Most removable storage devices do not have built-in data encryption. To fill this gap, it is possible to use the software open source VeraCrypt.
If you are using a USB flash drive or external hard drive, it is strongly recommended that you encrypt the data you store on it, as this type of device can easily get lost or stolen while traveling. The easiest way is to use VeraCrypt, which is free, open source and easy to implement encryption software. Here are the different steps to get there.
1) Download and install VeraCrypt
Meeting on the “Downloads” section of veracrypt.fr and download the correct version for your PC, then install it. The software will eventually ask you to disable fast startup, which will require a restart of the machine.
2) Encrypt the external storage medium
a) Launch VeraCrypt, go to the Volumes menu and select Create a new volume … In the volume creation wizard, choose Encrypt non-system partition / disk. After having validated an access control, you can choose the type of volume. Keep the default choice (“standard”).
b) You must then define the location of the volume to be encrypted. Click on Peripheral… and select the partition that stores your data.
Usually this is the letter D. For the volume creation mode, select Create an encrypted volume and format it. This is because encrypting a volume with existing data only works with NTFS, which is generally not used for removable storage media. Beforehand, therefore, make sure that you have backed up any data that may have appeared on this medium.
c) The software will then ask you for the encryption options. As before, keep the default choices. After checking the volume size, you will need to choose a good password, at least 20 characters long and easy to type.
d) You now become select a file system. First, choose Yes to the Large files question.
The software will then offer you a selection of file systems. As this is an external drive, your best bet is to take exFAT. Then click on Format. This process can be quite lengthy, depending on the type of media and interface used. For a 15 GB USB 2.0 key, it took us about 100 minutes.
e) Your new encrypted partition is now ready to use and can be used on any computer with VeraCrypt installed. This software should always be launched before connecting the storage medium.
Then, it will be enough to select a logical drive letter and click on Automatic assembly. A pop-up window will ask for the password and a few minutes later you will be able to access the storage volume.
