Most people prefer to keep their files on their computers or portable hard drives. Sometimes we may have too sensitive information to be discussed in public. Nonetheless, anyone can access the news on your hard drive because it is not encrypted. There is a risk that they will damage or steal your data. Significant financial losses are possible in either scenario. Therefore, today we will review some options for password-protecting external hard drives.
Applications that Password-Protect External Hard Drives
External hard drives can be password protected in two different ways.
The first option is to lock your disc using system-level commands rather than an external program. Alternatively, a third-party app can encrypt your portable storage devices.
BitLocker
The built-in disc encryption tool in Windows 10 is called BitLocker. This service, however, is restricted to the paid Pro and Enterprise tiers. Consequently, if you’re running Windows 10 Home, select the second option.
- Connect the external storage device.
- You can encrypt an external hard drive by going to Settings > Privacy > BitLocker Drive Encryption, or you can encrypt an internal hard drive by doing the same thing.
- Select Get into the Drive with a Password. Key in the security code. After that, select the Next option.
- Select a location to store the recovery key if you forget the password. The recovery key can be downloaded to your Microsoft account, an external storage device, a local file, or printed.
- You can begin the encryption process by clicking the Start Encryption button.
Finally, your hard drive is encrypted and protected with a password. A password is required each time you want to use the drive again.
A third-party app can be used in place of the previously mentioned method if it does not work for you or is unavailable on your device. Many alternatives, developed by third-party app developers, are available for download.
StorageCrypt
- StorageCrypt can be installed on your computer after downloading it from the official website. Get your external drive hooked up.
- Start the program and select the gadget you want to protect.
- You can choose between two methods of encryption under the Encryption Mode menu.
- Instant and Robust Encryption. The rapid option is more time-efficient, but the deep option provides excellent safety. Make your selection based on personal preference.
- Check off “Full” under “Portable Use” in the Usage Options menu.
- To encrypt, type in the password and hit the button. Following successful encryption, a beep will sound.
You need to remember your password to get in again. There is a 7-day free trial for StorageCrypt. Get a license for it if you intend to use it further.
KakaSoft USB Security
Compared to StorageCrypt, Kakasoft USB Security only differs in how it operates. When protecting an external hard drive with a password, this program does not require installation on a computer.
- To use Kakasoft USB Security, download it from the site and launch it.
- Insert the external drive into your computer.
- Choose the target drive from the drop-down menu and click the Install button.
- Next, enter a password to secure the drive, and then select Protect.
- Now that your drive is password-protected, you should feel very accomplished.
VeraCrypt
VeraCrypt is cutting-edge software for encrypting removable media like flash drives and external hard drives. The algorithms used for system and partition encryptions are strengthened, making them resistant to brute-force attacks and other extreme abuse. It encrypts external drives and the partitions within a computer running Windows.
DiskCryptor
DiskCryptor’s only real drawback is that its open source. Insufficient for protecting sensitive data because of this flaw. The alternative is to consider using a password to secure your external hard drive. Disk encryption is supported for all partitions, including the system partition.
Cryptainer LE
Regarding password-protecting external hard drives, Cryptainer LE is reliable software that is also free of charge. You can use it to encrypt data on any storage medium, not just removable media. In addition, it can be used to safeguard any media contained within a given drive’s files and folders.
SafeHouse Explorer
SafeHouse Explorer is the best option if a password should be used to secure more than just your hard drives. It can protect data stored on any medium, from hard drives to portable media like USB drives. It can also secure your iPod, CDs, DVDs, and your network and server infrastructure. Astonishing, right? An industry-leading 256-bit encryption algorithm protects your private data.
File Secure
File Secure is a valuable free software for protecting your external drives. It encrypts your data using the same technology used by the military. With this, you can encrypt sensitive data and prevent others from accessing it even if they have the password.
AxCrypt
Regarding password-protecting an external hard drive, AxCrypt is another reliable open-source option. For Windows users, it is among the best options for encrypting portable storage devices like USB drives. Its simple interface makes encrypting single files a breeze on Windows.
SecurStick
SecurStick is everything you could want in a portable encryption program. If you use external storage devices with Windows 10, securing them is a good idea. It utilizes a 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption to safeguard data. Additionally to Windows 10, it supports Windows XP, Vista, and 7.
Symantec Drive Encryption
The Symantec Drive Encryption software is something you will adore using. Why? Symantec builds it, a company widely recognized as a market leader in the production of computer security software. This one uses cutting-edge technology to protect your external hard drives and USB flash drives. If you’re not happy with the security of your external drive at the moment, you should give this a shot.
BoxCryptor
BoxCryptor may be last on your list, but it certainly isn’t the least. Both the free and paid versions are included in this one. You will find better file encryption software on the market right now. The best part is that it has built-in support for cutting-edge cryptographic standards like AES-256 and RSA, meaning your portable storage devices, like USB drives and external hard drives, will be completely safe.
If you’re in the market for an app to encrypt external hard drives, these are the ones you should look at. These are the best you’ll find on the market, and other similar products go by different brand names. If you have sensitive information stored on an external hard drive, you should protect it by encrypting it, so you don’t lose it.
