Do you think you can protect your digital life by just keeping your files in a folder labeled “Important”? Think again. If someone with light fingers manages to relieve you of your thumbstick, all they need to do is plug it into a computer to access everything it contains — personal documents, photos, and any other exploitable part of your digital life. So, what’s the best way to lock down your digital gold?
Why Encryption is a Must
Encrypting a drive is ridiculously easy these days, no matter which method you use. Encrypted information is virtually inaccessible to anyone who doesn’t have the password; it’s for this reason you should encrypt your emails and stop using unencrypted messengers like Telegram. Encrypting files comes at the cost of sacrificing a couple of extra seconds of your time to decrypt them, plus a few minor roadblocks here or there when it comes to accessing that information on another device, but those inconveniences are worth keeping your information safe.
5 Ways to Secure Your USB Device
- Proprietary Encryption Software
- Windows BitLocker
- MacOS Disk Utility
- VeraCrypt
- Cryptomator
Proprietary Encryption Software
Many USB storage devices come with their own proprietary encryption software. Examples include SanDisk’s PrivateAccess, Lexar’s DataShield, and Western Digital’s WD Security. These solutions are often designed for easy setup with your hardware, making it simple to encrypt your files. However, be aware that some manufacturers may preload the install file onto a new drive, which can be a hassle to deal with. Additionally, some proprietary solutions may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited if you forget the password or don’t regularly update the software.
- SanDisk’s PrivateAccess
- Lexar’s DataShield
- Western Digital’s WD Security
Windows BitLocker
Windows BitLocker is a program that can encrypt a system hard drive on your PC, but it can also handle removable storage media. If you exclusively use Windows computers and don’t plan to open your files on macOS or a Linux distro, BitLocker is a great option. To use BitLocker, right-click the device you want to encrypt, choose BitLocker, and enable it. Save a recovery key somewhere safe, then choose how much of the drive you want encrypted.
| Benefits of BitLocker | Description |
|---|---|
| Native Windows Support | As long as the device has BitLocker, encryption and decryption work natively without third-party software. |
| Recovery Key | BitLocker creates a recovery key in case you lose or forget the password. |
| Full Drive Encryption | BitLocker lets you encrypt the entire drive rather than just a vault. |
MacOS Disk Utility
MacOS has its own built-in encryption utility called Disk Utility. To encrypt a storage device on macOS, open Disk Utility, go to View > Show All Devices, and choose your device. Click the Erase button; if you haven’t already, back up any existing files. Now rename the erased device, then choose GUID Partition Map. When you’re given the format options, make sure to choose an encrypted file system like APFS (Encrypted). Note: there’s no recovery key option like on Windows.
VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is a free, open-source encryption software that takes encryption very seriously. It supports the strongest encryption methods and goes to extreme lengths to secure your trust. VeraCrypt offers two options for removable storage encryption: encrypting the entire storage device or a partition. The program’s encryption wizard is pretty self-explanatory, but we highly recommend reviewing the documentation first. However, be aware that VeraCrypt leans towards power users, so it may feel daunting to someone who’s not tech-savvy.
Cryptomator
Cryptomator is a free encryption software that offers a unique approach to encryption. It creates a vault that, once opened, lets you fluidly copy, move, and use files as if it were a typical removable drive. Cryptomator uses strong AES 256-bit encryption and audited open-source code. One of the major advantages of Cryptomator is that your encrypted vault isn’t tied to any one device or drive. You can copy or move the vault elsewhere and pick up where you left off. Cryptomator also supports more devices than any other solution on this list, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Conclusion
Encrypting your USB storage device is a simple yet effective way to protect your digital life. Whether you choose proprietary encryption software, Windows BitLocker, MacOS Disk Utility, VeraCrypt, or Cryptomator, you can rest assured that your files are safe from prying eyes.
