Using TrueCrypt
TrueCrypt is an open source encryption solution that is easy to use and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can be obtained by visiting www.truecrypt.org and can be a useful tool to help protect Virginia Tech data. The most common way to use TrueCrypt is to create an encrypted volume (file) and then store files inside the volume that need to be encrypted. Steps have been provided below for the creation and mounting of a TrueCrypt volume.
Creating a TrueCrypt Volume
1. Open the TrueCrypt application and select “Create Volume”.
2. Select “Create an encrypted file container” and click “Next”.
3.Create a name and select a location to save the TrueCrypt volume that you will be creating and select “Next”
NOTE: It is helpful if you create a volume name that ends with “.tc”. This will associate the volume with the TrueCrypt application.
4. TrueCrypt provides some options for encryption. Select the desired encryption algorithms and select “Next”. TrueCrypt uses AES and RIPMED-160 algorithms by default and is recommended for selection.
5. Create the size of the volume that you would like to create. Click “Next”.
Note: In most cases a 500mb size volume is suitable. However this depends on the user's need and should be adjusted accordingly.
6. Create a password for your encrypted volume. Click “Next”.
Note: The longer the password the better it is. It is important to not lose your password. A lost password will make the data unrecoverable.
7. Select the file system and click “Format”. The default is suitable in most cases.
8. Your volume has been created. Click “Exit”
Mounting a TrueCrypt Volume
1. Select the TrueCrypt volume that you would like to mount. Select the letter drive location you would like to use. Click “Mount”.
2. Enter your password for the TrueCrypt volume. Click “OK”.
3. The drive is now unencrypted and ready for use at the drive location you have selected. Save files and documents as you would normally do with a mounted drive.
