how to protect a USB flash drive

mrs_baggins

Have recntly had a new USB flash drive stolen at work Its not a security issue as they were just personal photos and things but i am now looking at somehow protecting my remaining USB drives so if I leave it lying around and someone tries to use it it will be useless. I know I can put all files in a zip folder and password protect that but wanted a programme that would enable the pen unusable without passwor or similar. Any ideas on either free (yes I'm pushing it!) or not too expensive programmes I could use

edit- in an ideal world I would like something that doesnt have to be installed on every pc i use the drive on

mrs_baggins

great thanks. will have a look at that

Stompa

espresso wrote: »

Use TrueCrypt - see here

Though if you want to run it in portable mode (i.e. without having to install it) you'll need to have admin rights.

kwikbreaks

espresso wrote: »

Use TrueCrypt - see here

Does it stop somebody just reformatting the drive though which is what the OP asked for (as opposed to avoiding having personal data exposed which is a worthwhile gain anyway).

mr_fishbulb

kwikbreaks wrote: »

Does it stop somebody just reformatting the drive though which is what the OP asked for (as opposed to avoiding having personal data exposed which is a worthwhile gain anyway).

Ironkey has hardware encryption built into the device which will self-destruct after 10 failed password attempts and render the device useless.

https://www.ironkey.com/personal-solutions

Bit of an expensive overkill though.

busenbust

Bitlocker if W7??

mrs_baggins

I have not got admin rights at work so guess the true crypt wont work for me there

John_Gray

busenbust wrote: »

Bitlocker if W7??

Just Enterprise and Ultimate, unfortunately. Or perhaps fortunately, since encrypting can be agonisingly slow...

busenbust

John_Gray wrote: »

Just Enterprise and Ultimate, unfortunately. Or perhaps fortunately, since encrypting can be agonisingly slow...

Yes, a shame not available for Home.

Stompa

If you're just after encrypting files then CruzerLock 2 will work (with a Sandisk flash drive):

http://www.sandisk.co.uk/Retail/Default.aspx?CatID=1274

It doesn't have a very nice user interface though.

ddoris

Why leave them laying around if they have personal info?
Learn from this and do not leave them laying about again.