This tutorial is a bit on the technical side but in a few quick steps you can create a secret hidden folder on any laptop or USB thumb drive so customs agents or thieves won’t be the wiser.
These steps are specific to Windows machines but the process is very similar on a Mac. This entire process should take about 5 minutes.
Step 1: Download and Install TrueCrypt
Download the latest Windows, Mac, (or Linux) version and follow the default installation steps (basically click ‘Next’ until you’re through). You’ll be asked to reboot once you’re done. Go ahead and reboot your computer.
Step 2: Run TrueCrypt
There should be a TrueCrypt icon on your desktop or Start Menu folder after you reboot your system. Find the TrueCrypt icon and double-click it to launch the program.
Step 3: Create A Hidden Folder
Click ‘Volumes‘ and select ‘Create New Volume‘.
Then select Hidden TrueCrypt volume like the screenshot below shows.
Make sure to select Normal mode and click next. Here’s the part where you actually create the hidden folder, which isn’t really hidden. Make up any name for the folder and store it on your laptop (or USB drive).
Now you’re almost done. Use the default encryption options (shown below) in TrueCrypt in the next window and click Next.
Step 4: The Outer Volume
Select a size for your folder then create a password – this password will be the one that opens the folder but doesn’t show your important files. This is useful for when you might have to open a folder to show a customs agent. You can enter the password and the folder will open but it won’t show your really sensitive documents.
Click Next then Format.
Step 5: The Hidden Volume
Once the formatting is complete, you’ll go through the same process, only this time for your hidden folder. Pick a different password than the one you used for your outer volume. This password for your hidden folder is the one you’ll use to access your secret files. The outer volume password is a cover and opens the same folder but without the contents.
Then click Next and Format (you know the drill). Now you are done. Test out your hidden folder and load it up with your important documents. Some good ones as Dan suggested are scans of your passport, credit cards, and anything else you wouldn’t want to lose.
To open the hidden folder open TrueCrypt, click ‘Select File’ and navigate to your hidden TrueCrypt folder.
Step 6: Open Your Hidden Folder
Once you’ve selected the file click Mount.
Now, here’s the important part. You’ll be prompted for a password to open the file. Use the ‘Hidden Volume’ password you created to open the folder and get to your sensitive files and pictures. If you want to fool someone (whether it be border authorities or anyone else) and make it seem like you’ve opened the file enter your ‘Outer Volume’ password.
You’re Done
The neat thing about TrueCrypt is that you can run it directly from a USB drive and access your files from Internet cafes for example. You can also store different files in both the outer and hidden volumes which are both encrypted. Loading TrueCrypt and using it to create a hidden folder on your laptop and USB drive is important for travelers especially since 12,000 laptops are lost in US airports each week alone. (I’m sure the number is higher for USB drives.)
Keep all of your important documents encrypted on your laptop and USB drive which will protect you from opportunistic thieves who won’t be stopped by a Windows password and using hidden folders gives you the option of hiding your data even if customs agents force you to give up your password.
[photo by: CarbonNYC]