How to Protect Data Using TrueCrypt Software
Your most important personal information can be stored on the hard drive of a computer. Unfortunately, computers are not the most secure of devices, and with the minimum amount of effort, a computer-savvy person can easily gain access to the information. It is relatively easy, however, to protect the most important data on a computer by using an encryption program, such as the free and open-source TrueCrypt software, to make it almost impossible for outsiders to gain access to the encrypted files.
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Instructions
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Creating an Encrypted Volume
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Download and install the TrueCrypt program, which is available for users of Windows, Linux, or Mac OSX, from the TrueCrypt homepage. For most computers, the default installation options can be used. After the installation is complete, it will be necessary to reboot the computer.
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Start the TrueCrypt software. The main program window will appear.
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Click the “Create Volume” button to start the “Volume Creation Wizard.” While the entire hard disk or a partition on it may be encrypted, most users need only a small number of files encrypted. This can be done by creating a file container with TrueCrypt.
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Select the radio button marked “Create File Container,” and press the “Next” button.
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Choose “Create Standard TrueCrypt Volume,” and click “Next.” At this stage, optionally, a secondary volume may also be created that is hidden within the first encrypted volume. It is accessed with a separate password, and would be invisible to anyone who has the password to the first encrypted volume.
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Enter a file name for the volume that is to be created, and where the volume will be stored, either on the computer or on an external device. Click the “Next” button.
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Select an encryption algorithm for the new volume. TrueCrypt supports AES, Serpent, and Two-fish encryption, as well as several different combinations of these algorithms. Then select one of the available HASH algorithms, which will further protect the data when encrypted. Press the “Next” button.
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Choose a size for the volume that will be created. It should be large enough that it will store all of the files that need to be encrypted. This number will be the final size of the file to be created, unless the dynamic option is chosen in a later dialog box. The dynamic volume will be as large as the files that are stored on it, up to the maximum size entered here. Click the “Next” button.
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Enter a password for the encrypted volume, and confirm it. Read the tips below the password boxes to learn how to create a strong password. Press “Next” after the password is created.
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Select a file system for the encrypted volume. The choices are NTFS, FAT, or none. In most cases, the NTFS format can be used. If a dynamic volume is desired, place a check in the box marked “Dynamic.” Press the format key to set the file system for the volume. As the mouse is moved in this window, it helps to randomize the encryption key for the volume, so move it often. Click the “Next” button after the drive is formatted, and the wizard will close, leaving only the main TrueCrypt program window open.
Encrypting Files
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Select the drive letter to which the encrypted volume will be mounted, from the box in the top half of the window. Any drive will work.
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Load the file that contains the encrypted volume, by pressing the “Select File” button in the “Volume” section. Press the “Mount” button, and enter the password that was created during the wizard.
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Press the Windows “Start” button, and then select “My Computer.” Double-click on the drive letter for the encrypted volume. Paste or drag any files to the drive that should be encrypted. As the TrueCrypt software moves a file, it also encrypts it.
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Dismount the volume by using the dismount button in the TrueCrypt software, or by restarting the computer. Until the correct password is entered into the TrueCrypt software again, the files on the encrypted volume will not be accessible.
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Resources
- Photo Credit David Secor
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Comments
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scrivld
Nov 28, 2008
I was told that with a flash drive and TrueCrypt Software, I could create a "key" to keep unauthorized persons from starting and using a computer. For instance, say I have a computer I want to make available to a teenager, but want to control access to it. Can I plug in a 2 gb flash drive in a usb port, and have it allow access and use of the computer? How do I go about doing this? -
scrivld
Nov 28, 2008
I was told that with a flash drive and TrueCrypt Software, I could create a "key" to keep unauthorized persons from starting and using a computer. For instance, say I have a computer I want to make available to a teenager, but want to control access to it. Can I plug in a 2 gb flash drive in a usb port, and have it allow access and use of the computer? How do I go about doing this?
