ultimate, you can use the encryption built into the operating system, but that means you can only view this data on a similar system (data recovery won’t be accessible from Windows XP Home, Windows ME, 98, Linux, MacOS or any other system that does not support the same encryption protocol).

This approach could be good for those that only use Window XP Professional or Vista Ultimate systems in their lives, but not so good for those that need to interface with many different operating systems.

Another “old school” approach is to compress the files before placing them on the flash drive and use a program that will require a password to uncompress the files WinZip ( www.winzip.com ) is one of the long-standing compression utilities that can secure the “zipped” file so only those with the password can view the enclosed files.

There are also several third party encryption programs that can be added to your computer to secure your USB flash drive.

Many of them are free but they have very basic instructions and tend to be written for the more technical user.

TrueCrypt is a free open source solution ( www.truecrypt.org ) that can encrypt data on any storage device (hard drive or flash drive) and can create normal or hidden volumes for additional security It is fairly easy to install, setup and use but it can get a little techie for the novice.

Encryption does have it’s downsides that you must be ready to accept If you lose your password/encryption key or the encryption program corrupts the information, data recovery can be very difficult if not impossible.

Also, if an encrypted device ever “crashes” and you need to attempt data recovery, it becomes much more difficult (and potentially expensive) because of the added complexity of the scrambled data.

If you choose to use encryption, keep a copy of your password/access code in a safety deposit box or in another secure real world storage area (don’t keep an electronic copy on your computer!)

About the author

Posted by Ken Colburn of Data Doctors on September 7, 2007

Need Help with this Issue?

We help people with technology! It's what we do.
Contact or Schedule an Appointment with a location for help!