TrueCrypt - Open Source Disk Encryption Program

TrueCrypt – Open Source Disk Encryption Program

by Mike 11 May 2009 3 Comments

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Rating: 5.0/5 (1 vote cast)

Overview

TrueCrypt is a free, open source and multi platform disk encryption software for Windows, Linux and Mac OS X systems.

Review

TrueCrypt was recommended to me by Gerald, he says that he can’t live without this open source program. I’m always getting valuable information from my readers, so I decided to try this freeware program myself and see if I’ll be able to live without it

TrueCrypt uses three of the best encryption algorithms, AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Basically what you can do with it is create a virtual encrypted disk and mount it as a real disk or encrypt an entire partition or an external drive, USB disk or hard disk. After you chose your way, the encryption will be automatic and on the fly.

The best way to start is with the Volume Creation Wizard, you’ll be guided step by step towards your goal. You can even encrypt your system drive, but that could be risky.

A great thing about the program is the way that it explains everything that it does with your files and partitions, giving you warnings and information in order not to do anything stupid.

I’m not too worried about the security of the data that I have in my PC, maybe simply because I don’t have anything illegal or abnormal in my PC. However, being careful can’t be too bad. Overall TrueCrypt is a very powerful freeware program, not very easy to use but the tutorials and the information that the developers made available can guide you through easily.

Version Tested

6.1a

Author

TrueCrypt Foundation

Operating System

Windows, Linux, Mac OS X

Download link

Summary

Powerful and with a lot of great tutorials and help available.

Open source and multi platform.

Rating

Verdict

Well, I have to agree with Gerald and thank him again for telling me about this program. If you’re worried about security than you should definitely create your own virtual encrypted disks with TrueCrypt and maybe donate a few bucks to the people that made this freeware program, it’s open source!

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3 Comments »

joe said:

Unlike you I am security conscious. There are 3 points to be made about this wonderful program:

1) Keep in mind that nothing is totally secure, there are pro companies advertising they’ll crack any encrypted file/folder//disc…it just costs a lot
2) If your HD is corrupted, under normal OS you can still recover most of your data. If you encrypted your partitions or entire HD, you get zero recovery – so make certain you have backups hidden away of important data.
3) Tip: Use portable programs that run from inside the encrypted partition – do check first that the portable program does not make ANY alterations to the Registry or leak info elsewhere. This way you can keep your private info confidential instead of having your OS spreading the info in a dozen directions.

# 20 September 2009 at 2:46 pm

Johnny Karp said:

@Joe
I admit that I’m a bit less security conscious than you. Thanks for all the information that you provided, it might be useful for me and my readers.

# 20 September 2009 at 3:09 pm