USB Encryption Software

[marvin]

Can anyone recommend a software that i can buy to encrypt USB drives with?
I just want an easy to use system that provides a lock and unlock solution?

Thanks

[ronnoco]

Hi,

I'm sure there are some better but we have been using PortableApps.com - Portable software for USB drives for some time.You have to install the Toucan module. This was some time ago so things could have changed.

We brought every member of staff a cheap memory stick, installed this software and on the stick provided a guide for how to encrypt/decrpt files to cover ourselves for Data Protection issues, etc. It's easy to use and best of all, it's free!

Hope this helps.

[FN-GM]

TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux

[bossman]

@marvin:

We use Truecrypt on the servers for directories but for general use the staff find this very good indeed.

Free Encryption Software - Password Protect Files and Lock Folders

Ooh and its free

[danrhodes]

RoHos mini is pretty good. Rohos Mini Drive Encrypts Your USB Drive Files - Downloads - Lifehacker

[burgemaster]

Truecrypt here also..

All workstations are installed via MSI with the truecrypt driver.. then any USB sticks that required encryption are setup with truecrypt in Traveller mode, means no installation on home computers and will work on any school computer.

Currently only 3 staff have requested encryption after numberous notices... but hey ive done my part.

[laserblazer]

What are the advantages over truecrypt bossman?

[pwds]

Consider buying Integral (or similar) fully encrypted USB drives. The drives come with sensible pre-configured password rules and will wipe themselves after the password is put in more than six (I think) times.

Our audit said we should only allow staff to use school issued USB flash media as we can then legally require it back if and when they leave. If you have Sophos Endpoint (or the alternative product DeviceLock we explored) you can then restrict staff PC's to only writing to serial numbers you have issued.

[bossman]

@laserblazer:

Its easier to deploy around the network and its also easier for the staff to use (Simples).

[Griff]

We would like to start using TrueCrypt looks a nice bit of software and free :P

[CHR1S]

I would personally avoid a software solution for USB sticks. As Pwds said, go for a good Hardware Encrypted stick, they cost more initially (around £5 per Gb) but it eleviates any issues you will encounter with software restrictions if your staff visit other schools that restrict apps and or drives.

If all they will ever use them is at home and in one school then TrueCrypt is the perfect solution and its free.

[mavhc]

Of course you have no idea whether the hardware encryption is doing what they say it is, eg all the usb drives that used the same AES key that was discovered recently

[CHR1S]

Of course you have no idea whether the hardware encryption is doing what they say it is, eg all the usb drives that used the same AES key that was discovered recently

Very good point! Any ones to name and shame?

[ICT_GUY]

Wow looking through the truecrypt website is interesting, hidden operating systems and decoy operating systems, plausible deny-ability (great for countering the draconian regulations that were introduced to combat terrorists and anyone who has a computer that the gov wants to look at).

Makes me want to give it a try, except that it looks like it would take a weekend or more to implement and that I am very lazy.

[laserblazer]

@laserblazer:

Its easier to deploy around the network and its also easier for the staff to use (Simples).

But you get bombarded with emails from the barstewards. I've had 7 since I downloaded it this morning! Does seem to be more teacher friendly than truecrypt though. I might even use it to create secure volumes on laptops rather than encrypting the whole machine.