- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: January 15, 2007
- Total Downloads: 243,988
- Downloads last week: 5,295
- See full specifications
A newer version of TrueCrypt is available.
(Download doesn't provide access to previous versions of this program.)
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 188 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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 popular Encryption Software downloads
- 52,623 downloads 1. RoboForm
- 27,875 downloads 2. Hotspot Shield
- 26,862 downloads 3. Computer Use Reporter
- 8,814 downloads 4. Easy File Encryption
- 8,095 downloads 5. Easy Private Disk
- See all Encryption Software downloads
User reviews of TrueCrypt 4.2a
- Average user rating: 4.2 stars out of 188 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
-
Showing 5 of 48 user reviewsSee all 48 user reviews
This software version | All versions -
6 out of 7 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros: This software is one of the best i have every seen. The handling is perfect, the workflow awesome. And it is free. "Thank you so much" to the developers. Ten thousand stars!!!
Cons: Definitely nothing.
-
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
"Excellent product. Better than most."
Pros: Easy to use.
Free.
Cons: Visibility of files after encryption.
-
15 out of 19 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
"As of it's been sent from the digital gods."
Pros: Note: I've done a review about this before, but every time a new ver. of a program come out they want to take it down. just dumb. Not much has changed just bug fixes.
First off I must say this program has so many bells and whistles it's not even funny. I used this
program to smuggle so much adult porn from China (because, porn it's illegal in China & if you don't believe me then google it). Anyways, back to TrueCrypt. Now TrueCrypt will not be a program for dummy's but, read the users guide to get you started.
If you still have problems you may need to check out there forms. Now to the bells and whistles. I'm not
going to name all of them because it's so many. The thing that I love most is the TrueCrypt digital Vault.
The TrueCrypt digital Vault is a big ***** file (or small whatever size you make it out to be) the file is loaded
with ramdam data stuff that looks something like this (##$$%&^&^#%^#%^$%@#$76) and inside that
ramdam data is your goods. Whats so cool about this file is that it works just like your computer hard drive.
When you open the file after you make it it looks just like you just installed a new hard drive on your
computer. Then from there you can just start putting data in the file so you can hide your stash. So give it a
try. I hope you all love it as much as I do. One more thing. I've ran my cracking programs on my
TrueCrypt file for 30 days straight and could not crack it. So its pretty strong. So use a good password and
also, you can use files such as photos or text as keys.
Note: TrueCrypt kicks pgp's *****.
Cons: Yeah right None.
-
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros: This program allows u to create a hidden partitioning on your hard disk. without the proper password, nobody can get access to the data stored in this partition. Thus u can keep safely personal data from either theft or even from the eyes of the other members of your family if u share a computer at home. moreover. it is practically impossible to detect that there is a hidden partition
-
Version: TrueCrypt 4.2a
Pros: I love this program, I am impressed with it. Very simple and valueable.
Cons: Nothing.
- See all 48 user reviews Write review
Submit your review
Previous Versions:
