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 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.
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:
TrueCrypt is a software system for establishing and maintaining an on-the-fly-encrypted volume (data storage device). On-the-fly encryption means that data is automatically encrypted or decrypted right before it is loaded or saved, without any user intervention. No data stored on an encrypted volume can be read (decrypted) without using the correct password/keyfile(s) or correct encryption keys. Entire file system is encrypted (e.g., file names, folder names, contents of every file, free space, meta data, etc).
What's new in this version: Minor improvements and bug fixes.
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All versions:
3.7 starsout of 10 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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Results 1-10 of 10
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"Hi the software doesn't work on the lastest mac os"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0a
Pros
On lion 10.7.4 after I install the package and run the application it immediately crashes, every single time. I have since moved the app to the trash and waiting for an alternative to truecrypt.
Might I ask the developer to update the software to funciton on the new OSX Lion. Thanks.Cons
Truecrypt doesn't work on the lastest mac OSX.
Summary
summary: As written above.
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"Pardon me this version came out in September 2010"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0a
Pros
According to www.truecrypt.org version 7.0a was released 2010-09-06
Cons
According to www.truecrypt.org version 7.0a was released 2010-09-06
Summary
Someone needs to setup CNETs version tracking correctly
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"One of the easier encryption utilities to use"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0a
Pros
Easy to use, quick, and unobtrusive. And of course, free!
Cons
Something true of all encrypted folders and volumes: The slightest change will cause Time Machine to re-save the entire archive. You need to exclude encrypted folders or volumes from backup, if they're of significant size.
Summary
Quick, easy, and more than good enough for any rational user.
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"Great, Free File Encryption"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0
Pros
flexibility, built-in security tips
Cons
slightly difficult to use
Summary
This program is EXTREMELY flexible and offers the ability to create "hidden" encrypted drives. Very useful for keeping valuable files safe!
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".Very Happy - works as advertised."
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0
Pros
Reliable. Lots of options, but setup is really quite simple.
Cons
Backup treats the entire volume as a single file, hence common 4GB backups. UI is a little clunky, but really not hard to use.
Summary
It works and its reliable - no issues with the functionality whatsoever. Perfect for my use - keeping information locked up from prying eyes
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"Okay, with Issues, But I?m Reasonably Happy With It"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0
Pros
Give?s me a place to put stuff that are important not necessarily dangerous for prying eye?s to follow.
Cons
Like mentioned by someone (come to think of it) yeah, it can be deleted by anyone.
It?s also quite (what should I say) ?elaborate? I guess for personal use (maybe better for business) but hey ?it?s free?Summary
The way it works:
You open up the program and get like a data box (okay so far) - then there is this list of sixty four (let?s say) pre made folders sitting in this data box, they call volumes (you scroll through them). You get to pick any one of them to open up your ?encrypted" folder sitting where ever you initially created it, right? But then it?s gotta be mounted (which seems to be just another step in opening it) then, finally you open it, see? It?s like a few extra steps of just open, open, open - but what do I know, I?m sure there is some ?security? reason why it works like this etc...
So I think I guess from all these sixty four, they call volumes (like empty folders) you can open up more and more encrypted folders keeping them all gathered in this initial ?data box? area, making things all centralized (I think is the game plan)?
In closing, it most certainly works (I don?t know about the encryption end of the deal, how good it?s encryption is etc) and like I said, all this open, open, open stuff seems to be a little on the ?elaborate? side of the fence at least for single user type of thing, but hey... its free :)
I wonder if there is any ability to send something encrypted through email? I know it?s possible but with this one I don?t know. -
"No Complete encrypted"
Version: TrueCrypt 7.0
Pros
Date secure
Cons
Volume created can be deleted
Summary
The data is encrypted but the volume we create can be deleted any who have access to the system, It should ask for the password before deleting the volume we created
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"Keep your data safe"
Version: TrueCrypt 6.3
Pros
Easy to install and use.
Cons
Nothing at all.
Summary
I need to be able to use a 16GB USB thumb drive on Macs and PCs and I have set this up with 4 encrypted "containers" of just under 4GB each, and an unencrypted area just over 100MB. The latter houses TrueCrypt for PC which I can run from the thumb drive when I am at a PC. There are plenty of choices of encryption, including triple encryption to make sure that no-one gets their hands on your data. Just make the passphrase long and complex, and most of all, keep it to yourself. This is an application that I would not be without.
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"Link broken"
Version: TrueCrypt 6.2a
Pros
don't know yet
Cons
Tried to download and got a broken link
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"Thank you True Crypt for coming to the Mac"
Version: TrueCrypt 5.0
Pros
I used True Crypt on the "softy side" for years and it was great. It was easy to use and the information was locked up tight. Unfortunately, this free encryption software wasn't available for the Mac. Today is a great day.
Cons
I didn't like the fact that they didn't make a Mac version. What took you so long TCF?




















