TrueCrypt 6.2

• License:

  Free

• Editor's Rating:

  4.0 stars



• Average User Rating:

  4.0 stars (out of 170 votes) Rate it!

• Downloads:

  299,437

• Operating Systems:

  Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows XP

• Additional Requirements:

  No additional requirements

• Limitations:

  No limitations

• Date Added:

  May 11, 2009

• Previous Versions:

  Select a version TrueCrypt 6.1a TrueCrypt 6.0a TrueCrypt 6.0 TrueCrypt 5.1a TrueCrypt 5.1 TrueCrypt 5.0a TrueCrypt 4.3 TrueCrypt 5.0 TrueCrypt 4.3a TrueCrypt 4.3 TrueCrypt 4.2a TrueCrypt 4.2 TrueCrypt 4.1

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Publisher's description of TrueCrypt

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.

Version 6.2 includes the I/O pipeline now uses read-ahead buffering, which improves read performance especially on solid-state drives, typically by 30-50%.

See more CNET content tagged:

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Editor's review of TrueCrypt

• 4.5 stars

• "Ssshhh"

• Reviewed by: Seth Rosenblatt
• Reviewed on: November 7, 2008
• Version reviewed: TrueCrypt 6.2

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.

User reviews

• Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 170 votes
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 5 of 10 user reviewsSee all 10 user reviews
  This software version | All versions

• 5 stars

  Version: TrueCrypt 6.2

  "Great encryption program"

  by xTheLegendx on July 7, 2009

  Pros: Easy to understand, reliable, free, and secure

  Cons: none, unless you forget your password

  Summary: Overall a very good program to secure any documents on a pc or even a flashdrive.

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• 1 stars

  0 out of 1 people found this review helpful

  Version: TrueCrypt 6.2

  "Failed to get this program working on my computer"

  by rrochefort on June 25, 2009

  Pros: Failed to get this program working on my computer

  Cons: Failed to get this program working on my computer

  Summary: Failed to get this program working on my computer

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• 4 stars

  Version: TrueCrypt 6.2

  "An absolute requirement for my situation"

  by nickgarnett on June 23, 2009

  Pros: I take my laptop with me to work and back home every day and on business trips almost every week. I store my personal and business date in crypts. I consider encryption of such data an absolute requirement and TrueCrypt is the only answer for me

  Cons: TtrueCrypt can't handle NTFS compressed files. Does not inform you if you have mistakenly created a compressed crypt file until it completes the file, which can take minutes to hours. This failure is the only reason TrueCrupt down't get 5 stars

  Summary: An absolute must for anybody who wants to keep their data secure on a Windows machine. Just be careful to create uncompressed crypts

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• 4 stars

  Version: TrueCrypt 6.2

  ":) Best free encryption program!!!"

  by demonluo on June 20, 2009

  Pros: Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
  Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
  Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).

  Cons: If u didn't backup, gonna corrupt, forgot password, never read user guide, u could be in deep trouble...

  Summary: More pro:
  Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
  Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
  1) Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operatin... read more >>

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• 4 stars

  Version: TrueCrypt 6.2

  "Great for encrypting files en-masse"

  by Zorched on June 19, 2009

  Pros: Fairly easy to understand assuming you know basic terminology for filesystems as you are not just encrypting individual files, but placing files into a "container filesystem" which becomes a file on your hard drive.

  Cons: Does not do single file encrypting. If they had this as an option I would have given it 5 stars. The utility assumes (probably rightfully so) that the user will need many files encrypted so does not provide quick single file encryption ability.

  Summary: Great if you have a lot of files to encrypt all at once. Works smooth and has the option to not stick around running when no encrypted containers are mounted, keeping invasiveness and CPU overhead to a minimum. Not so great if you only have a few f... read more >>

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