- Quick specs
- Price: Free
- Operating system: Windows 2003, Windows Vista, Windows NT, Windows XP, Windows 2000
- Date added: March 19, 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 192 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 :Free open-source disk encryption software for Windows XP/2000/2003 and Linux
Main Features:
- Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
- Encrypts an entire hard disk partition or a device, such as USB flash drive.
- Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
- Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
- Hidden volume (steganography â?? more information may be found here).
- No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).
- Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5, Serpent, Triple DES, and Twofish. Mode of operation: LRW (CBC supported as legacy).
What's new in this version:
- Full compatibility with 32-bit and 64-bit Windows Vista: support for User Account Control (UAC). All .sys and .exe files of TrueCrypt are now digitally signed with the digital certificate of the TrueCrypt Foundation, which was issued by the certification authority GlobalSign. o When moving the mouse on a single-CPU computer while reading or writing data to a TrueCrypt volume, the mouse pointer stopped moving for a second every few seconds... see all new features
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