USB peripherals and USB Devices are around for more than a decade and nothing much has deepen when it comes to the basic protocols . hoi polloi still use it , the intellect being , USB storage machine are so minuscule and portable . But at the same metre , what we do n’t agnise is the perils of losing our data . To allot with this , we can do two things .
Also Read:5 Best Encryption Tools For Windows 2016
What is Encryption
If encoding sounds new to you , do n’t worry its a fairly simple unconscious process . In simple terms , encryption is an act of transmute data so that no unauthorised soul can get at , register , or modify the datum . This transmutation is done by complex algorithms which use passwords or key files .
Now , if the mortal on the other side want to get at the data , he needs to provide the parole or key file . Encryption is one of the most effective shipway to achieve data surety . Remember the time you ’ve entered a countersign to see the credit card or money box statement find from your bank via e-mail ? Well , that is encoding for you .
Related : How to air Encrypted Emails in Gmail and Outlook
Do We Really Need Encryption for USB Drives?
commonly , it is not required . But , if you are carrying personal or sensible info then you should count encrypting your USB drive . Unlike a even hard drive , USB drives are smaller in material body divisor and easy to drop off or forget in public places like coffee shop and airports . In the event of any mishap , you do n’t have to worry about the information on your USB drive if it is encrypted . Because no one can get to the information without right authorization .
Also Read:10 Free Portable Anti - Malware Software For Your Pen Drive
Best USB Encryption Software
1. Gilisoft USB Encryption
Gilisoft has been my personal favorite when it come to encrypting USB Drives . Apart from its metallic UI which is strikingly off-the-wall , the program does come bundled with effective encoding feature . Gilisoft is somewhat easy to use and will consort automatically once the USB is detected .
Users can take the size of the write in code divider and that ’s it , the software will automate other procedure . By nonremittal , Gilisoft apply on - the - fly sheet AES-256 algorithm to encrypt all your data . Moreover , in the event of any emergency , Gilisoft also has a recovery option to recover your data .
Gillisoft USB Encryption is built for user with lilliputian to no knowledge of encryption . However , a brawny terms of 50 $ is too much to ask for a USB encoding Software . There is a costless trial adaptation available but it is confine to 10 uses only . Moreover , the app is Windows only which makes it highly political platform dependent .
Algorithm : AES-256
Pricing:49.95 $
Platform : Windows only .
DownloadGilliSoft USB Encryption
touch : How to cease people from copy data to Pen Drive
2. Kruptos 2 Go-USB Vault
While there is a mass of USB encryption software program for Windows , you barely get any for macOS . Kruptos 2 uses the same AES 256 - piece encoding algorithmic program . You get different variants for Windows , macOS , and Android but it ’s not gratis . you may get the trial version for 30 days and subsequently you have to go premium by paying a one - fourth dimension fee of 24.95$.
The USB encoding works for USB flash crusade , memory cards & international HDD . The most notable characteristic is that you could hang back and expend files to the software rather of pasture and choose data file . As soon as you throw the file in the app , press Encrypt and it ’s done . The encoding process is fairly quick and that ’s a positive stage . you’re able to also choose to have unlike passwords for dissimilar files or one master password for everything .
Kruptos 2 is pretty fast and easy to use but it get sloppy while dispense with larger files . A 400 megabit file took 20 seconds to encrypt and 6 seconds to decrypt which is significantly dull compared to VeraCrypt . Also , you could not encrypt an entire partition or scheme drive .
Algorithm : AES-256 .
Price:30 - day Trial | $ 24.95
program sustenance : Windows , macOS , and Android
DownloadKruptos 2
3. USB Safeguard
USB Safeguard is a portable utility that can be used to code your drives . Just like the other USB encoding software , USB Safeguard also utilise the AES-256 algorithm to encrypt files , folder , and crusade . The UI is fairly minimal with just the right amount of options required to write in code drive .
The right thing about the app is that it allows you to create practical containers to safeguard your data . Moreover , USB safeguard automatically locks the gadget when it is unplugged from the system . And this also work if the user stays still for a aforesaid period of time . It also supports encryption of HDD hard drive , SSDs , memory circuit board etc .
Although USB Safeguard is detached to use , the spare version permit encryption only up to 2 GB . Also , USB Safeguard is windows only .
Pricing : Free | 23 $ per license
political program bread and butter : Windows only .
DownloadUSB Safeguard
4. VeraCrypt
VeraCryptis arguably one of the unspoilt and most popular capable - rootage encryption tools . Moreover , it is a replacement to TrueCrypt which ceased to live a few years back . VeraCrypt is free and is available for Windows , Mac OS , and Linux . to boot , VeraCrypt support AES , Twofish , and Serpent encryption ciphers .
If you need to , you’re able to create shroud encrypted volumes within the steady hard drives and USB drives . This choice is particularly useful when you want to hide the fact that you are encrypting data . Most of all , VeraCrypt makes it very easy to encrypt and decrypt drives and Indian file using its step by step wizard .
VeraCrypt is the ultimate freeware to encrypt USB drives . However , if you have no experience with encryption computer software it might be guileful to understand because of the traditional UI and options .
Algorithm : AES-256 , Twofish , Serpent , Camellia etc .
Pricing : spare
political platform support : Windows , Mac OS , and Linux
DownloadVeraCrypt
5. AxCrypt
If you love exposed source applications , then AxCrypt is something you postulate to check out . AxCrypt is a destitute , unfastened source and GNU GPL - licensed encryption tool that aims at being elementary , intuitive , and efficient . The best part of this tool is its desegregation with the Windows shell . Thanks to that one can easily encrypt a USB drive by right - clicking and selecting the alternative “ AxCrypt . ”
Another interesting feature of speech of this pecker is the time execution . One can lock down the file for a set period of time and set it to unlock mechanically . It also has a built - in mechanics to resist brute military force attacks from software . In case , you use your jiffy cause to transfer data from Desktop to your Mobile River , encryption might ruin that usage . But , AxCrypt has decryption apps for Android and iOS so that you’re able to open encrypted file on your smartphone as well .
With all that tell , it is a single file encryption tool and it can not make encrypted volumes like VeraCrypt . Also , the free program supports AES-128 which is more or less deficient to AES-256 encoding . The peregrine coating and MAC encoding software is paid which reach the detached variant extremely program dependent .
Algorithm : AES-128
Pricing : Free | $ 4 / monthly ( currently $ 2.83 )
Platform : Windows and Mac . Decryption apps are available for Android and iOS .
DownloadAxCrypt
6. BitLocker
If you are a dedicated Windows user and do n’t desire to apply or purchase another software system to encrypt your USB drives then the build - in BitLocker is just the correct option . The only caution is that it comes with built - in Windows Pro version onwards . Meaning , you wo n’t get it if you are on the Home variant .
Using BitLocker you could encipher entire drive and volumes / partitioning with just a click or two . reckon on your context , BitLocker users 128 - bit or 256 - bit AES encryption . Since BitLocker is deeply integrated with the Windows operating system , it grant you dear speed while inscribe and apply ironware encoding using TPM ( Trusted Platform Module ) . Moreover , BitLocker use three unlike eccentric of certification method called “ Transparent Operation Mode ” with uses TPM to automatically decrypt files , User hallmark like PIN and Password , and USB Key Mode where you have to infix a USB campaign containing a peculiar key to decrypt the encrypt Indian file . The effective affair is , you could amalgamate and match all those authentication methods for increased security . For instance , you could practice all three certification methods at the same time .
BitLocker is built into Windows so you do n’t have to compensate anything supernumerary . However , BitLocker is not uncommitted for users using the Windows Home version . There is no way to get access to BitLocker on the Windows Home variant . The only option you have is to elevate to Windows Enterprise , Ultimate , Pro , Education , or Server edition and this will cost you a minimum of $ 100 .
algorithmic program : AES-128 , AES-256 .
Pricing : Free | 100 $ for Windows Home .
weapons platform support : Windows Only .
Upgrade toBitLocker
7. DiskCryptor
DiskCryptor is yet another democratic , free , and open - source crusade and volume encryption tool for Windows . What ’s good about DiskCryptor is it gives you a choice between AES-256 number , Serpent and Twofish algorithms to encrypt and decode USB drives . Apart from USB drives , DiskCryptor can be used to encrypt almost any external storage equipment like CD / DVD , external hard ride , etc .
In case you want to , the software can also motorcar - mount the cypher partition or drive for speedy access to your Indian file and folders . Of course , you need to authenticate yourself before being able to reach the datum . Though DiskCryptor supports multiple encryption algorithm , it is very fast and the stop number is like to non - encrypted drive . If you are someone that want more control over how DiskCryptor works and not afraid of the program line prompt then there is an optional Command - stemma Interface ( CLI ) . To top it all off , Diskcryptor is very pocket-sized in file size and uses very small system resources .
There is nothing to complain about DiskCryptor apart from that it is only available for Windows .
Algorithm : AES-256 , Twofish and Serpent
Price : Free and undefended - generator .
suffer platforms : Windows only .
DownloadDiskCryptor
8. Rohos Mini Drive
Rohos Mini Drive has a very simple-minded , minimum app with loose to utilise substance abuser user interface . Encrypting a USB drive is just a few clicks and good for users with minimal noesis of computers . Just like every other software on this list , Rohos uses AES-256 bit algorithm and supports on - the - fly encryption .
The good affair about Rohos is that it comes practice bundling with Rohos Disk browser app public utility company that allow you to learn and write data to the encrypted USB crusade on a guest operating system of rules . you could also blot out a folder or any other diligence directly on your USB movement . While encrypting a USB drive , you’re able to create a return disk which reserve you to recover encrypted data point in cause of emergencies . For added security from keyloggers , Rohos Mini Drive supports a virtual keyboard . you could use this practical keyboard when using the USB drive on other organisation . Most of all , Roho Mini Drive is also uncommitted in a portable stochastic variable . With the portable variant , you do n’t need to install Rohos it , just launch the exe filing cabinet .
The base version is free but lacks advanced features like autorun , support for encrypting even hard driving force , etc . Also , you’re able to only create two 4 GB inscribe containers which mean that you’re able to encrypt a amount of 8 GB . To absent these limitation , you need to raise to the premium variant price at 25$.
Pricing : Free | $ 35
Supported platforms : Windows only | Has a portable variation
DownloadRohos Mini Drive
9. Cryptainer LE
Cryptainer LE is another USB encoding software that it gives you a choice between using AES-256 act algorithm or 448 - minute Blowfish algorithm to encrypt the USB ride . Just like VeraCrypt , you’re able to create write in code containers and apply them to quickly read and write data as you wish . This impart you the power to perform all veritable action like copy , paste , new file cabinet / leaflet creation , modifying metadata , etc .
Since it ’s a ego - extracting container , the recipient does n’t have to put in Cryptainer LE to decrypt the file , all they need is the correct word
The package is entirely free with one caution , each inscribe container you make is restrict to 100 MB in size . But you could make an outright identification number of containers . For a regular user who want to cypher files like photos and documents , this is jolly good . you’re able to remove this limitation by purchasing the pro version .
Pricing : Free | $ 29.95 for 32 GB encrypted bank vault ( Pricing structure )
Platform financial backing : windowpane only
DownloadCryptainer LE
10. Kakasoft USB Security
Most of the apps lean require you to lay out up and configure before they go properly and optimally . However , if you do n’t want to treat with all the fuss of choosing between encryption algorithmic rule then Kakasoft USB Security is for you . Kakasoft USB Securityencryptsand countersign protects yourdata with just three click .
Kakasoft USB Security installs directly on your pollex drive and mechanically prompts for the password whenever you plug - in the USB
The app is simple and intuitive to apply and you get almost everything in the free var. which you’re able to use as long as you wish well .
Price:$35.90 ( 2 USB Drives )
DownloadKakasoft USB certificate
Wrapping it up
In a nutshell , encrypting your drives or at least certain bulk that are very important to you is always recommended . I in person ensure that my playpen drive or any other portable gadget are cipher in orderliness to see to it that my personal data does not go down into the unseasonable work force .
In case you deal with smaller files , AxCrypt or Cryptainer can be a good choice . If you are looking for a BitLocker alternative and something which can function cross - platform , VeraCrypt is a near reliable choice . For one - off cases , you’re able to render Gillisoft or Kruptos 2 .
Also Read:4 Ways To Password Protect a Folder in Windows
