TrueCrypt 5.0 Released
Author: Dave Lewis
The latest iteration of this handy tool is now out (Feb 5, ‘08). The new version now provides for full disk encryption.
From TrueCrypt:
Main Features:
* Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
* Encrypts an entire hard disk partition or a storage device such as USB flash drive.
* Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
* Provides two levels of plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
1) Hidden volume (steganography – more information may be found here).
2) No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).* Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.
Tags: TrueCrypt, Disk Encryption, Encryption
I installed TrueCrypt on my laptop and ran some benchmark tests.
Benchmark Results:
http://www.full-disk-encryption.net/wiki/index.php/TrueCrypt#Benchmarks
Pros:
1) Easy to use product. Simple clean interface. Amazingly user-friendly!
2) Free and Open Source
3) Multiple Encryption and Hashing algorithm available.
Cons:
.
1) Buffered Read and Buffered Transfer Rate were almost halved after TrueCrypt FDE was enabled
2) Access Time for large file (250+MB) increased by 11%.
3) The initial encryption of the 120 GB HDD took 2 hours.