Encryption software for USB drives

[marvin]

HI

 

Does anyone know of an easy to use software that can simply be installed on a USB stick so that everytime you plug it i, it will ask you for a password first?

 

A free software would be good and without having to install it on a local machine!!!

 

Tried truecrypt but it doesnt work!!!!

 

Thanks

[Domino]

What didn't work for you on truecrypt?

 

have you looked at the instructions here? Autorun Truecrypt 5 on a USB drive using Traveler Disk Setup | EricsProjects

[DMcCoy]

What didn't work for you on truecrypt?

 

have you looked at the instructions here? Autorun Truecrypt 5 on a USB drive using Traveler Disk Setup | EricsProjects

 

Truecrypt is a bit nasty, I've done testing with it, but it really is no good for end users.

 

An example, encrypt the volume, plug in the drive - explorer refreshes constantly as it can't read the device properly until you finally mount it with truecrypt, the interface leaves a lot to be desired too. No central management either, main thing going for it seems to be the whole disk encryption and the price.

[marvin]

Followed those instructions but what doesnt make sense is how can users access the USB drive and explore it even though Truecrypt has been installed on the USB drive?

 

You can still browse all the folders and save files to the USB drive without having to enter a passord????

[Domino]

How big did you make the truecrypt volume in relation to the size of the disk?

[bossman]

@marvin:

 

Not using it but this looks like what you are after:

 

SafeStick UK Campaign to Stop Data Breaches : BlockMasterSecurity.com

 

hope this helps :)

 

P.S not freeware though

Edited June 30, 2009 by bossman

[mac_shinobi]

not sure about this as have not tested it but maybe someone can test and post back with outcome but jcrypt ?

 

SourceForge.net: JCrypt

[IrritableTech]

I've just ordered 200 usb sticks which I am having preloaded with truecrypt in traveller mode. The traveller container file takes up the whole 4GB of space (after the truecrypt portable software). The sticks will have the school logo and contact details printed on them, and a serial number so we can investigate any loss.

 

We are deploying Truecrypt to the school PCs using the RogueSpear MSI package, although our latest clone will have it preloaded. This avoids the end users requiring admin rights. The only problem is the RogueSpear MSI is version 6.1 and containers created in 6.2 will not open. This can be overcome by deploying the 6.2 driver file (truecrypt.sys) using xcopy.

 

As a result Windows users autorun the pen when it's plugged in. Truecrypt runs, asks for their password, assigns the letter I have set, and mounts the drive. They can not save to the unencrypted area, because it is full. All files are hidden except for a readme file I created.

 

Mac and Linux users will need to install the software on their home machines. I need to write some instructions...

[bossman]

@terrorvis:

 

What a Faff on eh!

Would be nice just to plug and go but you have to pay for them to be like that and the centralised management also costs a small fortune.

 

This seems to offer good benefits without central management

Kingston Technology Company - Flash Memory - DataTraveler Secure - Privacy Edition :)

[MYK-IT]

Not tried it personally but have a look at Rohos Software Encryption

 

There are also hardware based AES 256bit encryption USB Pen Drives from £14 approx.

Edited June 30, 2009 by MYK-IT

[IrritableTech]

@terrorvis:

 

What a Faff on eh!

Would be nice just to plug and go but you have to pay for them to be like that and the centralised management also costs a small fortune.

 

This seems to offer good benefits without central management

Kingston Technology Company - Flash Memory - DataTraveler Secure - Privacy Edition :)

 

It is a bit of a faff but we see it as a nessasary faff. We did look at the DataTraveler Privacy Edition (in fact there is one next to me kingston sent me for free) but they are very expensive to buy. It's not a perfect solution though. It is vulnerable to brute force password attacks as is Truecrypt, but at least the USB stick hasn't cost you £50+.

 

The Kingston Pavacy Ed pens don't work on osx or linux either according to the pack.

[enjay]

Thanks terrorvis, I've just had to revisit this, and your post could well cut a few corners for me.

[jamin100]

Not tried it personally but have a look at Rohos Software Encryption

 

There are also hardware based AES 256bit encryption USB Pen Drives from £14 approx.

 

Yes I have just brought the Integral ones and given them out to staff.

 

I paid £14 for 2GB ones though.

 

Only works with Windows but saves all the faff with truecrypt etc..

[bossman]

@terrorvis:

 

Aye your right on this one I don't think that any one solution is faff free so to speak.

Good luck with the faff on. Feel for ya. :)

[Busybub]

It's not a perfect solution though. It is vulnerable to brute force password attacks as is Truecrypt, but at least the USB stick hasn't cost you £50+.

 

Sandisk Enterprise sticks completely disable themselves after 10 incorrect password attempts. You can also buy central managment software which can send a suicide instruction over the Internet if somebody in your organisation loses one. Sandisk Professional ones format themselves after 10 attempts if I recall. Very fast sticks, not cheap though.

 

Another alternative other than these, the Integrals, or Safesticks, are the DataSafe ones which you can get from RM. 22 quid for a 4gb unit, but no central management.

[mac_shinobi]

It is a bit of a faff about maybe but jcrypt ( which uses java ) should be cross platform due to using java

[box_l]

check Arthurs post on this thread

 

arrrrggghh! vbs and quotes

 

it might help

 

this is the method we are using.

 

we have also purchased a usb duplicator and this setup is working well.

 

the sticks have been personalised for the school using the logo on the outside and for the icon in the autorun.

 

regards

 

BOx

[FN-GM]

I've just ordered 200 usb sticks which I am having preloaded with truecrypt in traveller mode. The traveller container file takes up the whole 4GB of space (after the truecrypt portable software). The sticks will have the school logo and contact details printed on them, and a serial number so we can investigate any loss.

 

We are deploying Truecrypt to the school PCs using the RogueSpear MSI package, although our latest clone will have it preloaded. This avoids the end users requiring admin rights. The only problem is the RogueSpear MSI is version 6.1 and containers created in 6.2 will not open. This can be overcome by deploying the 6.2 driver file (truecrypt.sys) using xcopy.

 

As a result Windows users autorun the pen when it's plugged in. Truecrypt runs, asks for their password, assigns the letter I have set, and mounts the drive. They can not save to the unencrypted area, because it is full. All files are hidden except for a readme file I created.

 

Mac and Linux users will need to install the software on their home machines. I need to write some instructions...

 

Sorry to sound thick......

 

Can you explain exactly what you do for it to ask for the Encryption Key Automatically?

 

Thanks

[box_l]

i know you have not asked me, but the one i use from arthur uses autorun.inf

 

its included in his post.

 

BoX

[enjay]

So I've spent the day looking at Cryptainer, TrueCrypt and a Lexar hardware-encrypted pen drive - the front-runner by far was Cryptainer, for the ease of use and difficulty of fouling it up. It is quite expensive though (£40/user), so I want to try a few others before I go and buy that.

 

What I'm after is something as simple as possible to use, the closer it is to double-click, enter password then start working the better.

 

Any suggestions?

 

(sorry for the cross-posting, please delete if that is inappropriate)

[AyatollahPies]

i know you have not asked me, but the one i use from arthur uses autorun.inf

 

its included in his post.

 

BoX

 

Don't we all turn Autorun off by default in GP these days though?

[AyatollahPies]

So I've spent the day looking at Cryptainer, TrueCrypt and a Lexar hardware-encrypted pen drive - the front-runner by far was Cryptainer, for the ease of use and difficulty of fouling it up. It is quite expensive though (£40/user), so I want to try a few others before I go and buy that.

 

What I'm after is something as simple as possible to use, the closer it is to double-click, enter password then start working the better.

 

Any suggestions?

 

(sorry for the cross-posting, please delete if that is inappropriate)

 

We use Safend Protector. As an encrpyted USB solution, I think it will tick your boxes. Does tons more too.

 

Safend Endpoint Security : Safend Protector

[RichB]

dont know if im missing the point here but what about Bitlocker? part of windows 7 (versions up from pro to enterprise.... and free if you have win 7

[enjay]

dont know if im missing the point here but what about Bitlocker? part of windows 7 (versions up from pro to enterprise.... and free if you have win 7

 

Like you say - part of Win 7, which we don't yet have, and nor do our staff all have it at home.

[Fuzzz]

If you are using Windows 7, you can use BitLocker...