- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: April 19, 2006
- Total Downloads: 243,988
- Downloads last week: 5,295
- See full specifications
A newer version of TrueCrypt is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 188 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
This open-source encryption program is loaded with powerful encryption features, but a lack of in-program help may dissuade all but those users who definitely need or want to completely secure their data. A powerhouse of potential, TrueCrypt offers 11 algorithms for encrypting your private files in a password-protected volume. You can store your encrypted data in files (containers) or partitions (devices). TrueCrypt works hard to offer powerful data protection, recommending complex passwords, explaining the benefits of hidden volumes, and erasing telltale signs of the encryption process, including mouse movements and keystrokes. Though the interface may not be immediately intuitive, its powerful, on-the-fly encryption for no cost still earns the freeware security tool a top rating.
The useful tips in the extensive help manual and volume-creation wizard provide excellent guidance. In fact, they're rather required reading, as TrueCrypt lacks any considerable in-program help. For instance, the tutorial explains the entire concept beyond "hidden" volumes, but it doesn't quite explain how to mount them. One obvious downside of any strong encryption program is if you happen to forget your lengthy, secure password, you should consider any protected files as good as gone. However, once files are mounted to a local drive with your password or key, they conveniently behave just like any normal files, allowing you to easily open, copy, delete, or other modify them. Dismount the volume, and voila--your previously accessible files are now safely secure from prying eyes.
Publisher's description
From TrueCrypt Foundation :Protect your sensitive data with this free open-source disk encryption software. Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk. Encrypt an entire hard disk partition or a device, such as USB flash drive. Automatically and transparently encrypt in real time.
TrueCrypt provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password: a hidden volume (steganography- more information may be found here); no TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data). TrueCrypt uses encryption algorithms AES-256, Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5, Serpent, Triple DES, and Twofish. It is based on Encryption for the Masses (E4M) 2.02a, conceived in 1997.
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User reviews of TrueCrypt 4.2
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 188 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 36 user reviewsSee all 36 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
19 out of 21 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2
Pros: If you really need to hide some files in your PC, this is the tool (the free tool at least). I love the hidden inside a hidden (or mounted inside a mounted) disk feature. With that feature you can hide a part of your disk inside another secret compartment.
Cons: None
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9 out of 13 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2
Pros: Create a standard or hidden volume and secure your files with a password after encryption
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14 out of 15 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2
"Been using this for sometime and it is excellent!!!"
Pros: Command line mounting is a plus and it is portable... with a little reading you can figure out how to use this with a USB flash drive. The multiple OS support is great. And I agree with a previous poster that this is better than PGP Disc Encryption. Another user claimed to lose his data and was frustrated with the mounting of the volume... My response to that, just read the forums and the manual. A ton of thought went into this product and it's open source/FREE!!!!
Cons: Not that I am a Mac user... and their site says it is coming... The ability to take your TC volumes from platform to platform would be great!!! Other than that future enhancement, it is a great product.
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7 out of 8 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2
"Secure, free and the best program of it's type."
Pros: You select the size of your 'crypt', which other similar applications don't allow you to do. You can also select from a large list which encrypting algorithms you want used to protect your files. It's wonderfully designed and genuinely one of the best files i've downloaded in a long time.
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15 out of 16 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2
Pros: Having been using this program for about 8 months now, and never even once have I thought of switching to another 'paid' program. It takes some getting-used-to, but once you do, its the fastest on-the-fly encryption program I have ever seen. With Blowfish encryption, the read/write speed is the same as that of a normal volume!!
We can even install programs onto the mounted volume, and the size of the largest container that can be created is virtually unlimited; unlike some 'other' programs I've tested. [Theoretically its 8589934592 GB!! (from their FAQ) - But I don't think even NTFS supports files/partitions that big.]
Cons: Could use a more Intuitive Interface, and as the CNET Review, more in-program help.
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