1. Flash Drive Encryption Software Reviews
2. Free Encryption Software For Mac
3. Flash Drive Encryption Software For Mac And Windows Version

Encryption software flash drive free download - Advanced Encryption Package 2017, Drive Encryption, Virtual Flash Drive, and many more programs.

Jan 29, 2020  CryptoExpert is Windows desktop software. Concealer is a file encryption program specifically for Apple Mac computers. Rather than encrypt all files on your harddrive, instead it. How to encrypt a USB drive on Mac. Like PC, Mac generally includes encryption software in their desktops already so you will not have to download another software program. Insert USB flash drive and move all files off drive into safe location, like your desktop; Open. Jun 05, 2020  Just because you have antivirus software installed on your PC doesn't mean a zero-day Trojan can't steal your personal data. The best encryption software. Jun 11, 2020  Flash Drive Encryption: Hardware or Software? Luckily, you can buy a flash drive with integrated encryption software. Of course, it will cost you a bit more – anywhere from $20 to $100. These drives use a physical pin pad and often come with features like automatic overwrites, in case you enter an incorrect pin too many times.

If you’re looking for an easy way to carry or back up your digital data, a USB flash drive may offer you a cheap solution. Also known as thumb drives, flash drives are small, portable data storage devices that you can slip into your pocket.

Convenient? Yes. But what if the personal data stored on your flash drive is exposed? While this external portable device is compact and easy to carry, it’s also easy to lose or have stolen for those same reasons.

That’s where encryption comes in.

Why encrypt your flash drive?

If you’re going to use a flash drive, encryption is one of the best ways to protect your data.

Encryption can help protect the sensitive data on an external drive should it fall into the wrong hands through loss or theft, but there are other reasons for encryption, too. For instance, non-encrypted flash drives can leave you vulnerable to malware and other device security threats.

But what does it really mean to encrypt your data and how does it work? Encryption means only those with an encryption key file or password will be able to access the data on an encrypted flash drive.

So even if your flash drive falls into the wrong hands, those unintended third parties won’t be able to access or understand the information the drive is holding and therefore would be unable to use it for nefarious purposes.

Encryption, flash drives, and filesystems

An important factor in the encryption process for your flash drive is your filesystem. Your filesystem organizes your drive by dictating how and how much data is stored, and what type of data can be attached to files.

Apple supports three file systems: Apple File System (APFS), Hierarchical File System (HFS) Plus, and extended File Allocation Table (exFAT). Windows also supports exFAT, along with NT File System (NTFS) and File Allocation Table (FAT32).

Different filesystem types will impact your encryption options in different ways. Here are the differences.

Apple File System (APFS)

The APFS is the default used in the newer Mac operating system, also known as macOS 10.13 High Sierra — and is optimized for flash drives.

Hierarchical File System (HFS) Plus

The HFS+ filesystem, also known as Mac OS Extended, is used by Apple to encrypt removable media on older versions of macOS.

NT File System (NTFS)

NTFS is the most modern file system that Windows uses by default for its system drive and non-removable drives. Best movie database software for mac os. NTFS is the ideal filesystem for internal drives.

File Allocation Table (FAT32)

FAT32 is older and less efficient than NTFS. However, it is more compatible with other operating systems and can be used to support an external drive — if exFAT isn’t supported on your device and you don’t have files larger than 4 GB.

ExFAT

ExFAT is the modern replacement for FAT32 and is a great cross-platform option, supported by more devices and operating systems in its compatibility with both Windows and macOS. This file system is optimal for flash drives in its lightweight design like FAT32, but without that filesystem’s limitations or the extra features of NTFS. Similar to NTFS, exFAT gives you more storage than FAT32’s 4GB limit.

Encrypting a flash drive on a Mac computer

Encrypting your flash drive is different on a Mac because Apple uses the APFS or HFS+ filesystems to encrypt removable media, so you’ll need to format your drive accordingly. Here’s how.

Step 1: Erase drive (but consider consulting an expert first)

To format your external flash drive with the HFS+ filesystem, for example, start by opening the disk utility app. Then select your USB drive and choose Erase. Keep in mind that you could erase any data that’s already on the external or flash drive. You may want to consult a professional for advice.

Step 2: Format filesystem

After choosing the MacOS extended format and erasing the drive, format it with the HFS+ filesystem.

Step 3: Encrypt drive

To encrypt your drive, right-click your USB drive in your Finder and select Encrypt.

Step 4: Set password

Enter a strong password to keep others from gaining access.

Encrypting a flash drive on a Windows computer

Windows uses built-in encryption software known as BitLocker drive encryption, which is built into Windows Vista, including Pro, Ultimate, Enterprise, and Windows 10. While Bitlocker can encrypt your operating system drive and fixed data drives on your computer, Bitlocker to Go can encrypt your external USB flash drive and external hard drives. Windows also gives you a choice between three filesystems, as mentioned above.

Step 1: Choose filesystem

To start, choose which filesystem you want to use — NFTS, exFAT or FAT32 — by right-clicking your drive and choosing Format.

Step 2: Encrypt drive

To encrypt your flash or external drive, select the drive in your file explorer, hit your Manage tab, Select BitLocker, and turn BitLocker on.

Step 3: Set password

You’ll then choose how you want to unlock the drive — with a smart card, password, or both. If you choose to set a password, create a strong password and enter it twice.

Step 4: Save recovery key

You’ll then need to choose how you want to save your recovery key, in case you forget your password.

Encryption software options

Some flash drives offer built-in encryption, so you won’t have to use encryption software or a third-party app. If your drive doesn’t already provide encryption, you’ll need to decide which software is right for you.

Your decision will depend on factors that include your operating system, ease of use, level of encryption, safety features, speed, file size, and cost. Below is a listing of several encryption tools you may want to consider for your removable media.

Gilisoft USB encryption*

Gilisoft USB encryption software uses the AES-256 encryption algorithm, and runs automatically once your USB is detected. Other than choosing the size of your encrypted partition, everything else is automated. In various online reviews, possible drawbacks have includeed the cost, which runs about $50, and your computer — the app only works with a Windows platform.

USB Safeguard*

The USB Safeguard encryption software also uses AES-256 encryption for files, folders and drives. The highlights of USB Safeguard are just what its name implies: its safety features. The app lets you create virtual containers to keep your data safe, and also automatically locks when unplugged or when a user is inactive for a certain time. The potential drawbacks noted in online reviews? USB Safeguard only supports Windows and encryption of files up to 2GB. After that, it’s around $23 per license.

Kruptos 2 Go-USB Vault*

While there are several encryption software options for Windows, there aren’t as many for macOS. Kruptos 2 uses the stronger AES-256 encryption and notes that it can be used across platforms for Windows, macOS, and Android. While the process for encryption is relatively easy and the cost is around $24.95, the drawbacks are that you can’t encrypt an entire partition or system drive like you can with others, and the encryption process is reported to be slower than free tools like VeraCrypt.

How to encrypt a flash drive for free

There are several free options for encrypting the data on your flash drive through third-party tools. The differences in their efficacy seem to hinge on differences in their platforms, functions, and algorithms.

VeraCrypt*

VeraCrypt is another free third-party data encryption tools. It’s based on earlier software known as TrueCrypt and can function cross-platform. This encryption software can be used with Windows, OS X, and Linus. The product is able to hide encrypted volumes within other volumes through AES, TwoFish, and Serpent encryption.

AxCrypt*

AxCrypt software requires an annual fee for Mac and mobile applications, but it’s a free, open source encryption tool for Windows. This software allows you to encrypt either a file or an entire folder. AxCrypt can use timed encryption, letting you schedule the encryption and decryption of specific files or folders for a certain amount of time according to your needs and uses.

One difference? AxCrypt can’t create encrypted volumes the way VeraCrypt can. Also, the free version supports the AES-128 algorithm, which isn’t as strong as AES-256 encryption.

DiskCryptor*

This tool is another free, open source program that supports drive and volume encryption for Windows. DiskCryptor supports complex system configurations and lets you choose between the algorithms AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish.

GNU Privacy Guard*

This open source encryption software supports several types of encryption and can be used with Windows, OS X, and Linus. This tool is useful in its ability to encrypt individual files, disk images, volumes, external drives, and connected media.

7-Zip*

7-Zip is free file archive software for Windows, OS X and Linus. This encryption tool supports 256-bit AES encryption. It’s easy-to-use in its ability to use an encryption key to encrypt multiple files with one click.

Norton 360™ with LifeLock™, all-in-one, comprehensive protection against viruses, malware, identity theft, online tracking and much, much more.

* The inclusion of websites, apps, or links does not imply endorsement or support of any company, material, product and/or provider listed herein.

There are many encryption options available. The main takeaway? Your platform, the size of your files, your level of expertise, and your willingness to pay are a few of the factors to consider in deciding how to encrypt your data.

Flash Drive Encryption Software Reviews

But there’s one constant. If you have sensitive data on your flash drive, encryption — whether it’s applied to all or only part of the drive — is important in keeping your sensitive information safe and secure.

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The convenience of flash drives has greatly benefited most people’s work and life since they have been widely used. What comes subsequently is users’ needs for flash drive password encryption assuring their data safety. Here we will introduce you the 2 main methods about how to lock a flash drive on Windows 10/8/7 in order to avoid your data leaking or being modified by intention.

Tip: In addition to the flash drive, SD cards are also common in our work and life, so it’s also important for you to know how to encrypt a SD card.

Method 1 – How to Encrypt a USB Drive with BitLocker on Windows?

BitLocker is a Windows in-built tool aimed at protecting data by providing encryption for the entire volumes. You should enable it according to the following instruction before you use it.

1. First, connect your USB drive to your computer, and then right-click this drive to select Turn on BitLocker option in the drop-down box.

2. Next, you need to choose how you want to unlock this USB drive. There are two options provided for you – one is Use a password to unlock the drive, another is Use my smart card to unlock the drive. You can choose one of them or both. Certainly, as a reference, password protecting USB drive is the best choice for most users.

3. Considering that the password may get lost, you can set up the recovery key. You can save it to your Microsoft Account, save it to a file or get it printed.

• If you choose Save to your Microsoft account, you can recover your data more easily later because it will be stored on a Microsoft server. However, the disadvantage is that if law enforcement wants your data, Microsoft will have to provide your recovery key if authorized.
• If you choose Save to a file, make sure the file is stored in a safe place. If the recovery key can be found very easily, all of your data will be exposed. You can save it to a file or print the key and store it in a bank lockbox or in other similar secure places.

4. Next, you need to decide how much of the drive you want to lock. Here is a tip for you: If you just have started to use it, then you only need to encrypt the used space, and the later added contents will also automatically get locked; If you have used most space of it, then you’d better get the whole drive encrypted.

5. According to the version of your Windows, you may not see the following screen. If you are a user of Windows 10, you will need to choose one option from these two ones showed on the screen. The better and stronger encryption of Windows 10 can not be compatible with its earlier versions. So if you need more secure encryption, just choose New encryption mode; if you want to connect this drive to older versions of Windows, Compatible mode is more suitable for you.

6. Now, the drive encryption gets started, and the time it will take depends on the size of your USB drive and the volume of your data. If you go to another Windows 10 computer and insert the drive, you will see a message in the notification area.

If you are using earlier versions of Windows, you will need to go to Explorer to find the drive. When you see the drive, you will also see a lock on the drive icon.

7. Finally, when you need to access the drive, just double-click it and then enter your password according to the prompt. If you click More Options, you will also see the option to use the recovery key.

Method 2 – How to Password Protect a Flash Drive with Flash Drive Encryption Software?

There are many third-party flash drive encryption software declaring that they are safe and secure, the reality of which is difficult for users to prove. To prevent you costly selecting suitable products from a dazzling array of these USB drive encryption software, we recommend VeraCrypt for you guys after having tested a large amount of software of the same type.

Free Encryption Software For Mac

VeraCrypt is based on its former popular version TrueCrypt. What makes you feel pleased would be that this free data encryption software for usb flash drives has been audited to have no major security problems and vulnerabilities. Next, we will tell you how to lock a flash drive with this flash drive password encryption tool.

1. First, run VeraCrypt on your Windows, and you will see a window showing a list of drive letters and some options. Because we want to start with setting up a volume, you need to click on Create Volume option.

2. There will pop up a volume creation wizard providing a couple of options for you. If you choose the Create an encrypted file container option, a virtual encrypted disk will be created within a file. With this option, you can store some data in an encrypted volume, while the rest of the drive can be used to hold data that is not encrypted. The option Encrypt a non-system partition/drive will make your entire USB drive encrypted. If you only save important and sensitive data in your drive, encryption for the whole drive is suitable for you!

3. On the next screen, you should choose the volume type from the two options. The first option is called Standard VeraCrypt volume, and it mainly satisfies your normal encryption needs. With the second option Hidden VeraCrypt volume, you can get a more secure encryption level creating another encrypted volume inside the original encrypted volume. You should store the true data in the inside volume while the fake data in the original volume. When you are in an emergency and you are forced to give up your password to others, this function can keep your real data safe.

4. If you select the second option Hidden VeraCrypt volume, remember to check Normal mode on the following screen, so that VeraCrypt will create these two encrypted volumes for you. Then you need to decide the volume location.

5. Take the Hidden VeraCrypt volume for an example. After you click on this option, you will need to set a series of options for the outer volume, such as the encryption algorithm, the hash algorithm, the password, the format, and the contents.

6. Now it’s time for you to set up the hidden encrypted volume just like the outer encrypted volume. Finally, you will be told how to securely access the hidden volume of this USB drive.

Flash Drive Encryption Software For Mac And Windows Version

Conclusion:

What has been stated above is the two methods about how to encrypt a flash drive with or without software. If you encounter some problems or have some questions when using them, you can leave your message in the comment area below to seek help!

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