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If you’re running a Windows 10 device of at least 15.11, then select New encryption mode. Step 8: Next, you’ll be asked to select the encryption mode.
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Step 7: To encrypt your flash drive on Windows with BitLocker, select the Encrypt used disk space only. Whichever option you choose, be aware that you’ll need this should you lose your password, so it’s best kept safe. Step 6: Choose how you’ll generate a recovery key – you can either save this as a file or a print out. Step 5: Think of a strong password, this must be a tricky combination of lower and uppercase letters, numbers and symbols. You can select a password or use a smart card – for the purposes of this blog, we’ll be using the password example, which is the most common. Step 4: For the next step you’ll be asked how you’d like to lock the drive. Step 3: Then right click on the drive and select turn on BitLocker, this will automatically install the programme for you. Step 2: Head to file explorer and find your USB device. Step 1: Connect your USB, however, ensure that you’ve moved any files to a safe place and ensure that it is empty before beginning this process. Please note, that if any of the following steps aren’t working for you it’s possible you’re running an older version of Windows. How to Encrypt a Flash Drive with BitLocker on Windowsīitlocker is an example of a native software encryption tool, and can be found on Windows 7 or later.
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You can do this manually by using the options available on your Windows or Mac device, which is what we’ll be covering in this piece. Purchasing an encrypted USB stick – such as the SafeToGo Solo.īy using one of these methods to encrypt your device, you ensure that no one can gain access to your personal data unless they already know the decryption key.Īlthough a preconfigured encryption might be a bit of a pain to access, since you’ll need to input your password every time you access the device, it’s certainly worth it if you’re transporting sensitive data, and you don’t want to encrypt the device yourself.By using specialised encryption software.USB encryption can be achieved by the following means: However, there is something you can do about this to ensure that your drive and data is protected in every eventuality and this is to encrypt the device. Should this happen, then your personal data is effectively in the hands of whomever steals or finds your flash drive, whether they intend to use it maliciously or not. But, have you considered what would happen if you were to lose or have your flash drive stolen? Do you use your Branded USB Stick to store and transport data, some of which may be of a sensitive nature.
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