Truecrypt (File Encryption) Setup

PURPOSE:

TrueCrypt encrypts data on a PC running a Windows Vista, XP, 2000 or 2003 operating systems.  You may be required to encrypt certain files on your computer or laptop.
 

 
PROCEDURE OVERVIEW:

1. Download the free software from the web site: http://www.truecrypt.org/
2. Install the software (2 minutes)
3. Follow the “Beginner’s Tutorial” to create a “Container” (10 minutes)
1. This process will create a “virtual encrypted disk” within a file which is then assigned a drive address (i.e. F, G, H… and can be renamed).  The container lives on your computer's drive as a simple file, but when "mounted" using TrueCrypt, its encrypted contents appear as a new drive letter.
   
2. Data stored to this drive is automatically encrypted or decrypted.
3. The next time the user reboots they open the TrueCrypt software and “mount” the drive using a password.  Files stored in the drive are automatically encrypted or decrypted when saved or retrieved.

USE / APPLICATION:

1. CAUTION: If the password is lost the data is irretrievable!
2. Protect any file with personal information such as
1. Social security number
2. Credit card number
3. HIPAA covered data
3. Protect CD’s used to back-up sensitive information
1. If you create "containers" that are no larger than 700 megabytes, you can backup the container file directly to a cd.
2. Make sure your "container" file is not mounted before you burn it to CD.
   
4. Protect USB (thumb drives) with sensitive information
1. Simply create your "container" on the thumb drive.