Protect USB drive

Hi,
Apologies if this has been dealt with to a certain extent in other posts - I'm seeking up to date & easy to understand info about encrypting a portable USB stick.

I already use TrueCrypt on my 2 home computers and think it is great. However, as I understand it, although you can install it on a USB stick, it can only then be used on computers for which you have admin rights. Obviously I do at home, but I don't at work, and it is for transferring potentially sensitive data between home and work that I need the encryption on the USB.

Could anyone clarify the situation with TrueCrypt and if I'm right that I can't used it for the USB stick at work, then could you suggest an effective alternative (preferably free).

Many thanks in advance. I'm not a technical expert, so in easy language, please :-o

 

Have you tested that assertion out yet? I have used true crypt before, and didn't matter whether I had admin rights or not. Do they shutdown your USB ports at work? (highly doubt it but had to ask)

 

Thanks for the reply. I tried to set up the USB last night, and it was successful on my home computers, but I then saw the info about only being able to use it on another computer because you need admin rights (- I think you need to install TrueCrypt on all computers because you need to mount the USB as a drive). I work at a university and no one is allowed admin rights apart from the IT staff! I can use any USB at work, but I am unable to install anything on to my work computer.

I realise I may have interpreted the TrueCrypt instructions, so if anyone could put me right I would be grateful.

 

Hello,
You are correct, you have to have admin rights to run TrueCrypt traveler mode. Or, Truecrypt must be installed on the machine if you want to run it without admin privileges.

You might want to try Rohos Mini Drive (freeware)