A USB flash drive is a very strange object: here it is, but suddenly it is not there ... Like any small things, USB flash drives are easily lost. Along with them, information leaks out, which may not be intended for prying eyes and ears. So that your files cannot be opened by anyone from outsiders, protect them with a password, or even better - encrypt them.
You can put a password on a USB flash drive different ways - both with the help of specialized software and by means of Windows without third-party programs... Consider both.
On many computers, windows management there is a WinRAR archiver, and it has a function for setting a password for an archive. As long as it doesn't take too long to pack and unpack files on your portable storage device, you won't find a more convenient way.
To set a password for winRAR archive, do this:
- Connect the USB flash drive to your PC's USB port and open the Computer folder.
- Open the context menu of the flash drive with a right click and select the “add to archive” option marked with the WinRAR icon.
- On the General tab, click the Set password button.
- Enter the code word in the marked field and press OK. Optionally select the show password and encrypt file names check boxes.
After that, all your data will be moved to the archive, and each time you open it, you will have to enter a password. You can get access to the contents of the drive on any machine where the archiver program is installed. By the way, not only WinRAR, but any other with similar functions. For example 7-zip.
The advantages of using WinRAR to protect removable media are not only simplicity and widespread use, but also the fact that it can be used to put a password on a separate folder or file. The disadvantage is that the archiving method is convenient only with a small amount of information on the removable disk, otherwise the process of unpacking and packing will be too long.
BitLocker Windows
BitLocker encryption protects information stored on desktop and portable storage devices of Windows computers and is part of the operating system... The technology is very reliable and not burdensome for the user, but it is not implemented in all, but only in server, professional, corporate and maximum editions of the system. And this is perhaps its most significant drawback. On a PC where, for example, Windows Home is installed, you will not be able to open the encrypted drive. And Microsoft does not offer tools for a separate installation of Bitlocker in home operating systems.
Using BitLocker to protect flash drives only pays off when you intend to work with them on machines with the aforementioned versions of Windows, as well as under Linux and Mac OS X. For the latter two systems, there is an enthusiastic utility that allows you to open and view encrypted drives, but does not provide an opportunity to encrypt them.
How to protect a USB device with BitLocker:
- Connect the USB flash drive to your PC and open the list of disks in windows Explorer (go to the "Computer" folder).
- Open the shortcut menu of the flash drive and select the "Enable BitLocker" option.
- The first thing that the system will prompt you is to choose a way to unlock the carrier. For home users, the only suitable option is a password. Enter it in the specified field, repeat and click "Next".
- Next, determine how it is more convenient for you to store the recovery key, which you will need to access the data in the event of a password loss.
- Next, specify which part of the drive should be encrypted.
- In the next window, select the encryption mode. Portable drives that will be used in different versions of operating systems will be suitable for compatibility mode.
- The last step is to confirm your intention - click "Start encryption".
The encryption operation will take several minutes, after which the contents of the flash drive will be accessible only with a password. Every new object that you save on it will also be automatically encrypted.
The strengths of BitLocker are its very robust algorithm, no need to install third-party software, and ease of use. Disadvantages - inability to encrypt separate file or a folder of your choice (only a partition or the entire drive) and a limited area of \u200b\u200buse.
CyberSafe Top Secret
The CyberSafe Top Secret application, according to experts, is one of the best data encryption tools on stationary and portable drives. It is released in several versions - from free to expensive corporate. For personal use, in particular, encryption of flash drives, a free version (free) or one of the inexpensive paid ones with an extended set of functions is enough.
CyberSafe Top Secret Free allows you to encrypt files, containers, disk partitions and removable media using the DES algorithm with a 64-bit key (password length limit - 4 characters). Paid versions use more secure algorithms - AES-256 and BlowFish-448, and also support digital signatures, hide files and folders, compress data to save space, etc. Full list of features different versions utilities can be checked on the official website.
To protect information on a USB flash drive with CyberSafe Top Secret, just wiggle your fingers a little:
- Open the USB flash drive in the application as a disk partition: in the left pane, select "Encrypt disk", select the desired media and click "Create".
- Next, we set the encryption algorithm and password; determine whether or not to save the file system (if not, the drive will be formatted); we indicate which area should be encrypted - only occupied space or all available space. After clicking "Accept", the program will start the encryption process.
You can only open an encrypted USB flash drive on a computer where CyberSafe Top Secret is installed. Other PCs will see it as media with an unknown file system.
To get rid of encryption, you just need to format the USB flash drive in any program.
The advantages of CyberSafe Top Secret are power, functionality, free of charge, the ability to encrypt individual folders and files, no restrictions on disk space. The disadvantage is the inability to use a USB flash drive on a PC where this program is not available.
USB Safeguard
Free version USB Safeguard Utilities protect flash drives up to 4GB. Unlike CyberSafe Top Secret, it does not need to be installed on a computer. You need to run it directly from the device that it will "guard".
USB Safeguard does not have a Russian-language interface, but it is very simple to use it:
- Copy the utility to removable media and run it with a double click. Administrator rights are not required - the program will work even on machines where you do not have administrative rights.
- After the first launch, USB Safeguard may prompt you to format the USB flash drive. If you refuse, protection will be impossible, since the utility only supports the NTFS file system.
- After formatting and restarting USB Safeguard, a window will open asking you to set a password to access the drive files. In the "New password" field, enter the code word, in the "Confirm" field - repeat it, in the "Hint" - specify a hint for the reminder.
Now the utility will ask for a password every time you connect the flash drive to the PC.
Advantages of USB Safeguard - no need for installation and the ability to open a protected USB flash drive on any computer. Disadvantages - device capacity limitation to four gigabytes and support for NTFS file system only.
Lockngo
The principle of operation of the Lockngo utility resembles USB Safeguard, but it has no restrictions on disk space and has Russian. It can be used to protect any portable drives, and not only those with a USB interface.
The program is aimed at Windows and Mac users - supports file systems both OS. Available in versions compatible with Windows only, Mac only, and both. It has the functions of hiding files on a protected medium, blocking access to it with one click, automatic blocking when the user is inactive, encrypting data in a private directory (uses the AES-256 algorithm), launching the selected program after unlocking.
Lockngo is a paid, but very affordable utility. The price of one license, depending on the version, is 200-500 rubles.
How to use Lockngo:
- Transfer the downloaded Lockngo.exe file to a USB flash drive and run it. Enter the unlock password and its confirmation in the indicated fields. After clicking OK, the program will lock the drive.
- To resume access to data, enter the same password in the form.
Lockngo's strengths are simplicity, functionality, fast and efficient operation. There is, perhaps, only one drawback - the inability to test it before buying it (the developer does not release trial versions). But in general, the program is very good, and it really is not a pity to give some 200 rubles for it.
Good time everyone. Today I will show you how to put a password on a USB flash drive using the built-in windows capabilities... If you have the Ultimate 7 or PRO 8 installed, then this function, called BitLocker, you have.
I do not guarantee the presence of this program on other versions of Windows. On Windows, Starter is definitely not there!
Get down to business!
Insert the USB flash drive and immediately open the Computer section.
Find where our USB device will be displayed and right-click on it. In the context menu, select Enable BitLocker.
We put a daw Use password and enter it twice. The password must contain both letters and numbers. After installation, click Next.
In the next window we are asked Save to file Recovery key... You will need it just in case you suddenly forget your password. I recommend choosing the second item Save to file.
After that, you need to specify the location on your computer where you can save this key. In the future, the recovery key must be hidden in a safe place (if you do not want the password from your flash drive, someone hacked).
When the key is saved, we will be thrown back, where the Next button will already be active.
At the next step, you need to specify which part of the disk you want to encrypt, I recommend choosing the first item. In general, everything is in Russian, so you can read it.
Now you can start encryption. To put a password on a USB flash drive it remains to press the button Start encryption.
How long will it take? Depends on the volume of the flash drive and the amount of occupied space. My USB drive 16 gigabytes was encrypted for about half an hour.
In the same way, you can put a password on a disk, but as you probably already understood, the time for setting a password will drag on for many hours. If I waited a long time with a 16 gig flash drive, then I can imagine what will happen to a 500 gigabyte hard drive. Well you get the idea :)
Although I have a small plan for how I can put a password on a disk with important data and at the same time reduce the encryption time.
1. You need to create a separate partition on your hard disk with a volume of about 15-30 gigabytes. I described how this is done in the tutorial:.
2. Move all important files that need to be password protected to the new partition.
3. Put the password on the disk as described in this lesson.
We created a small disk, right? This means that the encryption will not take long hours. If you have a partition of 30 gigabytes, then accordingly password protect the disk you can do it in 2-3 hours.
I wish you good luck with setting passwords on flash drives and disks.
Removable USB drives have become one of the most common storage devices today. It is not surprising, because ordinary flash drives have a fairly large memory and small dimensions. But sometimes it is required to make the information on the flash drive inaccessible to other users. Now let's get down to the question of how to put a password on a USB flash drive.
Data encryption principles
In general, today in the world there are many different data encryption systems. With regard to ordinary USB-drives, programs mainly use the AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) symmetric encryption method with support for 128-bit, 192-bit and 256-bit keys.
When considering the processes of data encryption and password creation, we will proceed from the fact that the tools below work with 256-bit AES keys.
How to put a password on a USB flash drive using Windows
If anyone does not know: Windows has its own means for encrypting data, for example, located on a regular USB flash drive. At least in all windows versions 7 there is such a possibility. The solution to the problem of how to set a password on a USB flash drive will be to use a built-in tool called BitLocker. There is nothing complicated in this process.
First, you need to connect a USB drive to a computer terminal or laptop through the appropriate port. In the explorer, use the right click on the flash drive letter, and then from the context menu select the line "Start BitLocker" (if any). If this line in the menu is not about encryption standard method have to forget. As a last resort, you can download this utility from the Internet. But we will proceed from the fact that it is already installed and is in the list.
After calling the utility in a new window, we use the item "Use password to unlock the disk", after which you need to enter the invented password in one field, and confirm it in the second. Immediately, we note that the password must be at least eight characters long. Naturally, it is advisable not to use the simplest combinations like "12345678", but to create something more convincing. In this case, you can use uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers. This will only be a plus, since passwords of this type are much more difficult to guess.
Next, the program will offer to create and then save the password recovery key either in a file or print it. This is at the discretion of the user. When saving to a file, you will need to select the location of its future location. A confirmation window will then be displayed.
Now one of the most important points... You will need to choose which area of \u200b\u200bthe disk to encrypt. This can be encryption of either only the occupied disk space, or the entire flash drive. Now all that remains is to start the encryption process and wait for it to finish, that's all.
Now, when you try to access your USB drive, a window will appear asking you to enter a password. As you can see, the question is about how to put a password on a USB flash drive in a standard way, the solution is very simple.
USB Safe Guard
BitLocker is considered imperfect by many users and encryption professionals. So let's see what another USB flash drive password program is capable of, called USB Safe Guard.
First of all, I would like to note that this application designed for an inexperienced user, so it will be quite simple to work with it. The only bad thing is that the free version only works with flash drives up to 2 GB.
So, solving the problem of how to set a password on a USB flash drive using this utility, you need to start with the fact that you need to run it from the USB drive. At startup, the user will be prompted to create a key, and then select files and folders to be encrypted (this is done by simply dragging and dropping data into the program window using the mouse). Now it remains to press the "Lock" button. Then there will be a proposal to delete the original data, either completely without the possibility of recovery, or using the DoD 5220-22M standard. To restore information from an encrypted form, you will accordingly need to enter your key. By the way, a micro-flash drive is also suitable here. The password is created in a similar way.
Rohos Mini Drive
Finally, we will consider a solution to the problem, how to put a password on a USB flash drive with the Rohos Mini Drive application. To begin with, select the "Encrypt disk" menu (creating a protected partition on a USB-drive). The advantage here is that the application automatically selects the desired device. Now enter the password and click "Create Disk".
Upon completion of the process, you need to right-click on the program icon in the system tray to open the menu and select the line "Enable R:". Now, to work with the section, you will need to enter a password, after which you can add new files. Again, at the end of the work, you will have to use the "Turn off R:" command. That's all.
Conclusion
So, we looked at the simplest techniques to quickly create a password for a USB drive and encrypt data. Which of these to use, everyone decides for himself. It seems, in principle, that all methods are good, although programs of this kind can be found not so much, but a lot.
The use of flash media for storing information is gaining more and more popularity, because they have a number of undeniable advantages over outdated CDs and DVD discs... The flash drive does not take up much space, is convenient to use and has a fairly large amount of memory. That is why the question: how to put a password on a USB flash drive is relevant today. After all, it can store personal data, important documents and, in general, any other information that you would not want to show to other people.
In this article I will tell you how to put a password on a USB flash drive using the built-in BitLocker software, or using the free USB Safeguard software.
BitLocker
You can set a password on a USB flash drive using the built-in windows tools... BitLocker is used for this. Go to the "My Computer" folder and right-click on the USB flash drive, on which we will set a password. Now in the context menu, select the item Turn on BitLocker.
If you did not find this item in the context menu, it does not matter. We go "Start" - "Control Panel".
In the right upper corner choose "View" - "Category". Then follow the link "System and safety".
In the next list, select the item BitLocker Drive Encryption.
Select the partition of the disk that corresponds to the flash drive, I have it (G :), and click on the button opposite it Turn on BitLocker.
In the window that opens, put a tick opposite the item "Use password to unlock disk lock"... Next, enter the invented password, the length of which must be at least 8 characters, otherwise the program will not let you go further, and click "Next".
In the next window, the program offers to save the key for disk recovery, in case you forget your password. Choose an item "Save recovery key in file" and choose a place on the computer where it will be stored. It is better to have it in the folder where people visit least often. Click "Next".
Do not remove the USB flash drive during encryption. My 1GB stick was half full and it took 3 minutes to encrypt. Therefore, if the volume of your flash drive is larger, be prepared that the process will take a little time.
Now, the flash drive is password protected. Each time you turn it on to the computer, a golden lock will be displayed next to the disk. We open the USB flash drive and see that the BitLocker program asks for a password. We enter it and click "Unblock"... When the flash drive is unlocked, a silver lock will be displayed next to it in the "My Computer" folder.
If you want to delete or change the password on the USB flash drive, right-click on it and in the context menu select BitLocker Management... The following window appears, in which you can perform several necessary actions.
USB Safeguard
USB Safeguard allows you to set a password on a flash drive. Its clear functionality is suitable for both advanced and novice users. You can download USB Safeguard from the official website: http://www.usbsafeguard.com/download.html. You will be offered two versions for download. The first is free, suitable for those who have a flash drive up to 2 GB. The second one is paid, allows you to set a password on a USB flash drive, the volume of which does not exceed 16 terabytes.
I will install the first - free - version. I press the button "Download now" and save the installation file.
Now we copy the downloaded installation file to the root of the flash drive and run it from the flash drive. Installation of the program is carried out as usual: we press “Next”, then “Finish”. Considering that most flash drives are in FAT format, during the installation process the program will offer to format it in NTFS - we agree. Please note that when formatting, all files from the flash drive will be deleted, so it is better to copy everything to your computer in advance.
In the next window, you need to enter the password for the flash drive. We come up with it, enter it, confirm it, in the last field you can enter a hint, you will see it if you forget your password. Click "OK".
Now we remove the USB flash drive and insert it back into the computer. Open it and run the "USBSafeguard" file.
That is, the program creates another protected virtual disk Z: on the USB flash drive. The volume of this disk is the same as the size of the flash drive. When writing a file to the Z: drive, the space on the flash drive will also decrease.
Files that you do not want to protect access to, just copy directly to the USB flash drive: in my case, this is the G: drive. If you want the file to be protected, copy it to the Z: drive.
Thus, when you connect a flash drive to a computer, you will get access to open files on it. But in order to open password-protected files, you will need to launch the USBSafeguard program and enter the password. Only then will you have access to the protected disk Z :.
Now you can put a password on the USB flash drive. Just choose one of the described methods and I'm sure everything will work out and your personal files and documents will be protected.
A flash drive is a convenient way to store information. Gigabytes of information are recorded on a flash drive: personal photos and videos, data for work, useful utilities. But there is one drawback: a flash drive the size of a lighter is easy to lose. To ensure that information does not end up in the wrong hands and is not used by intruders, it is necessary to ensure the protection of personal data.
Setting access to information by password
There are two ways to install reliable protection on a USB flash drive. The first option is to use the built-in Bitlocker program. It is available to users of the operating room windows systems 7, 8. In the Bitlocker application, the developers used a simple interface. The program encrypts information on a logical disk or flash drive. With Bitlocker, you cannot set a password for a separate folder.
The second method is to use third-party programs to protect personal files. There is a lot of such software. A set of program capabilities will help limit access to both the media and a separate folder on a USB flash drive or logical drive.
Protecting a USB flash drive in Windows
If on a personal windows computer 7 editions Ultimate, Enterprise or Windows 8 and higher, the user has access to the built-in Bitlocker data encryption application. After completing simple steps, we will get password-protected access to the data drive.
Step-by-step instructions for protecting information on a flash drive:
- We connect the USB flash drive to the computer.
- Open the "My Computer" folder and right-click on the flash drive icon.
- Select Bitlocker from the context menu.
- In the new window, put a check in the field "Use a password to unlock the USB flash drive". We come up with a strong password and enter it in the proposed window. Click the "Next" button.
- At the next step, Bitlocker offers to create a special key. It will help restore access to information if the user suddenly forgets the password. This key is printed on a printer or stored on local disk... The decision is up to the user.
- We choose which part of the drive will be protected. If the data is very important, then it is better to choose the full encryption option.
- We are waiting for the end of the encryption of information and press the "Close" button.
- Checking the protection setting. We take out and re-insert the USB flash drive. A lock icon should appear in the My Computer folder next to the flash drive icon. It means that protection is installed and access to data is only by password.
It looks like a local disk protected by bitlocker Free software for data protection
Software products are available for users via the Internet. They will help protect your personal information. Three popular free distribution programs are described below.
TrueCrypt
TrueCrypt ranks first in popularity among users. She's reliable. The complex interface is the main drawback of the program. It takes time to figure out the intricacies of TrueCrypt. The program can encrypt a separate folder on a USB flash drive or a logical drive as a whole.
Rohos Mini Drive
The developers of Rohos Mini Drive tried to create a functional application of a small size, and they succeeded. The free version of the program does not require administrator rights, but it is not able to encrypt a USB flash drive with a volume of more than 2 Gb. Rohos Mini Drive creates a secret sector up to 2 gigabytes in size (i.e., for example, a 16 GB flash drive is enough for you). A password is required to access the information posted there. The program uses a strong AES encryption algorithm with a 256-bit key.
Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) - symmetric block encryption algorithm (block size 128 bits, key 128/192/256 bits). The United States government has adopted it as the encryption standard.
MyFolder
The self-explanatory MyFolder program helps you protect a folder on your local drive or USB drive. To open such a folder, you must enter a password. MyFolder encrypts at high speed, but uses the unstable Blowfish algorithm. Also, the program does not work under a 64-bit operating system.
Blowfish is a cryptographic algorithm that implements variable key length symmetric block cipher. Designed by Bruce Schneier in 1993.
Setting a password for a separate folder
In some cases, it becomes necessary to set a password for a folder with files on a USB flash drive. Special programs will help you easily and quickly protect personal information.
One of them is Anvide Lock Folder... The software has the following advantages:
Once downloaded, Anvide Lock Folder is ready to go. The interface is simple and straightforward. In the program window, specify a folder on a USB flash drive or personal computer and press the button with a closed lock icon. Enter your password and the folder is password protected. Access to it opens through the program. Anvide Lock Folder itself can be protected by an additional password.
Setting a password on a USB flash drive without a program
Flash drive manufacturers offer hardware protection for information. To take advantage of manufacturer-supplied data encryption, you must activate it the first time you use it. A password is set on the USB flash drive. It must contain letters, numbers and special characters.
USB Flash drive in the form of a keychain from Toshiba in an aluminum case with buttons for entering a password A password longer than 8 characters is considered good. You shouldn't forget him. It is impossible to restore access or change the secret word in 99% of cases. Without a secret word, it will not be possible to format the USB flash drive.
Ways to restore access to a flash drive
What if I forgot my password? There are hundreds of programs on the Internet screaming about their capabilities, but their effectiveness is questionable. The second option is to look for a hacker-neighbor who can remove or break the password. Remember: using special software is fraught with unpredictable consequences. On the personal Computer viruses and malware... Therefore, it is better to come up with a good password that will not be forgotten, or never use a password.
Often, users use a storage device in the form of a microSD memory card. They are used in mobile phones, tablets and cameras. MicroSDs are often password protected. It is installed through the menu electronic gadget... If you reinstall the memory card in another phone or camera, you will need a password. If you forget it, then it is impossible to restore access to the USB flash drive without losing data on the MicroSD.
An online store sells a microSD card password reset device Now online stores sell devices called unlockers. They cost about $ 10–20. With the help of an unlocker, the protection is removed and the memory card is formatted. The data will be lost forever, but the MicroSD card will remain at the owner's disposal. If you do not want to buy a device, then contact a specialized service. The unblocking service is offered by firms that repair mobile phones and computers.
Keep your personal files under lock and key. This also applies to the data recorded on the USB flash drive. It is especially easy to lose a micro SD flash drive due to its small size.
Summarize. Choose security password. Remember the secret word. Have a memory problem? Then it is better not to set the password. The agony of restoring access will be considerable, it is unlikely that it will be possible to remove the password on your own without losing data, and the result of using hacking programs is not always positive.
