CNET Editors' review
The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that users concerned with protecting data from prying eyes will find robust and comprehensive.
It has 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 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 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 another way. Dismount the volume, and voila--your previously accessible files are now safely secure from prying eyes.
The apps newer features include hardware acceleration for some Intel chips, auto-mounting, and convenience improvements for when you "favorite" an encrypted volume have improved both performance and usability. Users can even create a hidden operating system, encrypted away from nosy busybodies, but make no mistake--TrueCrypt is not for the casual encryption explorer. Be sure to thoroughly understand what you're doing with the program before you do something regrettable.
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.
What's new in this version: Version 7.1a contains minor improvements and bug fixes.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 327 votes
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Current version:
4.1 starsout of 22 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"The standard in encryption"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Recommended by the people in the know ... powerful and easy to use
Cons
Perhaps a little complicated for newbies?
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"Excellent results and easy to use"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Works easily and perfectly every time
Cons
There are none that I could find
Summary
if you have any information on your computer that you want to keep private - Trucrypt is the anserw
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"TRUECRYPT IS NO LONGER UNBREAKABLE!!!"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
TrueCrpyt provides excellent on the fly encryption as well as the options to create a hidden volume.
Cons
With the onslaught of products like "Passware Kit Forensic," TrueCrypt is no longer a viable encryption solution.
Check out the following links to learn more about this latest development...
http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=9077
http://www.lostpassword.com/kit-forensic.htmSummary
In conclusion, I gave this product a 2.5 star rating because while it is no longer able to prevent decryption, it still makes for a great research-project, to say the least.
While it may seem that some very extenuating circumstances need to be met in order for a program such as "Passware Kit Forensic" to work, True-Crypt is still not out of the woods completely, especially when you consider it's vulnerabilities to an "Evil-Maid" attack...
Updated on Dec 18, 2012
Please check out the following links:
http://theinvisiblethings.blogspot.com/2009/10/evil-maid-goes-after-truecrypt.html
http://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2009/10/evil_maid_attac.html -
"Was working ok, until drive disconnected!"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
versatile, simple interface
Cons
leangthy encryption, totally absent accidental resume feature. No support
Summary
27 hours to go into a complete external drive encryption, and the ext HD accidentally disconnected. The progam froze, so I shut it down...and NO resume!!!! Now the drive is innaccessable and corrupted. That's 500 GB of data gone. ...and there's NO offered support for "corrupted data" according to the site.
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"Encryption for the rest of us"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Encryption for my drives. Detailed, or too detailed, instructions. Cost.
Cons
Just as the documentation is a plus it's also a minus. It took some time to realize that not everything pertained to me. Once you narrow it down to the dozen or so pages, with pictures, it isn't so bad. Interface could be less cluttered but that's a very minor nit to pick.
Summary
I used it to create an encrypted folder with portable windows apps that run everything from there and not the local machine using TrueCrypts portable mode. This secure folder/file is then copied over for safe keeping to multiple locations and still fits in less than 4gb of space for programs and data! Now if my machine blows up or gets stolen then I haven't really lost a thing. Talk about peace of mind. At one time I wanted to simply run virtual machines but that meant running a full OS, and the program to run them wants to be installed to the local machine, requiring admin rights, and that took up far more space than necessary. Should the worse thing happen, and my existing laptop dies, I could still take my flash drive, plug it into a new or borrowed system, and be off to the races with literally little to no downtime. Sweet! I have to admit it took me time to play around with the program until I felt comfortable doing what I am doing. Still, the creators are to be thanked for making this available.
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"Works great for whatever you need it for..."
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Works on your hard drive.
Works on your external hard drive.
Works on your flash drive.
Plenty of images and instructions on how to install and use.Cons
None for me.
Summary
It's pretty easy to use if you're computer savvy, but if you're a newbie with a computer it can be confusing but there are plenty of instructions with images to show you how to install.
It's great and it's free and you just can't beat that! -
"Best One I ever used. Highly Recommended."
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Excellent Price!!!!!!!!!!! Free!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Easy to use.
Only need to read pages 7 to 23 to use it; most of this is pictures!!
The large manual gives details for those who want to know a lot more.
Therefore it is good for beginners and experienced users.
Can unmount without closing computer - some others will not allow.Cons
After years of use of TrueCrypt I have not found any.
Summary
I have been using TrueCrypt for a few years and have not found a better replacement.
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"Awesome Program!!"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Been looking for this kind of programs a few hours to encrypt my new pendrive, it was hard an noone was working fine, till i get here, its a fantastic program to encrypt your files and your devices, really easy to use, also with tips and explaning all the time witch might be the best option for you.
They really deserve my donationCons
Might need some computer language, but if you are looking for this, u might know it
Summary
This is my face right now: =)
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"Free and Fast"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Easy to use given common sense.
Files encrypted does not look like truecrypt.Cons
Too complicated on other features.
You have to memorize the password. -
"quite nice"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
shows advanced properties
guide for newcomers
FrEeWarE rUleS!!!Cons
umm, none so far
Summary
got this software, installed on my pc, read the PDF, works quite nicely
PS: maybe there should be a "beginners view" that hides advanced features?



