How can I password protect/encrypt an USB flashdrive?

[bolido2000]

In case I lose it. What program can I use that doesn't have to be installed beforehand on a computer to protect a flashdrive??

 

[DaveSimmons]

Of course in six months you'll have lost your password and be asking us how to crack the encryption

You could use the new stronger encryption in PKZip and WinZip, and include the program (unencrypted) on the flash.

What program can I use that doesn't have to be installed beforehand on a computer to protect a flashdrive??

Self-extracting zips (with the new encryption).

 

[Dissipate]

I used to have Mcafee software that had really powerful encryption for self extracting archives. I think it was some "security center" or something. Dave is right though, self extracting encrypted archive is the way to go. You just include what files you want to transfer into the encrypted archive then put it on the USB key or whatever.

If the algorithm is powerful enough (320 bit Blowfish etc.) not even the government can crack it.

WHATEVER you do, do not use DES. This is weak @ss algorithm that is cracked very easily.

 

[Dissipate]

Free utility for creating self extracting encrypted archives.

 

[Apathetic]

Originally posted by: Dissipate
I used to have Mcafee software that had really powerful encryption for self extracting archives. I think it was some "security center" or something. Dave is right though, self extracting encrypted archive is the way to go. You just include what files you want to transfer into the encrypted archive then put it on the USB key or whatever.

If the algorithm is powerful enough (320 bit Blowfish etc.) not even the government can crack it.

WHATEVER you do, do not use DES. This is weak @ss algorithm that is cracked very easily.

True. Tripple DES is quite respectable though.

Dave