The Ultimate Guide to encrypt files and folders in Windows

Prior to this post, I have introduced 3 tools to help you encrypt and protect data in USB Flash Disk. How do you think of them?

Data is priceless, but attacks or risks are omnipresent, you surely cannot stand the loss. Not only USB disks, but also your hard disks, and even mobile devices are need data protection or encryption.

How to choose the proper tool for data encryption? Software with poor quality may damage or leak out your personal data… On the other hand, they are generally shareware, and you need to pay for them…

Today let me help you solve all these problems.

• TrueCrypt
  

TrueCrypt is FREE open-source disk encryption software. The highlight features including:

Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.

Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed.

Provides plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password.

Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.

…

Stirring, isn’t it? But the disadvantage of multi-functional is, a bit complicated to begin. Due to limitations on space, this time I only guide you use the standard functions, for more details you can refer to the program documentation.

Download the latest version HERE, and then install the package.

In the main interface of TrueCrypt, click “Create Volume”, select “Create an encrypted file container” -> “Standard TrueCrypt volume”, and then locate the volume file to your larger partition.

Select proper “Encryption Algorithm” and “Hash Algorithm” for better security, and then specify a “volume size”. Set volume password, click “Format” to finish creating your encrypted volume.

At last, remember to click “Dismount” or “Dismount all” button after use.

• FreeOTFE
  

FreeOTFE is similar disk encryption software to TrueCrypt, it offers many encryption algorithms.

Click “New” in the main interface of FreeOTFE, then follow the wizard to create encrypted volume: set volume file, size and algorithm options, enter your desired password and choose “Finish”. Then all things are done.

The same as TrueCrypt, remember to dismount encrypted partitions for better protection.

In fact, FreeOTFE is not that simple, it also offers PDA version so you can encrypt data even in Windows Mobile Smartphone or PocketPC.

For more details about the PDA version of FreeOTFE, you can visit their website.

• COMODO Disk Encryption

Are you heard of COMODO Internet Security, or currently using the award-winning firewall and antivirus? In fact, its HIPS technology does pretty well in the test, and have good reputation among the users.

Disk Encryption is another nice tool from COMODO, and can protect sensitive information by enabling encryption of any drive on the system. What’s more, it’s completely FREE.

Download and install the program, right click the drive and select “Encrypt” to protect the specified drives. It’s worth noting that, COMODO Disk Encryption provides USB Disk Authentication – Configure a USB device to act as a “key” to view encrypted information (it must be plugged into the system for access). You can protect your drive by both USB device and password.

Pretty cool, isn’t it?

• What’s More…

You have more options to choose from, commercial software like Jetico Products will be your second choice. Though they are not free, they are powerful.