USB flash drive security

wallofsound · 22 Mar 2012 at 08:33

Hi all,

I want to put some files on around 50 USB's (same content on each) and want to password protect the actual USB stick. I have looked on google and there seems to be some solutions, but wondered if any of you have had experience doing this?

It does not need to be 100% unbreakable - the userbility is more important.

Any good suggestions for some software to do this?

(Will also be happy to look at specific USB sticks if necessary)

Thanks

KIA · 22 Mar 2012 at 15:59

Truecrypt?
Ironkey?

Raumarik · 22 Mar 2012 at 16:39

Truecrypt is quite nice, although there's plenty of secure USB drives around but just check with your work (especially any information governance department) what level of security you are required to have.

wallofsound · 22 Mar 2012 at 17:04

Thanks for both of the replies, will look into them. As for the level of security, there are no specific requirements. They would like to use it more as a preventative measure. This, luckily, is not a government project!

Thanks

theheyes · 22 Mar 2012 at 17:19

The problem with true crypt and most standalone encrypted sticks is they require admin right to work properly.

The best solution in my experience by far is bitlocker. Unfortunately you need windows 7 enterprise/ultimate to encrypt the stick and only fully works on Windows 7 machines thereafter. It's read only compatible with xp and vista. If you have those at your disposal then that's my recommendation.

Azuse05 · 22 Mar 2012 at 17:41

As above

Those are the main reasons iron keys are popular, other than the ridiculous security. They seem expensive, but do include a years US vpn with their own ff build iirc.

Raumarik · 22 Mar 2012 at 18:13

theheyes said:
The problem with true crypt and most standalone encrypted sticks is they require admin right to work properly.

The best solution in my experience by far is bitlocker. Unfortunately you need windows 7 enterprise/ultimate to encrypt the stick and only fully works on Windows 7 machines thereafter. It's read only compatible with xp and vista. If you have those at your disposal then that's my recommendation.

I prefer relying on the device than the PC and find the best solution is something like a istorage diskgenie but they are expensive.

Terrier_Jimlad · 22 Mar 2012 at 22:50

4GB Kingston Datatraveler 4000 is available for £29 if you shop around (can't name competitors on here) ... they're FIPS 140-2 certified and CESG approved, don't come much more secure than that, massively used in the NHS/Councils etc alongside Safesticks