If your USB drive doesn't have encryption software pre-installed, the easiest way is to use Windows tool BitLocker. To do this, click on the drive section right click mouse, select "Enable BitLocker" and set a password. If this item is not in context menu, activate the utility through “Control Panel” - “System and Security” - “BitLocker Drive Encryption”. Unfortunately, the program is not available on all versions of Windows (for example, Windows 7 Home Premium does not have it), but you can use third-party software to encrypt USB drives.
CyberSafe Top Secret
The CyberSafe Top Secret program is used not only to protect USB flash drives, but also to encrypt files and folders, hard drives, emails and so on. To set a password on the drive, the free version of the application is enough. main feature method: you can open a flash drive protected in CyberSafe Top Secret only on the computer on which this program is installed. Other devices do not recognize file system secure USB drive.
1. Install the CyberSafe Top Secret application on your computer. In the side menu, select “Encrypt partition”, find your flash drive in the list and click “Create”.
2. A window will open in which you need to set a password for the USB drive and define the file system. Be careful: if you change the file system of the flash drive, it will be formatted. We recommend creating backup copy disk data before encryption.
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You can also specify how much memory will be accessible without a password. By default, protection is applied to all partitions of the drive at once. To change this, uncheck “Use all available size devices" and set the required restriction.
USB Safeguard
Free version The USB Safeguard program allows you to set a password on flash drives up to 4 GB. You must run the utility directly from the drive. If your flash drive has a FAT file system, the program will offer to format it to NTFS, so be sure to back up your data before encrypting the drive.
1. Install the program from the flash drive by clicking “Next” as usual. If you are prompted to format to NTFS, agree. In the window that appears, enter a password that will protect the flash drive and a hint.
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2. The program will prompt you to specify a letter virtual disk, which will become a mirror of the encrypted drive. Now, when you connect a flash drive, a protected partition will appear in the list of disks, access to which will only be possible with a password.
Rohos Mini Drive
Another free program for encrypting USB drives is Rohos Mini Drive. The application selects a section on the flash drive that will be accessible on any PC after entering the password.
1. Download and install Rohos Mini Drive. In the main program window, select “Encrypt USB drive”.
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Set a password and configure the parameters of the protected disk: its size, file system, encryption algorithm and letter. You can encrypt all or part of the memory.
USB flash drives are small, portable and universal devices storage Flash drives are very convenient for transferring data between computers. However, due to their portability and compact size, USB media can be easily lost. Therefore, you need to take care of reliable protection data on a flash drive.
Unfortunately, you can't simply set a password on the entire drive like you can with a smartphone or computer. For enhanced protection your files need to be encrypted. If you do not wish to purchase separately safe device flash memory with hardware encryption, you can use free software to get a similar level of security.
In this article we have presented several simple ways to protect files and folders on a USB flash drive.
If you need to protect only individual important documents, and you do not need to encrypt entire folders, then you can simply limit yourself to installing password protection for individual files.
Many programs, including Word and Excel, allow you to save files with a password.
For example, when the required document is opened in text editor Microsoft Word, you can go to the menu File > Details, select item Document protection and option Encrypt with password.
All that remains is to ask secure password and confirm its installation. Be sure to save the document and be sure to remember or write down the password.
Download portable version VeraCrypt and extract it to a USB drive. When you launch the application, a list of available drive letters will be displayed. Select a letter and press Create Volume
To create a virtual encrypted disk inside a file, select the option Create an encrypted file container and click "Next".
On next step you can select the volume type: regular or hidden. Using a hidden volume reduces the risk of someone forcing you to reveal your password. In our example, we will create a regular volume. Next, select the location of the encrypted volume – a removable USB drive.
Configure encryption and specify the volume size (must not exceed the size of a USB drive). Then select the encryption and hash algorithm, you can use the default settings. Then set your volume password. In the next step, your random mouse movements will determine the cryptographic strength of the encryption.
Once encryption is complete, each time you connect the USB drive to any computer, you can run the VeraCrypt hosted on it and mount the encrypted file container to gain access to the data.
VeraCrypt supports encryption of entire partitions and storage devices.
Download VeraCrypt and install the program on your PC. When you launch the application, a list of available drive letters will be displayed. Select a letter and press Create Volume. The VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard will launch.
To encrypt the entire USB drive, select the option Encrypt a non-system partition/drive and click "Next".
In the next step, you can select the volume type: regular or hidden. Using a hidden volume reduces the risk of someone forcing you to reveal your password.
On the next screen of the wizard you need to select the device, i.e. our removable USB disk, and then click "OK" and "Next".
In our example, we will create a regular volume. On the next screen of the wizard you need to select the device, i.e. our removable USB drive, and then click “OK” and “Next”.
To encrypt the entire USB drive, select Encrypt the partition in place and click "Next". VeraCrypt will warn you that you should have a backup copy of your data so that if something goes wrong during encryption, you can restore access to your files. Then select the encryption and hash algorithm, you can use the default settings. Then set your volume password. In the next step, your random mouse movements will determine the cryptographic strength of the encryption.
Then select the cleaning mode. The more rewrite cycles, the more reliable the cleaning. In the final step, select Encryption to start the encryption process.
After encryption is complete, each time you connect the USB drive to your computer, you will need to mount it with using VeraCrypt to gain access to the data.
Many modern archivers, including the free 7-Zip, support AES-256 encryption and password protection of files.
Install 7-Zip, then right-click on the file or folder on your USB drive and select 7-Zip > Add to archive. In the "Add to Archive" window, select the archive format and set a password. Click "OK" to begin the archiving and encryption process.
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Flash drive - convenient way information storage. The flash drive stores gigabytes of information: personal photos and videos, work data, useful utilities. But there is one drawback: a flash drive the size of a lighter is easy to lose. To prevent information from ending up in the wrong hands and being used by criminals, it is necessary to ensure the protection of personal data.
Setting access to information using a password
Reliable protection is installed on a USB flash drive in two ways. The first option is to use the built-in Bitlocker program. It is available to users of the Windows 7, 8 operating system. In the Bitlocker application, the developers used a simple interface. The program encrypts information on a logical drive or flash drive. Using Bitlocker, you cannot set a password for an individual folder.
The second method: 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 flash drive in Windows
If on personal Windows computer 7 editions Ultimate, Enterprise or Windows 8 and higher, then the built-in application for data encryption Bitlocker is available to the user. By following 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 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, check the box “Use a password to unlock the flash drive.” We come up with a strong password and enter it in the window provided. Click the “Next” button.
- In the next step, Bitlocker offers to create a special key. It will help restore access to information if the user suddenly forgets the password he created. This key is printed on a printer or saved 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 wait for the end of encryption of information and click the “Close” button.
- Checking the security installation. We take out and reinsert the flash drive. In the “My Computer” folder, a “lock” icon should appear next to the flash drive icon. It means that protection is installed and access to data is only with a password.
This is what a local disk protected by bitlocker looks like Free data protection programs
Available to users via the Internet software products. They will help protect personal data. Three popular freeware programs are described below.
TrueCrypt
The TrueCrypt program ranks first in popularity among users. She's reliable. The complex interface is the main drawback of the program. To understand the intricacies of TrueCrypt, you will have to spend time. The program can encrypt a separate folder on a flash drive or an entire logical drive.
Rohos Mini Drive
The developers of Rohos Mini Drive sought to create functional application small size, and they succeeded. The free version of the program does not require administrator rights, but is not capable of encrypting a flash drive with a capacity larger 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). To access the information posted there, a password is required. 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 an encryption standard.
MyFolder
The MyFolder program helps you protect a folder on your local drive or USB drive with a clear menu. To open such a folder, you must enter a password. MyFolder encrypts on 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 block symmetric encryption with variable key length. Developed 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 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:
After downloading, Anvide Lock Folder is ready to use. The interface is simple and clear. In the program window, specify a folder on a flash drive or personal computer and press the button with a closed lock icon. Enter the password, and the folder is password-protected. It can be accessed through the program. Anvide Lock Folder itself can be protected with an additional password.
Setting a password on a flash drive without a program
Manufacturers of Flash drives offer the use of hardware information protection. To use data encryption from the manufacturer, you must activate it the first time you use it. A password is set on the flash drive. It must contain letters, numbers and special characters.
USB Flash drive in the form of a key fob from Toshiba in an aluminum case with buttons for entering a password A password longer than 8 characters is considered good. It should not be forgotten. 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 a flash drive.
Ways to restore access to a flash drive
What if you forgot your password? There are hundreds of programs on the Internet that shout about their capabilities, but their effectiveness is questionable. The second option: look for a neighbor hacker who can remove or crack your password. Remember: using special software is fraught with unpredictable consequences. On Personal Computer viruses can get in malware. So it's better to come up with good password that will not be forgotten, or never use a password.
Users often use a storage device in the form of a card MicroSD memory. They are used in mobile phones, tablets and cameras. MicroSD is often protected with a password. It is installed through the menu of the electronic gadget. When you reinsert the memory card into another phone or camera, you will need a password. If you forget it, then it is impossible to restore access to the flash drive without losing data on the MicroSD.
The online store sells a device for resetting a password on a MicroSD memory card Nowadays, online stores sell devices called unlockers. They cost about $10–20. Using an unlocker, the protection is removed and the memory card is formatted. The data will be lost forever, but the MicroSD will remain at the owner's disposal. If you do not want to buy a device, then contact a specialized service. Unlocking services are offered by repair companies Cell phones and computers.
Keep personal files locked. This also applies to data recorded on a 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. Having memory problems? Then better password don't put it. There will be considerable pain in restoring access; it is unlikely that you will be able to remove the password yourself without losing data, and the results of using cracking programs are not always positive.
The Windows operating system has built-in special drive encryption mechanisms that help protect the information stored on them and prevent third parties from accessing your data. The standard encryption tool is called BitLocker and with its help you can encrypt a flash drive, memory card or any other removable drive. When you connect this drive to your computer, the operating system will ask you to enter set password. This way, no one else will be able to view your collection of memes or any other information stored on the encrypted drive.
Before we delve into the details of how encryption works, there are two types of BitLocker to consider.
- BitLocker. Also known as "full disk encryption". In this case, the bootloader loads (forgive the tautology) with , and then asks you to enter the password or use another decryption method set when setting up BitLocker. After this, the system will decrypt the files and boot Windows. After this you can work with files in normal mode, but the entire contents of the disk will be encrypted. The same encryption method can be used to encrypt any other media installed on your computer.
- BitLockerToGo. Using this method, you can encrypt external drives, such as USB flash drives or removable hard drives. When connecting the drive to the computer, the system will ask for a password or other established method authentication. Only after this the user will be able to access the contents of the disk. A great way to hide important information.
Please note that full BitLocker functionality is a separate feature of Windows 10 Professional and Enterprise. She's not in Home Windows edition 10. However, you can encrypt flash drives using BitLocker To Go on Home editions of Windows 10.
How to set a password on a flash drive in Windows
You don't need to download BitLocker to work. additional programs. Everything is already built into the operating system, so the procedure will be as convenient and fast as possible.
- Connect the drive to your computer. In Explorer, right-click on it and select Turn on BitLocker.
- Wait while the system completes initialization. It is very important that you do not remove the disc during the procedure.
- The next step is choosing an unlocking method. For a regular user, there is only one option - a password. The password must be complex. It must contain lowercase and uppercase letters, spaces, symbols and numbers. The more complex the password, the less likely it is to be guessed using brute force methods.
- Next, you need to archive the key for recovery. This key is needed in case you have forgotten the password for an encrypted flash drive. This can happen to anyone, so make sure you store your recovery key securely.
Here the system offers three options. The first is to save to your account Microsoft. If you choose this method, the key will be stored in your OneDrive cloud at onedrive.live.com/recoverykey. It looks like this: 
Another method saves the key in a separate file, and the third one prints it on a printer. If using the last two, make sure that third parties will not have access to the file or the printed key, otherwise they can easily decrypt the disk and remove the password. We advise you to use all methods of key archiving. If you lose access to one, the second will always be available. Recovery key in separate file as follows: 
- At the next stage, the system prompts you to choose which part of the disk to encrypt. You can encrypt either the already occupied space or the entire disk. The first option should be chosen for new drives in which information has not yet been overwritten. In other words, on those where there is nothing to restore yet. All new files on this drive will be automatically encrypted. The second option is for disks that have already been used and where deleted information can be recovered.
- Now you just need to confirm the action.
- Next, the contents of the flash drive or disk begin to be encrypted. This process can be quite long. Everything will depend on the size of the disk, as well as the amount of information recorded on it.
- After the process is completed, the system will give you a corresponding notification.
Now, when you connect a drive with encryption enabled, you will see a corresponding notification. It will inform you that this drive is encrypted and you must enter a password or use a smart card to gain access.
IN Windows Explorer the encrypted and locked disk is displayed with a golden lock.
"Closed" disk. A password is required to gain access.
Double-click on this disk and a password entry window will appear. After successful authorization, the icon will change to an open gray padlock.
When you remove a drive, the system automatically “locks” it, so reconnecting will again require you to enter a password. This ensures the safety of your data and the reliability of its storage.
"Open disk". No password required.
If you want to add your computer to the list of trusted devices, when entering your password, click Extra options and check the box next to Automatically unlock on this PC. After activating this option, the system will not ask you for a password every time you connect a drive exactly to this computer. For all others, the password will be requested every time.
What to do if you forgot your BitLocker password
In this case, the archived decryption key, which you created at one of the stages of encrypting the drive, comes to the rescue. Keep in mind that if you lose your recovery key, you won't be able to bypass BitLocker.
How to change your BitLocker password
How to remove BitLocker encryption
If you no longer need to keep a flash drive or disk with a password and full encryption, BitLocker To Go can be removed.
Like encryption, decryption takes certain time. Wait until Windows completes the necessary procedures (do not disconnect the drive from the computer, as this may cause data corruption), and then all encryption will be removed from the drive.
The keys will then no longer be valid and Windows will create new recovery keys when you re-encrypt.
Many users want to put a password on a flash drive, but they can’t do it, or hide information on a flash drive. In this article I will try to show you interesting ways to password protect a flash drive. Many people don’t even suspect that this can be done built-in without any problems. using Windows.
You can also find this function in early operating systems oh, even with Windows 7 Maximum, the function of setting a password on a flash drive without help was available to all users third party programs. I use Windows 10 Pro, and I will put a password on a 32GB flash drive.
First, let's open my computer, click on the flash drive right key mouse and in the context menu find the Enable function
By selecting this item, you will be taken to the BitLocker Drive Encryption (H:) window. In which Windows will prompt you to choose a method for unlocking the disk, I choose the usual method for everyone, unlocking the disk with a password, enter the password and click next.
After successfully choosing a password, you should archive your recovery key in case you forget your password, on Windows 10 I always use the first option Save to your Microsoft account, but as an example I will show you how you can save the recovery key to a file.
By selecting the Save to file option, we must specify the path where the file will be saved; according to the standard, these are my documents, so we leave it that way. 
IN latest update Windows 10 has the ability to use a new encryption mode, but since it is not compatible with the old ones Windows versions, then I advise you to select compatibility mode.
On the next one, Windows asks if we have changed our minds about encrypting the flash drive, if not, click start encryption .
This process can be lengthy depending on the number of files on the flash drive.
When the process is completed, Windows will warn us about this.
Now let’s check, to do this we need to remove the flash drive from the PC and insert it back, and when we try to log into the flash drive we will need to enter a password.
This method is universal and not complicated. To put a password on a flash drive, we didn’t have to use dubious programs. Now you know how to password protect a flash drive using built-in Windows tools.
How to protect a flash drive with a password using Rohos Mini Drive
Using the Rohos Mini Drive program, you can not only protect your flash drive with a password, but on your computer or even an application.
But we need to choose encrypt USB drive
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In the last window, the program tells us that the partition has been successfully created. To open this partition on another computer, use the Rohos Mini.exe icon in the root folder of the USB drive.
The second method is universal and is suitable for all operating rooms. Windows systems. But not as convenient as the first one.
In this article, I showed you how to password protect a flash drive using Windows and third-party software, whichever is more convenient for you is up to you to choose. Write in the comments whether you liked the article and what method you chose.
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