Secure USB Hard Drives - Solutions & Ideas

In summary, the conversation is about finding a way to password-protect a SmartDisk FireLite 60 GB USB removable hard drive, either by using OS security settings or software tools. The goal is to make the secure information accessible from a heavily-adminned computer environment at work. Suggestions include limiting access, using the Windows encrypting file system, and using software such as "folder security" or a drive encryption program. The Gizmo drive from Crucial.com also comes with a security program that unlocks a hidden portion of the drive.
  • #1
Bayou Tiger
19
0
Right now I am using a SmartDisk FireLite 60 GB USB removable hard drive to store information from work and home. Does anybody know how to password-protect the entire disk or select folders on the disk?

There are a few software tools on the market, but I was hoping somebody has some personal experience. The secure information needs to be accessible from our heavily-adminned computer environment at work. Thanks for any ideas!
 
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  • #2
First you can try working with OS security settings like in XP Pro, let alone 'real' OSs like limiting the access, configure the windows encrypting file system etc depending what your drive supports. Then there are a number of software for (you can start from some software 'portal', like www.snapfiles.com ) controlling folder permissions like 'folder security' etc., but those can leave the data accessible by working only locally, then you can encrypt the drive filesystem (quick and easy although not as secure as ...), encrypting the whole drive (or parts of it) or using a software which encrypts the drive and accesses it 'realtime' via the encryption key, locks the thing up completely. ... what else is there :confused:
 
  • #3
The Gizmo drive I purchased from Crucial.com came with a security program that unlocks a hidden portion of the drive. Maybe Crucial can tell you where to get it.
 

1. What is a secure USB hard drive?

A secure USB hard drive is a storage device that uses encryption to protect the data stored on it. This means that the data is converted into a code, making it unreadable without the proper authentication or decryption key.

2. How does a secure USB hard drive work?

A secure USB hard drive works by using encryption algorithms to convert the data into a code that can only be accessed with the correct authentication or decryption key. This ensures that even if the device is lost or stolen, the data remains secure and unreadable to anyone without the proper authorization.

3. What are the benefits of using a secure USB hard drive?

The main benefit of using a secure USB hard drive is the protection of sensitive data. It provides an extra layer of security for important files and documents, making it nearly impossible for unauthorized individuals to access them. Additionally, some secure USB hard drives also offer features such as remote data wiping and password protection for added security.

4. Are all secure USB hard drives the same?

No, not all secure USB hard drives are the same. They may differ in terms of the encryption algorithms used, the level of security provided, and additional features such as biometric authentication or cloud storage. It is important to research and compare different options to find the one that best suits your needs.

5. Can secure USB hard drives be hacked?

While no security system is completely foolproof, secure USB hard drives are designed with strong encryption and other security measures to make them difficult to hack. However, it is still important to take precautions such as keeping the device physically secure and using strong passwords to further protect your data.

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