- #ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PORTABLE#
- #ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS SOFTWARE#
- #ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PASSWORD#
- #ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PROFESSIONAL#
- #ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS MAC#
If your drive doesn’t already provide encryption, you’ll need to decide which software is right for you. Some flash drives offer built-in encryption, so you won’t have to use encryption software or a third-party app. You’ll then need to choose how you want to save your recovery key, in case you forget your password.
#ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PASSWORD#
If you choose to set a password, create a strong password and enter it twice. You’ll then choose how you want to unlock the drive - with a smart card, password, or both. To encrypt your flash or external drive, select the drive in your file explorer, hit your Manage tab, Select BitLocker, and turn BitLocker on. To start, choose which file system you want to use - NFTS, exFAT or FAT32 - by right-clicking your drive and choosing Format. Windows also gives you a choice between three filesystems, as mentioned above. While Bitlocker can encrypt your operating system drive and fixed data drives on your computer, Bitlocker to Go can encrypt your external USB flash drive and external hard drives. Windows uses built-in encryption software known as BitLocker drive encryption, which is built into Windows Vista, Pro, Ultimate, Enterprise, and Windows 10. Encrypting a flash drive on a Windows computer Step 4: Set passwordĮnter a strong password to keep others from gaining access. To encrypt your drive, right-click your USB drive in your Finder and select Encrypt.
Step 2: Format File SystemĪfter choosing the MacOS extended format and erasing the drive, format it with the HFS+ filesystem.
#ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PROFESSIONAL#
You may want to consult a professional for advice. Keep in mind that you could erase any data that’s already on the external or flash drive. Then select your USB drive and choose Erase. To format your external flash drive with the HFS+ filesystem, for example, start by opening the disk utility app. Step 1: Erase drive (consider consulting an expert first)
#ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS MAC#
Encrypting your flash drive is different on a Mac because Apple uses the APFS or HFS+ filesystems to encrypt removable media, so you’ll need to format your drive accordingly. Since I am a Mac user, I will start with the steps you’ll need to take to encrypt a flash drive using a Mac. Encrypting a flash drive on a Mac computer While this information isn’t necessarily essential for the operation of your flash drive, this is important when looking to encrypt your drives. If you would like a separate blog post explaining the differences comment below. Windows also supports exFAT, along with NT File System (NTFS) and File Allocation Table (FAT32).ĭifferent filesystem types will impact your encryption options in different ways.
Your filesystem organizes your drive by dictating how and how much data is stored, and what type of data can be attached to files.Īpple supports three file systems: Apple File System (APFS), Hierarchical File System (HFS) Plus, and extended File Allocation Table (exFAT). Knowing Your File SystemsĪn important factor in the encryption process for your flash drive is your filesystem. We sell lanyards and keychains to help keep track of your devices as well, but sometimes they can still be lost or left in the wrong place.
#ENCRYPT SD CARD WINDOWS PORTABLE#
But what if the personal data stored on your flash drive is exposed? While this external portable device is compact and easy to carry, it’s also easy to lose or have stolen for those same reasons. Flash drives are small, portable data storage devices that you can literally slip into your pocket.Ĭonvenient? Yes.
If you’re looking for an easy way to carry or back up your digital data, a USB flash drive offers you an affordable solution. So even if your flash drive falls into the wrong hands, those unintended third parties won’t be able to access or understand the information the drive is holding and therefore would be unable to use it for nefarious purposes. For instance, non-encrypted flash drives can leave you vulnerable to malware and other device security threats.īut what does it really mean to encrypt your data and how does it work? Encryption means only those with an encryption key file or password will be able to access the data on an encrypted flash drive. If you’re going to use a flash drive, encryption is one of the best ways to protect your data.Įncryption can help protect the sensitive data on an external drive should it fall into the wrong hands through loss or theft, but there are other reasons for encryption, too.