Stop Data Snooping Spies With TrueCrypt 5
TrueCrypt, an encryption program designed to hide your data from prying eyes, has released a new update that adds the ability to encrypt an entire disk. Seems like just about everyday we read about yet another exposure of sensitive data because someone’s laptop was stolen, but if those careless employees had used TrueCrypt it wouldn’t be a problem.
The standout feature in the latest release of TrueCrypt offers users the ability to encrypt an entire disk. Support of full disk encryption makes TrueCrypt a solid alternative to expensive commercial solutions and means anyone wanting to get at your files will need to get past the pre-boot authentication screen.
Also new in TrueCrypt 5 is a Mac OS X version and a graphical interface for the Linux version — no need for the command line anymore.
If you’ve never used a disk encryption system before, TrueCrypt is an easy way to get your feet wet. The software is simple to install and there’s no need tweak the default settings, though there are two gotchas to watch out for.
TrueCrypt will offer to remember passwords when mounting an encrypted volume and it will also let you auto start the program when you boot. While both of those things are convenient they also defeat the purpose — if it automatically remembers the password for you it’ll remember it for a thief too. If you’re serious about protecting your data make sure both of these options are turned off.
On the plus side TrueCrypt doesn’t add much processing overhead. Despite the fact that TrueCrypt encrypts and decrypts on the fly, opening files is very nearly as fast as a system without any encryption.
Another interesting feature for the James Bond’s among us is the ability to use multiple passwords to reveal different amounts of information. If you’re captured with your laptop on you and Goldfinger forces your to enter your password, you can always enter the alternate password which will reveal a hidden drive with no files, thus foiling the enemy. Unless they’re familiar with TrueCrypt that is.
TrueCrypt is free and available for all major platforms. The latest version can be downloaded from the site.
[via Slashdot]
