TrueCrypt 5.0: Encrypt Data Your Way on Any Platform

TrueCrypt 5.0 was released on Feb. 5. This Open Source multi-platform data encryption tool gets the first ever 5 out of 5 Walruses Rating. I say first ever because it is the first ever (I think) rating I've given a product mentioned here. I've been using it for a while under Microsoft Windows and it has become one of those tools that I recommend to nearly everyone.

The two biggest new features (in my opinion) are providing a Mac OS X version and the ability to encrypt an entire device. I installed it under Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) and it seems to be working fine. TrueCrypt creates an encrypted file of any size which is then attached to the host system for use. On Windows, the file is attached to a drive letter (e.g. Z:). On a Mac, the file is attached and opened as a Volume. You can see the TrueTest Volume to the right of the TrueCrypt window in the figure above.

If you have any need at all to protect sensitive information, TrueCrypt is a must-have for Linux, Mac, and Windows users.

You can learn more about TrueCrypt by listening to the Security Now podcast 41 or reading its transcript.

BTW: Not every product/service mentioned here will get a Walrus rating. I will only give a rating to a product is a frequently used application that provides extremely significant value.