Protect Memory stick/HDD

adindas

Hi guys
I have a problem and hope you can help. I have a memory stick and HDD which I carry it all the time and some of the data are quite sensitive.
Is there any way how to protect it so only me could access the data. I mean here such as like password to open the drive, folder, etc.
I am working on several windows OS e.g. XP and Windows 7, so I am expecting that I do not have a problem by myself when I am working on different computer. Also on my work place I do not have admin right to install the program . But I will be able to install htose program on my computer.
I have been told that there are various software available for free to download, so I am not preparing to buy any software.
Is there any way for you guys to help me with solution/
Thank you

ADINDAS

davb

If you have sensitive info, then password protecting a folder isn't very secure. Take a look at something like Trucrypt. This will encrypt the files, and is very secure.

leemoss

We had a problem with true crypt and non-admin user accounts at work, due to the way it mounts the archive as a drive.

adindas

DEar davb and leemoss

Thank you for your time answering my question. I thinkh ere at password will do the job, as at them moment I just need it, so the people can not open my file when Ijust left it in my work place.

Is there any way we could do this in windows, or using a freeware software. It is also important to me that it will not create the probelm with compatibiltiy and I will be able to use it in different compuers at work, home PC/laptop and Internet cafe.

Thank you for your time.

ADINDAS

davb

What type of data do you have - if it is Word or Excel files, then you can password protect the actual files.

adindas

My HDD is 500GB andit is 3/4 full. I am using word or Excell prorection Password, for very sensitive data. But other folder contain private files and data which I do not want other people to see.

But the rest of it I really have a lot type of data. So I think password pretecion on folder/subfolader level will do the job.

I am using my HDD on my PC in the work place. I am sharing office with few other people so I just do not want that other people who share office with me might be able to see my data while I am away from my desk.

Normally, I lock my computer when I am away from the office, but there is still possibility that my USB HDD could still be removed from my PC and to be taken to other computers to be accessed.

Thank you for your time.

davb wrote: »

What type of data do you have - if it is Word or Excel files, then you can password protect the actual files.

leemoss

You cant really protect a folder with a password, the only thing similar would be password protected archives (rar or zip) with the files inside but this would also generally require software on the PC.

tvaughan

I'd go for something like an IronKey (ironkey.com). They're not cheap compared to normal USB drives, but they work on Macs, PCs and Linux machines. The encryption is done in hardware on the device itself and you can set it to permanently destroy the data if the password is entered incorrectly too many times.

MoneySavingUser

One issue is that if a drive is mounted - and another user logs onto another user account on the same computer I think the drive will be mounted for them too (assuming the original user is also still logged on)