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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 313 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 8 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-8 of 8
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"Excellent when it works"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
When it works, it provides a wonderful free service that fully and privately encrypts files and systems.
Cons
It does not always work. Whether it works or not depends on whether the computer uses a GUID partition table or a MBR partition table. This seems to depend on the size of the harddrive - smaller hard drives can use MBR. Larger ones require GUID. TrueCrypt works on MBR but not on GUID, which leaves me extremely disappointed with my beautiful new desktop - I can't use it securely. Other software, including Symantec PGP and Microsoft BitLocker also failed to work. PGP probably failed for the same reason TrueCrypt failed. BitLocker failed for other reasons.
Summary
I hope TrueCrypt can add GUID partition table compatibility. I did donate the last time TrueCrypt worked for me.
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"Extremely flaky even in light usage"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Small installer
Cons
Extremely flaky, it will crash even when you have apparently done everything right and blow away your encrypted partition.
Summary
It would be a good program if it was much more reliable than it is at the moment. I've personally created partitions to test TrueCrypt, only to have them become unreadable on a perfectly working drive within 2 weeks of creation.
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"Truly Encrypted"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Easy to use if you take a couple of minutes to read the how-to which is clear and concise. Price is better than outstanding -- it's free. Consider sending a donation once you've tried it; it's well worth it to ensure great programs such as this continue to come via "donation-ware". And the security of the encrypted files is legit. Put a super strong password for yourself on there and no one will ever get in without a great deal of time and effort. Oh yes, once you get it set up and put some stuff in it the files are really easy to get to, edit, move, whatever.
Cons
This will not appeal to anyone who wants to install it an run it without reading the how-to. Otherwise, there are no cons in my opinion.
Summary
I wish I would have tried this long ago when it was first released.
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"BSOD on Mount"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Free (But I'd pay for a working product)
Cons
Cannot mount a simple file container without getting a BSOD. It's a sad thing when part of the program has an option for analyzing a system crash. meaning, they know it crashes your system.
Summary
Free re-boot software, not a real program.
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"Great free encryption security software"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Been using this software for about 3 years; very happy with its encryption, which can be on a hard drive or a portable drive.
Cons
Restriction on size, though it can be gotten around by having multiple files.
Summary
Great package! Have had no problems with it. Just remember your password!
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"Top of the line free encryption software."
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Easily create an encrypted folder. Very good wizards to lead you through the process.
Cons
Being given several types of encryption technologies to choose from can be confusing. Do I really care who won an award for their code? Just give me the one that most people agree is the best.
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"Clear instructions for setup. Easy to use."
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
I use this application for encrypting my flash drive. I had my whole flash drive encrypted at one time. I changed to use the Hidden Volume feature in TrueCrypt. The instructions were easy to follow for both methods.
Cons
Since I have to enter at least 10 characters here:
I wish this app had a different desktop icon design. I think they could have done a better.Summary
I use this program on my flash drive because I work on my laptop in a local library and in restaurants. I wanted my flash drive to be encrypted in case I lost it or in case someone stole it. I use my flash drive as my backup device for my laptop's hard drive.
I do like that this program is easy to use.
I gave it a 4.5 rating because I cannot comment on whether or not the encryption is unbreakable. I hope I never have to find out. All I can say is that the instructions are clear and the program is easy to use once it is setup. I have used it for well over a year. -
"Security, security, Security"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.1a
Pros
Excellent product by guy that really know Encryption. Not the most simple to use software bott great nontheless
Cons
Maybe too many options for simple use?
Results 1-8 of 8
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