How to Encrypt a USB Drive on Windows, Mac and Linux
Small drives are easily lost. Encryption makes their contents unreadable without the password.
Windows
Use BitLocker To Go on supported editions: right-click the drive, choose Turn on BitLocker and set a password.
Mac
In Finder, right-click the drive and choose Encrypt, then set a password. Back up files first because formatting may be needed.
Linux
Use LUKS through your disk utility to create an encrypted volume.
Cross-platform
Open-source tools can create encrypted containers that work on several systems.
Tips
- Use a long passphrase.
- Keep a backup of the data elsewhere.
- Do not store the password with the drive.
Key takeaway: Encrypt any removable drive that holds personal or work files.
