Portable Storage Encryption

[Johnnyscans]

Does a program exist that will encrypt data on a portable flash drive, and if an incorrect password is entered a certain number of times, the drive will self erase?

I'm trying out true-crypt right now. While it doesn't have an auto-erase feature, it does provide hidden container capabilities and some pretty beefy encryption algorithms.

The program is for a client who stores business sensitive data on a flash drive, and wants the peace of mind knowing that if he misplaces it, he won't have to worry about his data falling into the wrong hands.

 

[p3n]

Don't put it on a flash drive.

(there are numerous apps that will encrypt data inside one big 'file', none will have any 'sefl destruct' features unless its OS specific therefore useless)

 

[Johnnyscans]

Yea, that's probably the best bet, but I feel like he is still going to want his data on the thumb drive. Would encryption and a hidden container (via TrueCrypt) be the second best bet?

 

[nick8571]

Truecrypt is about as bomb-proof as data security gets, the only slight downside is that you need admin privileges to run it in "traveler" mode (which may or may not be an issue for your client).

If he loses the drive, that data is completely safe unless someone gets hold of him and tickles him until he gives up the passphrase.

 

[Johnnyscans]

Yea, TrueCrypt seems to be the best choice, especially since I don't think the admin privileges will be an issue for him.

 

[Keiichi]

Get an ironkey or a dedicated hardware encrypted driive.

 

[k1pp3r]

Get an ironkey or a dedicated hardware encrypted driive.

+1, client has one and loves it

 

[Ur_Mom]

Get an ironkey or a dedicated hardware encrypted driive.

I agree with this one. Probably the best option that will do what you want.

 

[Johnnyscans]

Yea, I just used TrueCrypt on my drive and I can see my client getting fed up with it (removing it correctly after every use, which I doubt he'll do)

I'm going to suggest the ironkey.

 

[Monkey34]

I can see my client getting fed up with it (removing it correctly after every use, which I doubt he'll do)

If you change the settings for it to "optimize for quick removal", you don't have to go through the "safely remove hardware" steps to take it out.

 

[SpaceHonkey]

I use Ironkeys for both business and personal use. Simply can't be beat.

 

[breadtk]

[edit]

 

[Johnnyscans]

Yea, i think we're going to suggest it to him. He has the money to spend and an Ironkey seems to be exactly what he is looking for.

 

[Keiichi]

One suggestion about using an Ironkey. Keep the password to the ironkey written down and hidden in a safe place (like a safe.) Just don't label it "Password to the Ironkey." I have all my Ironkey users do this and it's saved the expense of losing the data and the device a couple of times.

 

[SpaceHonkey]

One suggestion about using an Ironkey. Keep the password to the ironkey written down and hidden in a safe place (like a safe.) Just don't label it "Password to the Ironkey." I have all my Ironkey users do this and it's saved the expense of losing the data and the device a couple of times.

With the enterprise keys, admin keys can unlock user keys, change passwords, decrypt data, etc. No need to write a password down.

You can also use simple passwords. Because of the nature of having so few guesses, complex passwords are unnecessary.

 

[Keiichi]

^That's assuming that I have the enterprise management software, which I don't. Honestly though it's a waste of money if it's less than five people imo.