In the last post I described how to securely and permanently remove a file from the disk drive using Eraser.
Now what happen if you need to securely store, not delete, any files? In this post, we will introduce another open source tools that will help you do just that - TrueCrypt.
With TrueCrypt you can protect your sensitive data, create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a disk. You can also encrypt an a hard disk partition or a device, such as USB flash drive. The encryption is done automatically and transparently in real time. The author calls it an on-the-fly-encrypted volume .
Using TrueCrypt
TrypeCrypt can be a little confusing in the beginning for some user, such as the concept of mounting a disk volume (similar to using Daemons Tools). However it is worth exploring if you are looking for ways to securely store your data.
Start with the introduction to get an basic idea of the software. The Beginner’s Tutorial gives a step by step instruction on how to create a first encrypted drive.
TrueCrypt’s Features
TrueCrpyt is a very powerful software with many features for the normal user that just want to secure some file to the hyper-sensitive secret agent. For some, reading the TypeCrypt documentation is like reading a spy novel riddled with technical details.
On-the-fly-encrypted volume simply means that you do not have to decrypt a file as you access it. For example if you have a text file in a TrueCrypt volume, you can just double-click to open it. It will be decrypted behind the scene and encrypted again as you save and close the file.
Plausible deniability is an interesting concept where hidden volume can be created using different password. Of course I hope I will never be in such a situation where an adversary forces me to reveal my password.
Traveller mode is a way to run TrueCrypt without having to install it on the operating system under which it is running. For example you can have a TypeCrypt USB drive and using it on any computer.
Chinese support
You can download language pack to update interface to diffenent languages. Simplified Chinese pack is available.
After downloading the language pack, unzip and copy the xml file to the install folder (eg. C:\Program Files\TrueCrypt ).
Where to get it?
- TrueCrypt is at http://www.truecrypt.org/
- Current version: 4.3
- Function: File encryption and security utility
Popularity: 47%
I make extensive use of the PortableApps suite, and love them. Unfortunately any application that relies on Windows is not truly portable.
I am trying to collect Java applications that will run on ANY system, regardless of OS. Then I will have truly portable applications.
I believe we will see desktop Java become a force over the next few years.
Enjoy your blog, Keep up the good work, Phil Stephens.
Good point.
I use only Windows (and Linux on server) so portable across OS isn’t an issue for me. Maybe it will after getting that Mac that I had been eyeing for a long time.