| USB drives are a great way to store data that you | | | | software isn't just a Trojan horse, waiting to send |
| need to move between computers. They can even | | | | back your password to some central database and |
| work as a quick and easy backup for precious things | | | | then use it against you. OK, most software won't do |
| like photographs. The trouble is, unless you take steps | | | | this but - especially if it's free - you need to do your |
| to do something about it, they're also quite insecure. By | | | | due diligence to make certain that you're not exposing |
| default, there's no protection built in. | | | | yourself to any kind of online hacking if you go down |
| So, how can you password protect your USB drive so | | | | this route. |
| that only you or people you trust can access the data | | | | Another option is to use the software that came with |
| that's stored on them. That way, any confidential data | | | | your USB stick. There's a chance that this includes |
| on them is safe from prying eyes. | | | | some kind of password protection option, so long as |
| If you're brave, you can use the built in security that | | | | you can find the installation CD that came with your |
| comes with recent versions of Windows. Right click | | | | USB stick or work out the web address of the |
| the folder (or even the complete drive) and click on | | | | support software if you can't find the installation disk. |
| Properties from the menu that appears. You then get | | | | Then all you've got to do is work out how to use the |
| the chance to set the security options for either the | | | | software, which likely won't be a standard Windows |
| folder or the whole USB drive. So long as you're | | | | format. I've no idea why software manufacturers do |
| geeky enough to remember what all the settings | | | | this, but it almost always seems to be the case that |
| mean... | | | | the less often you use software, the more awkward |
| But there must be an easier way, surely? | | | | the interface. |
| Fortunately there is. It comes in the form of software | | | | The third option is to get hold of a cheap piece of |
| that will help with password protecting your USB drive. | | | | custom made software that's designed to be user |
| There is some software out there that's free but the | | | | friendly from the get go. This is my personal |
| worry with any free security software is whether or | | | | preference - it may cost a few bucks but the saving in |
| not the intention of the software developers is | | | | temper and hours is more than worth it. |
| honorable. You need to be totally sure that the | | | | |