- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP/2003/Vista/Server 2008/7
- Date added: November 22, 2009
- Total Downloads: 345,260
- Downloads last week: 1,714
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 215 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: 4.3 stars out of 215 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 20 user reviewsSee all 20 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"In XP mounting the volume crashes the system"
Pros: Strong approach to protecting files and data.
Cons: Would not mount, open source forum has very limited availability.
Summary: I like open source programs. Sometimes to many cooks...
This program will get better. -
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"Read the instruction, this is SO well thought out"
Pros: Incredibly secure, there's no way to describe how well made this program is. It's so thorough. I feel like I'm building mini-forts all over my computers. It's fast, easy to set up (just read people) and is super secure.
Cons: I hear that in order to use the stand-alone extractor (for USB drives on the go) you have to be an administrator of that computer, if that's true (I haven't verfied it yet) then that would be junky
Summary: This program has 3 functions, file container, encrypt a non-system drive and encrypt a system drive, that's awesome! The file containers are totally portable from place to place on a USB drive or you can just encrypt the entire flash/hard drive. Sup... read more >>
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1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"I am real happy with TrueCrypt"
Pros: It performed just as stated in the review and description.
Cons: I almost got scared off by claims that it might take some getting used to by encryption newbies. I followed the directions and it was easy.
Summary: There is a great tutorial to getting up and running for beginners. If I had know encryption software could be this easy I would have started using it years ago.
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"Easy to Use and Good Functionality"
Pros: Price is GREAT - Free. And Functionality is Awesome
Cons: Instructions/User Manual took some time to learn some of the aspects of use and care
Summary: Great Product
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Version: TrueCrypt 6.3a
"First Rate Security; Short learning Curve"
Pros: Includes wide variety of powerful encryption technologies; enables hidden vaults for pausable deniability; haven't had any vaults become corrupted; offers *key files* option - very nice if someone knows your "favorite pw"
Cons: There is a learning curve here, at least for me, and I'm certainly an above average user; time spent is very worthwhile, in my opinion.
Summary: Key files, lots of options, hidden drives within drives.
- See all 20 user reviews Write review
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