Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

coolticker reviewed v7.2 on May 29, 2014

Don't download this 7.2 version !!!! it do not allow to create encrypted volumes anymore since Truecrypt is a dead project, it's only there for people to access already created volumes and migrate them to some other encryption solution.

All older version has been removed from the web site.

arossetti reviewed v7.2 on May 29, 2014

The project was suddenly pulled yesterday. See Brian Krebs article for more information: http://krebsonsecurity.c...truecrypt-is-not-secure/

uberfly reviewed v7.1a on Nov 11, 2013

TrueCrypt is almost irreplaceable to me, but awe crap... is it a dead project now?

Landsnes reviewed v7.1a on Apr 27, 2012

Very good software!

This is a must have program for people who need file encryption. Easy to use and very powerful.

However, to my own great surprise, this is NOT open source software. Despite sincere and continuous effort from the open source community to help TrueCrypt's developers change their license agreement terms to comply with a free software license, the TrueCrypt license agreement is still NOT compatible with any free software license, and the program is for that reason part of Fedora's Forbidden Software list.

However, this is a legal definition issue, and does not /necessarily/ affect the end-user to a degree as negative as suggested.

The license agreement can be found here:
http://www.truecrypt.org/legal/license

More info and argumentation can be found here:
http://lists.freedesktop...008-October/000276.html

Uriel reviewed v7.1a on Feb 8, 2012

This software is good. As a matter of fact, it was in the news a couple of months back where the group Anonymous downloaded private email from a law official where they were discussing ways that they might be able to defeat TrueCrypt. This tells how good it is. It works on both my Windows and Linux machines. Sorry but Apple is spyware in a restrictive box that I vow with an oath not to purchase due to whom they support and persecute in the copyright wars but I imagine that it works well in that environment too.

brotherS reviewed v7.1 on Nov 17, 2011

I can just second what most folks say... great piece of software! Never lost any data, very stable, never crashes.

VelvetElvis reviewed v7.1 on Sep 4, 2011

A must-have if you value your privacy. I wouldn't own a laptop that didn't have TrueCrypt installed on it. An excellent example of great open source software.

Uriel reviewed v7.1 on Sep 3, 2011

I couldn't give this open source app enough stars. Awsome!

ghammer reviewed v7.0a on Sep 7, 2010

Excellent for its purpose.
However, always wait for the 'a' version.

fatar reviewed v7.0 on Aug 16, 2010

Badly designed user interface, and requires ADMINISTRATOR RIGHTS if you want to use it from a USB drive

jafo818 reviewed v7.0 on Jul 20, 2010

Must have for anyone concerned about the security of their files. I use it on my USB flash drive for carrying around important files wherever I go, without worrying about losing the drive (shudder at the thought).

itazev reviewed v7.0 on Jul 20, 2010

Good program indeed. Stable, multi-plataform, secure and reliable.

nlws reviewed v6.3a on Nov 25, 2009

This is the best program for your security.

emanresU deriseD reviewed v6.3a on Nov 24, 2009

Quick--someone rate it down because if someone peers over your shoulder as you enter the password, it's useless!

Nilam_mii reviewed v6.3 on Nov 13, 2009

I was searching for encryption solution where i found relatively simple solution which is the data encryption software called TrueCrypt. There is lots of software available, but TrueCrypt is Free, comprehensive, multi-platform and easy to use. but backup with TrueCrypt is not good idea so for backup there you better use Norton Ghost. Where TrueCrypt provides truly encryption solution so for more details see http://www.techarena.in/...-encryption-program.htm

dhry reviewed v6.3 on Oct 22, 2009

"Evil Maid" attack. Cracked me up *8-)

"Housekeeping!" (looks left) (looks right) (tiptoes into room with feather duster in one hand and USB thumbdrive in the other)

Diam0nd reviewed v6.3 on Oct 22, 2009

Developers, cut the crap, give us TPD support!!!

http://theinvisiblething...es-after-truecrypt.html

ghammer reviewed v6.3 on Oct 21, 2009

This is a great app and I'll rate it so.
But, history shows an 'a' release shortly after any new version.

I'll wait on upgrading for 10 days or so.

Prospero424 reviewed v6.3 on Oct 21, 2009

No, faulting TrueCrypt for being "vulnerable" to a keylogger or hardware attack IS foolish. It was never designed nor has anyone in authority ever claimed that this sort of encryption is immune to a keylogger attack simply because that's not the sort of attack that it's designed to thwart.

Let me put this perfectly clearly: if you can boot into a software environment (doesn't even have to be an OS) that accepts input - be it from the network or from physical I/O ports on the machine - you are vulnerable to a keylogger attack. Period.

The purpose of encrypted volumes is to disallow access to those who might STEAL your laptop or those who might try to access your data if you misplace your laptop, not those that have repeated physical access to it. For those that have repeated access, all it does is make data theft more difficult.

In fact, this sort of attack ("evil maid"/"janitor" attack) is EXACTLY why even security amateurs know that it's best to put your laptop in your room safe if you're at a hotel if you're going to leave it in your room. And this is why you never leave your laptop on your desk when you go home if you work in an office.

The rule is "treat your laptop as if it were a stack of cash". Because it's every bit as valuable and vulnerable to someone who knows what they're doing. That idiom remains true regardless of whether or not your hard drives are encrypted.

Edit: now, there are ways to mitigate this vulnerability. Anyone worried about such attacks should ALWAYS implement some sort of multi-factor authentication. Requiring a strong password and, say, a USB key with a long, random authentication key on it BOTH required to boot into a volume is one way. Biometrics, although less reliable and less consistent, is another. But you will never be 100% safe from this sort of attack.

My only complaint about this new version of TrueCrypt is that it won't even install on the Windows 7 RC. Bummer. No big deal, though; the last version seems to work fine for me with some very light tweaking.

mjm01010101 reviewed v6.3 on Oct 21, 2009

uh, bull? The entire point of encryption is to remove the risks of physical access to data. That is the *point* that apes have used said encryption. Are you telling me SSL isn't secure because physical access isn't possible? Well it is, you can record SSL to your hearts content and the theory goes that no amount of reasonable processing power can break said encryption.

If Truecrypt is fallible by physical location to the attacker, then truecrypt is fallible. Perhaps it needs to show a picture of a maid when it detects a third party boot, or it needs to shut itself down,or at the least advise users to remove all possibility for booting from removeable devices, but this is pretty bad.

Go about your business then! Nothing to see here!

emanresU deriseD reviewed v6.3 on Oct 21, 2009

The "Evil Maid" attack means little. It's disheartening if you didn't realize what security experts have said since we climbed down from trees: If an attacker gains physical access to your machine, it's not your machine anymore. This isn't news.

The exchange between the TC dev and JR is enlightening. Combine strong encryption (i.e. TC) with tamper evidence (i.e. a lock or box), and you have ample security. You'll know they can't get at your data during that first physical security compromise, and you'll know if that first compromise ever took place. It's really about the best you can ever do.

So in short, rating TC down because of "Evil Maid" is nonsense.

In response: Yes, SSL can fall to an attack involving physical access. TC does protect you against physical access; what it doesn't do is protect you if you allow repeated physical access. This isn't to say that TC cannot implement a workaround, but even in such a case, you still would not be well advised to allow repeated physical access to the system. There is no competent/responsible cryptographer on Earth who would say "My product will 100% protect your data no matter what." Expecting an encryption product to be absolutely bulletproof against repeated physical access is ludicrous.

Finally, a note to anyone who may think differently: The current version of TC does not support the use of keyfiles with system encryption.

@ghammer: Still waiting?

mjm01010101 reviewed v6.2a on Oct 16, 2009

Evil Maid goes after TrueCrypt!
http://theinvisiblething...es-after-truecrypt.html

wrencher88 reviewed v6.2a on Jun 23, 2009

I have used Truecrypt for about 2 years on my laptop, whole disc encryption and have had absolutely no problems.I have Win XP Pro SP3 Love this . going to do my desktop next....

Raysy reviewed v6.2a on Jun 16, 2009

Great App, been using it for years. Good documentation!

Prospero424 reviewed v6.2a on Jun 16, 2009

Great stuff. It's secure, it's automated, it's easy, it's open source, and it's solid.

The only problem I have is under Windows 7 where the creation of NTFS volumes under certain conditions seems to be broken due to a permissions elevation incompatibility. I'm sure they'll fix this soon, but until then some Windows 7 users are often stuck with FAT32 and the 4GB maximum file size that goes along with it.

Also, full disk encryption does not work under Windows 7 for what are, I'm sure, related reasons. Although there are supposedly workarounds for this, I wouldn't chance it, myself.

Since it would be silly to demand full Windows 7 support before the OS is even RTM, I'm certainly not going to score it any lower for these problems, but it'd be nice if they got it working ASAP.

devilrider reviewed v6.2 on May 12, 2009

Very good. Works portable on USB too. For personal use I have no problem in using this gem.

mjm01010101: you should read also the fedora,Suse and so on forum why they avoid it.
Don't be a Wikipedia-monk and read the background and the newest status.

Never the less: Lets hope Truecrypt manages to catch all the old historical licence holders and manage to switch to a solid licence

zapatero reviewed v6.2 on May 12, 2009

I have used it daily for years. Never a problem. Very good.

Aegis69 reviewed v6.2 on May 12, 2009

I dunno about that FUD, besides if there was anything fishy going on, the code is still open and someone would be able to spot it pretty fast.

Anyhow I am still using it, but if I wanted something different but similar in terms of functionality, what is a good alternative?

mjm01010101 reviewed v6.2 on May 12, 2009

From wikipedia:
The TrueCrypt developers use the aliases "ennead" and "syncon".

The domain name "truecrypt.org" was originally registered to a false address ("NAVAS Station, ANTARCTICA"), and was later concealed behind a Network Solutions private registration.

The TrueCrypt trademark was registered in the Czech Republic under name of "David Tesarik".

Licensing

The TrueCrypt Collective License does not meet the Open Source Definition, and thus has not been approved by the Open Source Initiative. It is considered "non-free" by all the major GNU/Linux distributions (Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, openSUSE, Gentoo). The Fedora project states:

The TrueCrypt software is under an extremely poor license, which is not only non-free, but actively dangerous to end users who agree to it, opening them to possible legal action even if they abide by all of the licensing terms. Fedora made extensive efforts to try to work with the TrueCrypt upstream to fix these mistakes in their license, but was unsuccessful. Fedora Suggests: Avoid this software entirely.

dzjepp reviewed v6.1a on Dec 3, 2008

Will have to donate soon :)

Undesired Username reviewed v6.1a on Dec 2, 2008

TrueCrypt whole-disk encryption isn't just good for laptops; it's good to use on any system. Say your desktop's hard disk fails. Whether you bought that disk as part of the system or as an independent upgrade, you're either going to send that disk in for warranty replacement, or toss it out. Either way, it's far preferable to rely on TrueCrypt than on overwriting methods that take a long time, may not be reliable, and may not even be possible on a failed drive.

And if some other part of the system fails, the same thing applies: You're either sending the system back, or you're tossing it. In both cases, you don't want private data exposed.

These days, everyone who has a computer has private information on that computer. It's just a matter of whether you care and what you do about it.

dzjepp reviewed v6.1 on Nov 8, 2008

Fantastic software. People if you have private data at home or at work (bank accounts, etc.) then encrypt your data! If your laptop gets stolen, etc. then you will be glad you did.

Make sure to encrypt with a keyfile, and store that keyfile somewhere safe (like a thumbdrive)

billybeta2 reviewed v6.1 on Nov 7, 2008

2 Artem Tashkinov:

Stupid, just stupid - you don't have to pay a single penny for this software, yet you give it the highest score just because you only use the feature that you think you need.

Just go away from this site, no one needs such "reviews" and "reviewers".

This software is next to perfect. I give it 1.

Artem S. Tashkinov reviewed v6.1 on Nov 4, 2008

2 BillyBeta:

Stupid, just stupid - you don't have to pay a single penny for this software, yet you give it the lowest score just because it lacks the feature only you need.

Just go away from this site, no one needs such "reviews" and "reviewers".

This software is next to perfect. I give it 5.

coolticker reviewed v6.1 on Nov 4, 2008

Sorry @diamond but I agree with gjpd, being able to "reset" TrueCrypt password would be a big security whole. This is why TrueCrypt is the best tool I found to encrypt highly private medical datas.

If you need less secure "breakable" encryption tool then use something else.

Diam0nd reviewed v6.1 on Nov 3, 2008

You people confuse choice with that YOU think is right. If YOU don't think a recovery cd is a bad idea, then don't you it. But don't be telling me what's better, because this is and will always be only your opinion.

BillyBeta reviewed v6.1 on Nov 3, 2008

Rate it a 1 because still no dynamically expanding feature.

Everyone can say about Plausible deniability and spare file and stuff. But all have their limitation. So would be great to have this feature and have a choice to use it or not.

Thanks.

Undesired Username reviewed v6.1 on Nov 3, 2008

Nice to see that the boot screen is now somewhat customizable. Unfortunate is the fact that only 24 characters are allowed for the text to be displayed. (I know why there is a limitation, but I think 24 chars is a tad bit too strict.)

RockLobster reviewed v6.0a on Aug 7, 2008

In my opinion, the best encryption system out there, not least because it is open source which means there cannot be any hidden backdoors as have been found in some commercial encryption programs, even after the vendor has claimed none exist.
I agree with Diam0nd if a means to reset the password existed, it would open a gaping security hole just waiting to be exploited.
jgpd if you truly believe you might forget your password, why do you need a special reset cd when you could just as easily write down your password and put that in your special, in someone elses name, untracable back to you, secret bank vault instead, thereby not introducing a security weakness into this software ?

jgpd reviewed v6.0a on Jul 9, 2008

@Diam0nd:
A RECOVER/RESET Password CD for Truecrypt would turn the whole application to a useless tool.
Why shall I encrypt my data when everybody with such a CD is able to recover or reset my password?
Anyway, thumbs up for TrueCrypt. The best free encryption software I know.

Diam0nd reviewed v6.0a on Jul 9, 2008

jgpd
Let's start with the fact that nobody forces YOU to create/use such a cd/dvd. Two, I personally am very afraid that i might forget the pw or something gets messed up in some other way, so I DO want to have an ability to reset/recover my password. Again, if YOU don't need it, don't use it. Simple as that.
Also, if you think that the fact that I got this kinda cd means that my password is exposed you're very wrong. I for one, store such a cd/dvd in a bank deposit box registered (owned) to a person completely unrelated to be (he/she can't be traced back to me). So it's all about HOW you handle such a thing.
But again, the whole point here is the freedom of choice, meaning that if some people think it's unsafe, well you totally don't have to use it. I do wanna use and I do need that kinda feature.
P.S. I'm not saying I'm right, I simply wanna have a choice and see nothing wrong with it.

ghammer:
"What if there is corruption?"
In those cases there's a Rescue CD which WILL boot you up if anything is corrupted. Unlike in commercial software it will not help you reset your password (well, at least for now it doesn't have such a function), but it will repair whatever needs repairing. So if you know the password and have that CD ready you'll be just fine. So if YOU didn't bother to create that CD, it's not the programs fault, is it?
http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/rescue-disk.php

On the subjest of TC itself, the only thing I can say that this project is simply one of the best and brightest Open Source projects along with KeePass! Simply amazing feature set, flexible, supports cascade exncryption, and many more great features. The only thing I'm missing is an ability of its recover cd not only to repair corrupted installations but to be able to RECOVER/RESET passwords as well.
I'd encourage to donate, because this really IS an amazing effort!

ghammer reviewed v6.0a on Jul 8, 2008

This is a good app once you get a reliable build.
This version follows the pattern of 5, a bad release that locks people out of their systems followed by the bugfix.
If the fault is truly 'bad drivers', too bad. It is the developers job to test and retest an app that can lock a system. What if there is corruption?

I'd treat this VERY warily in the future. Wait a week or so after any release to get the bugfixes and save your system, nerves, time.

MHJ reviewed v6.0a on Jul 8, 2008

I believe this is the best software on the internet today. TrueCrypt offers features in 1 product for free, what others, for example SecurStar, offer for a total price of 273,73 USD in 2 products! Also it is open source, so it's unlikely that there are any backdoors that could reveal passwords you used for encrypting your personal data. Encrypt your full OS, other HDD's or USB-Sticks etc., make file containers, and now full support of hidden OS since v6.0. If you don't try this one, you should get lost.

Diam0nd reviewed v5.1a on Jun 16, 2008

This is an amazing tool, especially considering that it's free.

This is a KeePass of encryption.

buckshee reviewed v5.1a on May 21, 2008

I never had any problems with TC Drive Encryption prior to SP3 but since I installed SP3 I have had three occurences where Windows XP would not load after entering the password. It appeared to start to load (the Windows logo would come up) then the computer rebooted itself.
One occured immediately after unistalling a program that required a reboot. Another time was after a Windows update (after SP3 installed) that also required a shutdown then startup. The other just happened.
These failures occured a few days apartt. I have now ditched TC for the time being as I have lost confidence in it

Fortunately I have a system recovery disk and Acronis True Image which enabled me to be up and running in less than an hour.

zapatero reviewed v5.1a on Mar 17, 2008

It is very good, but they have released 4 5.x versions in a short time to correct bugs. It seems v. 5 was not well checked before releasing it.

why hello there reviewed v5.0a on Mar 4, 2008

I've used TrueCrypt for years, but 5.0 gave me a BSOD. Back to 4.3a for me.

werwin reviewed v5.0a on Feb 20, 2008

Best program available for encrypting your hard drives. The leaning curve is very easy, and overall I think it's a great program, and it's free!

uberfly reviewed v5.0a on Feb 14, 2008

Absolutely great software. It's powerful but not overly complex. Just does it's intended purpose very well. Been rock solid for me. Like most free/open source software, if you use it a lot, send them a few $ for their nice work.

dirtyangel reviewed v5.0a on Feb 14, 2008

This really is a great piece of software!

Onsoku reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

Nice upgrade! Now if I could find a way to partition my usb stick in order to carry one instead of two in order to mount WITHOUT needing admin access...

belthurgp reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

Encryption for the masses can't get better than this.

Keepass and TrueCrypt are among the best free tools to grace the open source world.

Thank you

Diam0nd reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

This is the KeePass of encryption. Best free tool and one of the best amongst pay ones.

P.S. Should be betanews pick btw.

eaves reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

Good, solid, reliable software. TrueCrypt has replaced Steganos' secure disk software on my PC.

meral reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

Great now the men masses can use it to hide their porn.

LRN reviewed v5.0a on Feb 13, 2008

Looks good and solid.

Try FreeOTFE too. It even has some features TrueCrypt doesn't, like multiple-keyed volumes or custom authentication mechanisms.

grimpr reviewed v5.0 on Feb 10, 2008

Simply the BEST program in disk cryptography,the new version 5 brings the much awaited bootable full disk encryption among other fantastic new additions. Open Source software of the highest caliber that rivals all other commercial products in quality and reliability. If you care about yourself and your data,Dr.Mesmer recommends Truecrypt,it will bring relief on those anxious sleeps.

why hello there reviewed v5.0 on Feb 7, 2008

Any brave souls want to try encrypting their Windows partition or drive and let me know how it goes? :)

And what happened to the "persistent" command line option? I miss it!

infotechs reviewed v5.0 on Feb 6, 2008

An easier, more versatile, open source alternative to Cryptainer. Quick install, low resource requirements, fast, many encryption methods supported. Currently use it at the office and home with an encrypted memory stick containing sensitive data. Can use a password or key file.

zapatero reviewed v5.0 on Feb 6, 2008

Excellent, I have used it for years without problems. V. 5 is noticeably faster.

berserkchaos reviewed v4.3a on Jan 8, 2008

poor english ;)
This is amazing...
Ten thousand times better than the software included with SanDisk flash drives.

I have seen some people rating a 3 or even 1.
Their main complain is about not being a user friendly app...

Learn how to use it, use it and make the review.

nemrtvy reviewed v4.3a on Sep 4, 2007

Absolutely essential application, not just for p2p, warez and all that cr*p. If you need to keep you files encrypted this is the way to go. I dont have any problem having all my important work, passwords (using keepass) and music encrypted by this software. Very reliable and multi platform.

Ball Sacks reviewed v4.3a on Jun 1, 2007

100,000,000 stars I love using this program I use this program to cheat on my girlfriend. Now I can hide photos of me and my other gf on the computer and not get caught.

ghammer reviewed v4.3a on May 4, 2007

Excellent tool for encrypting your data.
I've switched to this exclusively.

If you need a secure, private way to store data, give this a try.

allthebestnamesgone reviewed v4.3 on Mar 21, 2007

works well and easy to use .... i think that natack has some personal issues to deal with, nothing to do with this program .... poor chap :(

zapatero reviewed v4.3 on Mar 21, 2007

Very good, I have used it for years without problems to manage a rather small encrypted volume on the hard disk. Of course, to use it one must first understand the principles involved, which is not difficult.

Earwicker reviewed v4.3 on Mar 21, 2007

Top notch. I think you'd have to be a bit thick to find it hard to use; it's very powerful, flexible, reliable, extremely secure and comes with a comprehensive set of notes. It's amazing that free software can be this good.

I've been using it for 6 months, just upgraded to the new version (4.3), it's a gem.

rdefalco reviewed v4.2a on Feb 24, 2007

I don't understand how you can define this program poorly usable.

I've managed to reach a perfect configuration in less than 10 minutes, including the choose of the algorhythm and seeing benchmarks.

It's also easy to make a traveller version, since I use it on my portable hard drive without problems simply writing a batch file with the command line parameters inside (except for the password, of course).

I wouldn't trust similar programs that are not open source, even because I read about another program that could allow a "backdoor" to recover your data if you lose the password... that's not security :)

natack reviewed v4.2a on Feb 12, 2007

This is the worst user-friendly software ever created on the face of the earth! This is total crap and consumes hours and hours of time to end up at the same place. No usable drive with "traveller" functions. No way to create partitions without encryption and password. No easy way to create mountable drives with password prompt. This is a total waste of my time. This is not user-friendly commercial-market software for retail use. This is in fact total sh*t. The original software for Corsair usb drives Flash Voyager Utility, is the best usb drive software yet. However they for some reason could not make it work for larger capacity drives. This is truly a mystery. As for TC, I have refrained from using expletives in this review, and that was the most restraint I have ever used for such a hideous product.

buckshee reviewed v4.2a on Feb 9, 2007

I have come across a problem with this software. I encrypted a USB drive (which is never removed) as an encrypted `device' and mounted it and set is as `favorite'. Several times I was unable to mount it on boot up. I found that the problem was caused if I had left another USB card connected to the computer or an external harddrive (neither encrypted). When I set up the original encrypted device it was Disk 3 / Partition 0 (Drive K) but if I left these other devices connected I found on boot up that Disk 3 now became Disk 4 (still Drive K) but TrueCrypt didn't know it had changed. I don't know if creating a file inside Drive K will prevent the problem

Diam0nd reviewed v4.2a on Feb 8, 2007

This is simply the best around. I can only compare its quality and usefulness with KeePass. Great stuff, to say the least!

kmleow reviewed v4.2a on Dec 9, 2006

This is without a doubt the BEST software among its kind.

Very easy to use.

dirtyangel reviewed v4.2a on Nov 6, 2006

Simply the best. Easy to use, open source.. Highly recommended.

stisev reviewed v4.2a on Oct 20, 2006

Logain, you idiot

TC rules

OAKsider reviewed v4.2a on Oct 20, 2006

WTF Logain. W. T. F.

Anyway, TrueCrypt is an excellent, open-source app that you will love. Works perfectly, encrypts better than the rest, recommended.

Logain reviewed v4.2a on Oct 10, 2006

Pros: Easily one of the most secure encryption systems for creating storage volumes or entire partions. Much easier system to use than PGP for this application type. Mount all your encrypted volumes from one easy interface. Set it up to mount all your favorites at once. Not clunky like PGP's encrypted volume system.

Cons: The program is limited to creating volumes or entire partions for encrypted data storage. But that was what it was made for! It is not intended for encrypted email and zip files.

nefarious1 reviewed v4.2a on Sep 16, 2006

TrueCrypt 4.2a doesn't have "dynamic sizing" in the way some people seem to think it does. The "Dynamic" option presented when creating new TrueCrypt volumes simply means that TrueCrypt makes use of the NTFS sparse file feature, which in turn means this: TrueCrypt will tell Windows to allocate a certain maximum size for the volume, and Windows will always have that much space allocated for it. (Read: You will not save disk space using the dynamic option!) The difference isn't in how much space is used by the TrueCrypt volume (as seen by Windows and the file system); it is in how much space is actually physically used by TrueCrypt (as seen only by TrueCrypt when the volume is mounted). Windows sees the volume the same way regardless... And once the TrueCrypt volume's physical size increases, it cannot be decreased.

If it helps, think of the way Azureus (and some other BitTorrent clients) allocate space on NTFS volumes, depending on their configuration: As soon as you add and start the torrent, the files of that torrent are allocated on disk. For example, if you are downloading a DVD image, Windows immediately allocates ~4.3GB of disk space for that file--the disk space is gone instantly. The file content isn't there yet, and is only written to incrementally. The space used by the file will NEVER go below the original allocation size, ~4.3GB, regardless of how much of that space is actually used by real file content. It's exactly the same with TrueCrypt dynamic volumes.

Also, TrueCrypt dynamic volumes are MUCH slower than normal volumes, are somewhat LESS SECURE, and less reliable, due to potential corruption issues. The vast majority of users should NOT use the dynamic volume option. Read the documentation!

Anyway... TrueCrypt remains the best of its type, as far as I'm concerned. I'll pee my pants with joy if they ever add a full-disk-encryption product or feature.

zridling reviewed v4.2a on Aug 13, 2006

And you thought you'd never use math! Man, these guys kick the snot out of PGP. Been working with this for 30 hours and still haven't found a single flaw. Wow.

shrink57 reviewed v4.2 on Jun 18, 2006

I have tried many of the shareware alternatives and TrueCrypt remains the best. The only file encryption program I need.Now with the dynamic sizing - even better.

extremely well reviewed v4.2 on May 19, 2006

Superb stuff. Love the new dynamic sized container feature! I HATED over/under allocating!! httpd.confused ==> two beautiful reviews. Much appreciated.

goldenscreen reviewed v4.2 on May 5, 2006

For the price, this program is unbeatable.
Fast and secure encryption with many options.
Thumbs up to the new ability to use keyfiles

Ain Soph Aur reviewed v4.2 on Apr 19, 2006

this programm is the best i know AND it is free! :)

LaBero reviewed v4.1 on Mar 3, 2006

Highly recommended...

stisev reviewed v4.1 on Jan 30, 2006

Anyone who takes smack about this programs deserves a senseless assbeating.

BEST ENCRYPTION PROGRAM EVER

dirtyangel reviewed v4.1 on Jan 19, 2006

This is the best. Fast, secure, open-source, GUI is clean and simple. Highly recommended.

stisev reviewed v4.0 on Nov 6, 2005

Good god. As an end-user, why haven't I found this program before?

This is, by far, the BEST encryption utility for windows.

Hands down.

httpd.confused reviewed v4.0 on Nov 2, 2005

TrueCrypt 4.0 is a nice update. One of my favorite new features is the volume header backup/restore feature under the Tools menu. (This saves me from the hassle of doing it with WinHex or another utility.)

Lots of other nice stuff has been added, too, though some of my (relatively minor) complaints remain.

To give you an idea how good this stuff is: Rather than requiring a reboot like 99.99999% of other driver-based software, they've designed the TrueCrypt driver so that it can be dynamically loaded and unloaded without rebooting Windows. This means you'll be able to update from previous versions without the hassle of a reboot. (This aspect of the driver design is not new to TrueCrypt 4.0, I'm just pointing out how easy it is to upgrade, given its good design.)

And settings are stored in an XML file now! But unlike most developers, who are careless, they actually move your registry settings to the XML file when you update to TrueCrypt 4.0--rather than simply copying the settings, or, even worse (but still very common), making you start over with default settings. (This is another sign of quality programming on the part of the TrueCrypt devs.)

Finally, you've got to love that TrueCrypt doesn't litter your system with a ton of crap, like some other utilities of this type. Well, maybe you don't care, but I do. I'm not a member of the "Format Every Six Months" crowd.

Mexaner reviewed v3.1a on Nov 2, 2005

Truecrypt 4.0 is released!

http://www.truecrypt.org/downloads.php

httpd.confused reviewed v3.1a on Jun 30, 2005

Time for another novel... I hope this helps someone.

Regarding the previous revewier's comment: Huh? TrueCrypt is quite user friendly, and well documented. The command line support is excellent as well. You can cache passwords if you like, and TrueCrypt is very good about quickly asking if you would like to force a dismount--unlike BestCrypt, which makes you wait, and wait... and wait, while you grit your teeth (this is especially fun when you're trying to reboot, and have three BestCrypt volumes to dismount).

How much easier do you want it to be? Do you want them to do away with the unimportant and pesky password functionality?

TrueCrypt even installs nice and cleanly. It doesn't litter your hard drive or registry with tons of nonsense. And the application itself is clean and quick.

I finally got around to installing TrueCrypt on my system. I still like BestCrypt, but I can't see a reason to keep BestCrypt, and pay $29 per year for upgrades and support for it.

This is especially true considering that TrueCrypt is open source. I'm not an extremist who eschews all closed-source software, but all else being equal, of course I prefer open source. I am always afraid that freeware (yes, I used the term "freeware" here) developers will abandon the project, but that can happen with commercial applications, too.

Here are the most-obvious features of BestCrypt that aren't present in TrueCrypt:

* The option to dismount volumes at log off. Personally, I merely miss the idea of this feature, since it never worked at all for me in BestCrypt.

* Option to set a hotkey to dismount volumes. I never used this anyway.

* Option to set a timeout for automatic dismount of volumes. This feature is useless in BestCrypt, since BestCrypt has such a problem dismounting drives. You can do something better with TrueCrypt: Set up a Scheduled Task that runs after idle time, and use TrueCrypt's /force parameter (may not be safe).

* The "Container Guard utility" (as they call it), which is just a feature of the driver that prevents you from deleting a BestCrypt volume (JBC) file, unless you manually disable this feature. A pretty minor thing, unless you're a careless idiot, or have careless idiots using your PC. And if you use partition-based encryption (a feature not supported by BestCrypt), the whole thing is irrelevant. It's awfully hard to accidentally delete a partition in Explorer.

* The BestCrypt "BCResident.exe" tray icon, which lets you easily see which volumes are mounted or not, and lets you mount or dismount them. That's the idea, anyway. In practice, I rename BCResident.exe, to keep it from running, since it gets in the way of my reboots (due to being too retarded to dismount volumes effectively).

* CryptoSwap. This is a really cool driver that encrypts your paging file(s). I used to use it, and it never gave me trouble. However, if you can afford it, it's much better to install enough memory to disable the page file completely. Your security and performance will improve significantly.

* BCWipe. This is a pretty good secure-deletion utility, and it's included with BestCrypt. BCWipe is good, but I prefer the freeware Eraser anyway.

And the only feature I actually do miss...

* The password-entry keyboard filter. This is supposed to help prevent keyloggers from obtaining your password. I can verify that it does mess with the keyboard I/O... Somehow... But I've no idea how effective it really is.

Jetico also has good support, and that is not to be dismissed. You can't expect support with free software. But on the other hand, the only times I've needed support for BCWipe or BestCrypt was when something was poorly documented, a feature was missing, or I'd found a bug.

TrueCrypt has one additional, and very clear, advantage over BestCrypt: It allows you to encrypt partitions (on a variety of devices), rather than only supporting file-hosted volumes. Anyone who has dealt with the hassle of 60-GB file-hosted volume files can see the benefit here.

One gripe I have with TrueCrypt is that its password-entry dialog gives you no clue what file or partition is being mounted, nor what drive letter will be assigned to it. This is no problem if you are only mounting one volume, and know exactly what it is, but if you (like me) mount several volumes from batch files, it can be a real inconvenience.

TrueCrypt also--unlike BestCrypt--just "gives up" if you enter an incorrect password. That is, if you mistype the password, you need to re-initiate the mount request. It won't automatically let you try again. BestCrypt handles this in a more sensible manner, by letting you retry the password entry, and only "giving up" if you click Cancel instead. (No, it is not a security feature to "give up" the way TrueCrypt does, since anyone who wanted to try brute-forcing passwords has access to the source code anyway, and can modify it in any way desired.)

TrueCrypt also doesn't let you assign or "reserve" certain drive letters for certain TrueCrypt files or partitions. This isn't so much a limitation as an inconvenience.

In any case, TrueCrypt appears to be good stuff. Really good stuff. Only stability issues or project abandonment would keep me from switching to it.

Update: I've been using TrueCrypt exclusively for quite a long time now, and there haven't been any problems. (Using device-hosted volumes, rather than file-hosted volumes, is a nice change, among many other things.) I've dispensed with BestCrypt entirely. Freedom!

karlo reviewed v3.1a on May 10, 2005

so difficult to use, not userfriendly.

map2000 reviewed v3.1a on Feb 7, 2005

Great open source encryption software available to the public without having to pay. I recommend TrueCrypt to anyone that want privacy for personal document and information. A+++

Mexaner reviewed v3.1 on Feb 7, 2005

Great program! Much better than commerical security software!

5 points!

The newest version is 3.1a!