Can I put a password on a USB Flash Drive?

Lady_K

I want to buy a USB flash drive but am concerned about privacy. I want about an 8gb one or there abouts. Are they all capable of putting a password on or just some? What would be a good one?

fwor

The free Open Source Truecrypt gets many recommendations:

http://www.truecrypt.org/

But don't forget the password or you'll never get your data back!

You should be able to use it on any USB pendrive.

sexysam

Why dont you just password protect your document.That way you have to enter the password on any of the Microsoft Office document

fwor

sexysam wrote: »

Why dont you just password protect your document.That way you have to enter the password on any of the Microsoft Office document

That depends how secure you need it to be. Until recently the file passwords in MS products were very easy to crack - not sure if that has changed since I last looked.

Truecrypt on the other hand would not be easy to crack if set up right.

weegie.geek

And whereas most software doesn't allow you to password its files natively, using a truecrypt container would allow you to encrypt anything you like.

alanclarke

You could buy a secure USB flash drive such as Kingston's DataTraveler Secure but 8GB will cost about £130, it depends how important security is, they are designed for corporate users. Full list and prices at http://www.google.co.uk/products?q=DataTraveler+Secure&btnG=Search+Products

Can someone answer a question about Truecrypt. Is it a portable security device (i.e. included on the USB flash drive) or does it have to be installed on each computer you want to use the encrypted USB flash drive on? The reason I ask is that I sometimes use my local libraries computers and they will not allow me to install any software on their computer.

Cat695

Can someone answer a question about Truecrypt. Is it a portable security device (i.e. included on the USB flash drive) or does it have to be installed on each computer you want to use the encrypted USB flash drive on? The reason I ask is that I sometimes use my local libraries computers and they will not allow me to install any software on their computer.[/quote]

if you actually go on the website and read the FAQ bit!!! it would answer your question (which is yes it can be used on any pc without truecrypt)

keith1950

Hi, Lady_K, the easiest option would be to buy a usb flash drive that already has its own security software installed. One that I use is the Sandisk Cruzer Titanium U3 USB 8GB. As well as the security advantages it is virtually crush proof and can also be set up to store all your web browsing log-ins .Try mobilefun although you could probably find it cheaper with a bit of searching.-www.mobilefun.co.uk/product/15977.htm

iviv

You can get USB drives with finger print readers on, can't you?
something like this.

Lady_K

Thanx some good ideas here I like the idea of the fingerprint one I'll look up some reviews and the sandisk cruzer. I have a small flash drive already at home to test the trucrypt software on aswell before I go ahead and buy bigger ones. Thanx a lot

iviv

While the fingerprint readers are cool, they'll probably be more expensive. Plus, there's more things to go wrong. While you can forget a password, you can also get a cut on your finger, stopping it from recognising you.
Though they probably let you give it two or three prints in case of this happening.