How to password protect a flash drive for windows AND Mac?

[ideal.dreams]

I have a Cruzer flash drive by Sandisk and I'm wondering if there is a way to password protect it so that if I use it on a Mac or PC it will prompt the user for a password before allowing access to the files on it.

I left my flash drive in a computer at school over the weekend and luckily I got it back, but just in case I lose it I don't want someone having access to all of my stuff.

I looked into SecureAccess by sandisk but it's Mac OR PC, you can't use them together. Plus it was more of a vault.

If anyone has any suggestions that'd be great. And also, I apologize if this is the wrong forum for this; the others didn't seem to fit.

Thanks guys.

 

[DESNOS]

The easiest solution that comes to mind is a password-protected ZIP file. Keep your data in one of those and you're good to go. The issue is you'll have to re-zip an un-zip all your files as needed, but there really are not that many cross-platform ways to keep your files secure.

 

[ideal.dreams]

That wouldn't be bad if I didn't have to unzip and re-zip every time I wanted a edit/add/delete a file. I transfer data back and forth all day long so that's not the best option for me.

 

[DESNOS]

My solution that I do actually use myself is to create my own network share at home and open it up to the internet. It's passworded, and would do everything you want it to, but it's a bit complicated to set up, and you have to have a router with a USB port, or a computer that you can leave on at all times for access to the drive. If you happen to have such a setup, then I can help you get it up and running.

 

[ideal.dreams]

My solution that I do actually use myself is to create my own network share at home and open it up to the internet. It's passworded, and would do everything you want it to, but it's a bit complicated to set up, and you have to have a router with a USB port, or a computer that you can leave on at all times for access to the drive. If you happen to have such a setup, then I can help you get it up and running.

The flash drive is transferred between school and home, so the network share option wouldn't work for me.

 

[DESNOS]

The flash drive is transferred between school and home, so the network share option wouldn't work for me.

I connect to my network share over the internet. If all the computers have an internet connection, it would work fine. Plus, you couldn't forget your network share at school!

 

[glutenenvy]

truecrypt with a good password.

I wouldn't trust a password protected zip. Crackers are too easy for the script kiddies to find.

 

[DESNOS]

truecrypt

The issue is he's not going to want to install software on every computer he wants to access his files on. I would have suggested something similar otherwise.

 

[ShinyDren]

This option is not necessarily for regular users, but if you do not want someone accessing what is on your flash drive you could get one with hardware encryption. Cross platform and no additional software needed. They are expensive so it depends on your level of paranoia.

Here is one: https://www.ironkey.com/basic

Other companies may have similar offerings that may or may not be as effective.

 

[steviem]

This is where truecrypt is great.

USB key has truecrypt portable apps for osx and windows installed and a truecrypt volume.
He sticks the key in, runs truecrypt, et voila.

 

[ideal.dreams]

ShinyDren: that would be great but I already own the cruzer. I don't want to buy another flash drive, especially one for that price.

Steviem: so truecrypt will work cross-platform?

Sent from my iPad.