What's the DC verdict for this Encryption Software if used for USB drives

[Paul Keith]

http://www.bitsdujour.com/software/protect-folder/

Is real time encryption/decryption really able to defend against keyloggers?

I don't follow the part where the host computer does not need the software installed as well as how it will handle different programs opening up said files in a folder.

[Ath]

As an alternative for Protect Folder I'd go for TrueCrypt, tried, proven and free (donations are accepted )

Dunno what that has to do with defending against keyloggers, but both have nothing to offer in that area. A keylogger does just that, log the keys you type at the keyboard, effectively capturing any information you add to any document or application you use... (including passwords etc.) Storing that information on an encrypted drive doesn't stop the keylogger, as it has already caught the information it wants.

Some of the Encrypted Drive/Folder software tools come with an embedded reader, so the folder can be mounted without fully installing the software, kinda like a portable 'install'.

[40hz]

I prefer FreeOTFE running in portable mode since I really don't trust any closed-source security software. Because there's always the chance of a backdoor existing if there's no public access to the underlying code.

The anti-keylogger 'feature' is more FUD marketing than anything else IMO. If you're doing anything that's so secure you're realistically worried about that, then you really shouldn't be using non-specialist hardware to begin with. Just my tuppence anyway.

[4wd]

If you want to possibly avoid any keylogging you could try the following:

1) Put a portable browser on your flash drive, (not necessary but does come in handy),
2) Grab the source archive from here and extract to the flash drive, (you can delete everything but the index.html and js, css folders),
3) When you want to decrypt, open the index.html, type in your password, then cut and paste into your encryption program.



Possibly also make sure the browser is running in privacy mode before doing it....and make sure no-one is peering over your shoulder

[Paul Keith]

Thanks guys. I was hoping it was going to be something different from what's out there.

It's not really an urgent need, I just wasn't familiar about an embedded reader. Thanks for clarifying that.

Unfortunately most methods still rely on pre-caution and I'm no good at remembering such steps under anxiety such as for a total lifestyle based on free wi-fis and full time internet cafes with no home space PC.

[tslim]

I prefer a flash drive or pen drive with mechanical lock, it is the most convenient way to absolutely block all form of dangers.

... but nowadays I don't know where to buy one.