Manage updates with the Download AppCNET Editors' review
This open-source encryption program is loaded with powerful encryption features, but a lack of in-program help may dissuade all but those users who definitely need or want to completely secure their data. A powerhouse of potential, TrueCrypt 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 rather 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. Dismount the volume, and voila--your previously accessible files are now safely secure from prying eyes.
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.
More Products to Consider
-
Protect your PC against the latest viruses and spyware. -
Protect your computer from viruses and malicious programs. -
Detect and quickly remove malicious threats to your computer. -
Protect your PC in real time from malware & spyware. -
Provide secure, anonymous, and private browsing on Wi-Fi hotspo... -
Search your hard disk and Registry for threats to your security... -
Detect and eliminate viruses, get free protection for home user... -
Find and remove specific viruses from your PC. -
Get the latest antivirus updates. -
Reduce multiple passwords to one single item. -
Get updated virus pattern files. -
Guard your Windows PC from malware and Internet based attacks. -
Update Norton virus definitions and antivirus products. -
Protect PC from viruses, Trojans, worms, buffer overflows, zero... -
Find and remove specific viruses from your PC. -
Find and remove specific viruses from your PC. -
Download and exchange files safely, enjoy games and Web surfing... -
View and recover passwords and other critical information for v... -
Detect and remove spyware, malware, rootkits, trojans, hijacker... -
Hide all your applications and games IP from snoopers and hacke... -
Record and view every keystroke typed on keyboard. -
Keep your sensitive data encrypted in a portion of free space y... -
Monitor employee computer activities and track employees workti... -
Secure your connection to public Wi-Fi networks with premium VP...
-
All versions:
4.3 starsout of 329 votes
-
Current version:
4.3 starsout of 56 votes
-
My rating:
Write review
-
"Good Encryption software for hard disk and USB drive"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
It helps to protect data on the hard disk and during boot up. Try using on the notebook hard disk. Works great and if you need to access the data directly when it is removed from the notebook, it requires the correct password to access the data,
Cons
User interface is confusing. The same menu function can be accessed through multiple screen commands.
Summary
TrueCrypt is good for Windows Vista home premium which I am using as it does not have any built in encryption features.
-
"All I can say about TrueCrypt is - OUTSTANDING!!!!"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
There is no comparison of TrueCrypt to other encryption apps I have tested. It is superior in almost every way, and has so many features, as well as being open source and free....
The security TC provides is unbeatable. There are so many features!Cons
None - just be sure to keep your version updated - you need to check it manually - current is 6.3a released 2 weeks ago.
Summary
TC is just plain unbeatable, and superior to any commercial, shareware, or other freeware crypt product I have tested. Nothing else comes close to all the features TC has - for free! I do recommend making a financial contribution to the authors, to show them your happiness with the product, as I have done....
I fully recommend you use TC on whole disk mode w/ boot login enabled - on all your systems. Decrypt is fast and done "on the fly". It took my desktop system (with 180GB HD) about ten hours to encrypt using Serpent algorithm. (I recommend Serpent as well is you really care about nearly unbeatable security - it is actually more secure than AES!! -
"Works great for my needs, and I'm sure it does a lot more"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
This does exactly what I wanted it to do, and I think it can make things more secure, but I don't even need to worry about making things that good.
Cons
Maybe a little hard to figure out the first time, but after that it's great.
-
"Simple but strong"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
It have a lot of methods of encryption, and don't have a limit of the data that you want to save. It's simple and easy to use, even after encrypt.
Cons
I don't know...
-
"Very good and free!"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
-
"Indispensable!"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
Pro's:
I've tried all reasonable-priced software solutions to encrypt personal data on my USB drives and nothing came close to Truecrypt's ease-of-use and functionality.
Best of all, this is the most reasonably-priced: free! Many thanks to the author.
Cons
Con's:
Not everybody knows about it yet. C'mon Cnet, give Truecrypt an Editor's Choice award!
-
"Obtuse"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
It's open-source.
Cons
I just wanted to but a nice password on a folder. This won't do that. This software assumes a lot of knowledge, as the cnet editor pointed out. That severely hampers its reach and effectiveness.
-
"Great & Free"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
I love this program, I am impressed with it. Very simple and valueable.
Cons
Nothing.
-
"Great tool"
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
I use this program daily on my laptop to protect my data incase the computer is stolen. I make DVD sized containers and mount them to use as "my documents". DVD sized containers make backing up simple.
This is a very powerful, stable encryption program using proven strong encryption methods. The help docs are good and even go into the theory. This program is multi platform and open source, making it one of the few open source programs with a polished feel. Open source means it can be scrutinized to ensure there's no backdoors.
Since it mounts encrypted volumes as a drive, you can add remove files on the fly, so they won't be unencrypted on your drive like programs that need two stages. Easy to access encrypted files and no noticable performance penalty.
Unlike included windows encryption it will work on home windows versions, people will have no idea what files are included (Windows Encryption doesn't encrypt file names), it's more portable (Windows encryption you need to muck around with keys).
Cons
Traveler mode doesn't run without admin privileges, defeating the point. Even a browser tool would be useful.
Hidden volume is a bit of a gimmick.
-
"Excellent product. Better than most."
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros
Easy to use.
Free.
Cons
Visibility of files after encryption.
Add Your Review
Submit your reply
E-mail this review
Report offensive content
Previous Versions:
