USB Memory protection

GDudley

Does anyone know of a way to PIN or password protect the information on a USB memory stick?
Is there any freeware available to do it?
I dont need to encrypt the data on the stick just make it unreadable to anyone else if I lost it. I just want whatever pc I'm using to ask for a PIN or password every time I select the drive in "My Computer". (I'm using Windows XP)
Thanks

esuhl

GDudley wrote: »

I dont need to encrypt the data on the stick just make it unreadable to anyone else if I lost it.

That's pretty much how encryption works. If it wasn't encrypted anyone could read it.

If you can install TrueCrypt on the machines from which you're going to want to access the files, then that's probably the best way. You just create a TrueCrypt file or partition on the USB stick, and put your confidential files in there.

The TrueCrypt files/partition is highly encrypted and appears to contain random data, but you can mount it by entering the password into TrueCrypt, which will present it as a virtual drive containing your "secret" files.

I think there was a discussion about this a while ago which mentioned special USB sticks with encryption features built-in. It might be worth searching the forum for that thread if you can't install TrueCrypt for any reason (e.g. on work PCs).

GDudley

Thanks for the info esuhl, I will search the Forum, I just thought it would be a common requirement with just about everyone carrying memory sticks nowadays but it's obviously a bit more difficult.
You are right that I can't put it on every computer I use so do you know of a memory stick with encryption built into it?
Thanks
Gerry

esuhl

Well, here's the thread (although you probably found that via your search):

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/3627355

Actually -- someone mentions that TrueCrypt has a "traveler disc" mode that means you don't have to install anything onto work PCs, etc. More info. here:

http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/?s=truecrypt-portable

andy2004

http://www.rohos.com/download/products/rohos-mini-drive/downloads/

would this program suit your needs.
Rohos Mini Drive creates hidden and encrypted partition on a USB flash drive memory. You work with the files on the hidden partition without opening a special program. Those who have megabytes of sensitive files on the USB drive and seriously concerned with a data security, cannot imagine their USB stick without the hidden volume that is created using this tool.


if you decide to use truecrypt as the person above suggested I'll suggest you also take a look at the following page
http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/encrypt-your-usb-stick-with-truecrypt-60/ how to make it portable+ plus a how to use it on the usb aswell

GDudley

Thanks everyone that replied and helped, I've decided on a "Kingston USB flash drive with encryption" at just over a tenner.
It's been well recommended by people who have used it and looks like it will do the job for me.
Thanks again
Gerry