- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
- Date added: November 22, 2009
- Total Downloads: 333,945
- Downloads last week: 1,440
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 204 votes
See all user reviews -
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt on November 06, 2008
The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that those concerned with protecting their data from thievery should want--and have.
It 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 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.
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 6.3a includes Minor improvements and bug fixes.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 204 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 11 user reviewsSee all 11 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"Great encryption program, but don't work all the way"
Pros: Totally free and no quota limit. Give you the top level security. Easy to use if you have taken some time to go through the tutorials and manual.
Cons: The interface is not really user friendly, and quite complicated indeed (because it gives you many choices and functions).
Only works on PCs with 'Administrator Privileges'. I can't use it on a guest computer (like in the public library).Summary: It is a good programme but you must spend some time on the tutorials and manual.
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"A MUST-HAVE for EVERY Netbook & Laptop."
Pros: It's FREE and EASY to SECURELY store/hide one's sensitive data.
Cons: 1. I wish one could simply right click on a document and encrypt it on the spot. 2. I wish one could store files larger than 4 Gig each on external drives without having to format the external drive to NTFS first, inorder to accomplish this.
Summary: I've been using TrueCrypt for a week and now that I see how easy it is to use, I'll NEVER store sensitive/private stuff on my computer again without using strong encryption software like TrueCrypt. One simply drags and drops any file, document or p... read more >>
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
Pros: Once it's installed and running, you won't know it's there. That's good design. Open source code means it has been comprehensively vetted for weaknesses by independent (and obsessive) analysts.
Cons: Setup will take some time, but this is unavoidable for a good security system -- you need to know what you're about to do. There is a learning period, but again, this is true of any good system.
Summary: Required install for any laptop, period.
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"Great encryption - better than most"
Pros: Free and thorough encryption with special features for more paranoid people.
Cons: Can be a little hard to use, when you are new to TrueCrypt.
Summary: If you need some good encryption without too many other functions, TrueCrypt is for you. Before BitLocker in Windows 7, this was the program I used all the time. The reason for me to switch from TrueCrypt, was the builtin function of BitLocker to Go... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
Pros: Once I read the online tutorial I found this program easy to use.
Cons: Nothing objectionable
Summary: Good straight-forward program
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