How do i lock or encrypt a usb flash key that i store back up data on?

Question

how do i lock or encrypt a usb flash key that i store back up data on? I want to encrypt or lock my portable usb keys so that if stolen they would not give access to my personal information . Do you know of any software that may help ? ive tried folder lock however you cant lock more than one drive with it , would be grateful of any help , thanks

Answer 1

Adding password to a compressed file or folder.

Right click on the file or folder, choose send to compressed file.

Double click on the compressed file to open.

On the menu bar click on File and then "Add a Password"

Delete original uncompressed file or folder.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306531



TrueCrypt (free)

http://www.download.com/TrueCrypt/3000-2092_4-10628214.html?tag=lst-0-1

http://sourceforge.net/projects/truecrypt

On-the-fly encryption software which can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk. It can also encrypt a hard disk partition or storage device, such as USB FLASH DRIVE. Moreover, TrueCrypt supports plausible deniability.



TrueCrypt provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password: a hidden volume (steganography- more information may be found here); no TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data). TrueCrypt uses encryption algorithms AES-256, Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5, Serpent, Triple DES, and Twofish. It is based on Encryption for the Masses (E4M) 2.02a, conceived in 1997.





AxCrypt 1.6.3 (free: donation optional)

http://www.filehippo.com/download_axcrypt/

http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/

AxCrypt File Encryption Software - Free Personal Privacy and Security for Windows 98/ME/NT/2K/XP with AES-128 File Encryption, Compression and transparent Decrypt and Open in the original application.



Since AxCrypt works on a file-by-file basis, you can safely and easily send encrypted files to other users via e-mail or any other means, you can even make self-decrypting files so the recipient does not need AxCrypt installed to decrypt.





Password protect Microsoft Office files

Open file. On the Tools menu, click Options, and click the Security tab. Choose password options listed.



Demo of how to password protect Microsoft Office files

http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/excel/HA012001751033.aspx



How do I password protect my files and folders in Windows?

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000705.htm



How to make files and folders private in Windows XP so that only you have access to them

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/930987



Windows Tips: Password-Protect Your Sensitive Files and Folders

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,110663-page,1/article.html



Keep Your Data More Secure

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/data/default.mspx



Encrypt files or folders

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/security/learnmore/encryptdata.mspx

Answer 2

There are ways to block usb pens the quickest being disable it in cmos but that is easy to negate. Assuming your step dad knows what hes doing i would say that whatever you do it will be bypassed. A better way would be to creat a secure directory and encrypt it (There are loads of freeware proggie that can do this) and place your "personnal stuff" in there Use of his magic pen will not help here as long as you use a strong key for the encryption.

Answer 3

Hello,

You can download Folder Lock here: http://j.mp/UixNpm

Recommended

good luck.

Answer 4

mine came with locking software installed on it. try download.com though.