Software-based encryption for your USB Drive

The use of mobile computers has become a daily ritual for most people. Modern technology enables us to be creative in any environment, taking our hard work on the road.

On the flip side, mobile computers and the sensitive data they transport are sailing on perilous waters.

Too often this data is sent off to travel hostile seas without adequate protection or security to keep it from falling into treacherous hands.

Conventional Thumb Drives

Thumb drives are small storage devices that connect to your computer via USB. They typically use solid-state flash memory to store data and have become rather popular over the years. Not only have they surpassed floppy disks in the way of consumer usage, but storage mediums such as DVDs and CDs as well.

These units are fast, easy to use, and more importantly, affordable. Models with smaller capacities have become so cheap that they are often bought on impulse, viewed as disposable to some. Ironically, this benefit translates to one of the thumb drive’s biggest deficiencies - they are simply too easy to lose. These devices are often left on the job, in airports, and many other places. The problem is that the user’s important data is left behind as well. Since conventional thumb drives aren’t based on USB encryption, anyone who finds the device can easily access the data.

USB Flash Encryption

The growing number of internet-based exploits has tremendously increased the importance of data security. Conventional thumb drives have been replaced with flash drives strengthened with USB encryption. This method has been effective because encrypted data cannot be accessed without the key used to secure it. This is normally represented by a password, user ID or biometric authentication mechanisms such as a fingerprint scan. While this method can eventually be penetrated with high-powered computers practicing brute force decryption, data encryption is usually enough to discourage an intruder and keep them away.

Software-based USB Encryption

One of the most popular implementations of USB security is software-based encryption. The technology is fused into small, portable devices that resemble your basic thumb drive. This type of USB flash encryption has proven to be an affordable, more flexible method and can be used to encrypt an entire USB drive or specific directories.

When it comes to file encryption software, system administrators have a variety of selection, including the type and level of strength for the cryptographic algorithm. When important data is constantly being transported, it is very critical to protect every bit, regardless of size or the number of files. Software-based encryption adds ease to this process and gives you the assurance that all of your data is secure. When combined with hardware-based encryption, this method of security is nearly impossible to break.

If you must use a conventional thumb drive, it is very essential that you take major steps towards protecting your information. First and foremost, any mobile data should be encrypted. This requires a software encryption tool – a process that may be somewhat of a hassle, yet well worth it in the end. Secondly, be sure to educate anyone using the device about the risks related to conventional thumb drives. They may be thought of as cheap and disposable, but the data they contain is not.