TrueCrypt - Free Encryption Software

If you need to encrypt and protect data from unauthorised use, then True Crypt is not only one of the best encryption programs, but it's also free open-source disk encryption software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, and Linux. Safeguarding important files is a must, so check out the features of True Crypt
Main Features:

    * Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.

    * Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.

    * Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).

    * Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.

    * Parallelization and pipelining allow data to be read and written as fast as if the drive was not encrypted.

    * Provides plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:

      Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.

    * Encryption algorithms: AES-256, Serpent, and Twofish. Mode of operation: XTS.

To download and start using True Crypt click here and then read the step by step user manual for details on how to use the program. Be careful though, TrueCrypt does not contain any mechanism or facility that would allow partial or complete recovery of your encrypted data without knowing the correct password or the key used to encrypt the data. The only way to recover your files is to try to "crack" the password or the key, but it could take thousands or millions of years depending on the length and quality of the password/keyfiles, on software/hardware efficiency, and other factors

VERY IMPORTANT:

Will I be able to mount my TrueCrypt partition/container after I reinstall or upgrade the operating system?

Yes, TrueCrypt volumes are independent of the operating system. However, you need to make sure your operating system installer does not format the partition where your TrueCrypt volume resides.

Note: If the system partition/drive is encrypted and you want to reinstall or upgrade Windows, you need to decrypt it first (select System > Permanently Decrypt System Partition/Drive). However, a running operating system can be updated (security patches, service packs, etc.) without any problems even when the system partition/drive is encrypted