How To Keep Your Data Secure on a Windows, Mac, Linux, or a USB Thumb Drive.

Ever have sensitive information such as a social security number, credit cards, and so on in which it need to be secure on your laptop?  Sensitive documents and other files are always found in a PC where you work or surf the web.  These information can be compromised and hacked into.  But now you can protect your data from hackers by using some help from TrueCrypt. 

Its always good to keep files secure and do not allow others to crawl your precious documents and use them wrongly. But how could you save your data? The answer to this question is, by doing proper encryption on your files/ hard drive. Encryption is a process where you scramble your data to prevent it from reading unless a correct password or ‘key’ is inserted to open it.

TrueCrypt is a free software which is available for Windows (XP/Vista/7/8).  Its simple, encrypt your files and data very quickly and easily by encrypting your drive, file or folders, which has all files you need to protect.  In an unlocked folder you will be able to access your files like in a normal folder but when the folder is closed it becomes inaccessible and it also disappear from search or view.

Here how to install/configure in detail and secure your data properly.

Create an encrypted file / Folder(s) | Step by step

Step 1 – Install TrueCrypt

Download TrueCrypt from its website - http://www.truecrypt.org, as its available for Windows, Mac and Linux you can easily select and choose the installation.  Its a simple install and in no time with few clicks the icon for TrueCrypt will appear on your desktop screen. Now launch your newly installed program.

Step 2 – Choose Encryption Method

First thing to do is to click on volume button, and select from two choices: if there’s data already on the drive that you don’t want to lose, leave ‘Create an encrypted file container‘ clicked and press ‘Next‘.  If you are encrypting the whole disk partition then choose ‘Encrypt a non-system partition/drive’ instead before clicking ‘Next’.

Step 3 – Standard or hidden?

If you get a UAC (windows) dialog box, click ‘Yes‘. There are two options for creating a volume – to protect your files from being lost or stolen, leave the volume selected and click ‘Next’ again. You can also select ‘Hidden TrueCrypt volume’, but for this article we will keep it basic, so we choose the standard option.

Step 4 – Set up volume

Click the ‘Select file’ button, browse to your USB flash drive and then type a new name into the ‘File name’ box.  Avoid using a file extension, as this can be problematic. Click ‘Save’, followed by ‘Next’ to set up your encryption options for the volume.  The annotation above explains how this works.  If in doubt, the default options should be fine for most people. Click ‘Next’ to continue.

Step 5 – Set size and password

Set a size for your folder, by choosing a figure with suitable space can make your files encrypt. Click ‘Next’ to enter the password. You’ll need this to access your files in future, so make sure it’s memorable, but also tough to crack. Try to make it at least 20 characters.

Step 6 – Add keyfiles

For additional protection, tick ‘Use keyfiles’ before clicking the ‘Keyfiles’ button. Select at least one file – any will do.  In future, your encrypted drive or folder can only be opened by selecting that file and entering the correct password.  This adds another layer of security to your files, but make sure the file is accessible when you need it. Then click ‘OK’, followed by ‘Next’.

Step 7 – Format volume or folder

Move your mouse within the TrueCrypt creation window for as long as you can to generate a strong cryptographic key. When you’re ready, click ‘Format’ and the encrypted volume will be created. Wait until the confirmation dialog box appears, then click ‘OK’ followed by ‘Exit’ to return to the main TrueCrypt window, ready to access your encrypted folder for the first time.

Step 8 – Mount encrypt folder(s)

Select a free drive letter from the list. Click the ‘Select file’ button to choose your encrypted folders, or click the ‘Select Device’ button to access an encrypted partition or drive.  Click the ‘Mount’ button, then enter the password and if applicable, click the ‘Keyfiles’ button to select the files that will give you access to your folders when you click ‘OK’.

Step 9 – Access Folder(s)

 After a short pause you should see your encrypted folder(s) appear in the main TrueCrypt window.  It can now be accessed like any other drive.  Copy or save files directly into here to ensure they’re protected in future.  When you've finished with the drive, right-click its entry in the TrueCrypt window and choose ‘Dismount’ to lock it away from prying eyes.

Step 10 – Your sensitive data, secured

Now your files are safely stashed away behind TrueCrypt’s ultra-tight encryption, you can relax when moving them from one place to another. Without the correct password and keyfiles, no one else can gain access to your data, so even if you misplace your USB flash drive or find it’s fallen into the wrong hands, your documents will remain strictly for your eyes only.