Filed under: Freeware, Open Source, Security
TrueCrypt released for OS X
A new OS X version of the well-known open-source disk encryption software TrueCrypt has been released. Basically, TrueCrypt creates a virtual encrypted disk that mounts in the Finder and which provides on-the-fly 256-bit encryption. This virtual disk can reside on your hard drive or a flash drive and can even be hidden. The new version relies on MacFUSE to bring its magic to the fairer platform.Unfortunately, the interface is not terribly Mac-like, through this is probably not surprising given its roots. Each virtual disk has to be created and mounted through the TrueCrypt application. Nonetheless, once mounted you can interact with the virtual disk like any other volume mounted in the Finder.
TrueCrypt is a free download from sourceforge.
Thanks to everyone who sent this in!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
MAR said 10:48AM on 2-06-2008
I have been waiting for this for years since my switch. Next program on my list is Picasa. I've given iPhoto many chances. It sucks.
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Robert DeFusco said 10:47AM on 2-06-2008
finally! this was like the last application keeping me from completely dropping my pc.
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kitepaint said 10:53AM on 2-06-2008
Should be noted that the main advantage of this over standard encrypted dmg volumes is platform portability.
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lieven said 11:07AM on 2-06-2008
You can do this the Mac way using either FileVault or by creating a writable disk image with encrytion using Disk Utility.
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Nuno Sousa said 11:36AM on 2-06-2008
The one big advantage is plausible deniability. TrueCrypt can create a second encrypted disk inside the first one.
When you open the "outer" encrypted disk, you'll be asked for a password. You will have 2 passwords. One of them opens the "outer" disk and the other will open the "inner" disk where you keep your important stuff.
You can just put porn or something relatively embarassing on the outer disk so that if a court/CIA waterboarding ever forces you to give out your password, just give them the "outer" disk password.
It's also important to mention that the "inner" disk is indistinguishable from random data and therefore cannot be detected by any known means.
kitepaint said 11:50AM on 2-06-2008
Unfortunately, it looks like plausibly deniable hidden volumes cannot be created on os x. Have not yet been able to test whether it can access ones created elsewhere.
kitepaint said 11:56AM on 2-06-2008
Sorry for the comment spam, but quick check does indicate that hidden volumes can be used on os x, just not created there. But they do outline it as a future feature http://www.truecrypt.org/future.php
DJCarbon43 said 1:23PM on 2-06-2008
@nuno Its important to mention though that its a good idea to make the outer shell a set (or rather, "even") size, such as 30 Gigs, so that it doesnt arouse suspicion. If the Outer shell is 23.416 Gigs, and you have a gig or two of salacious content on there that will set off warning bells in their minds for sure. Be sure to not make the outer shell unreasonably large in relation to the content inside of it, or they will be on that in a heartbeat.
As an aside, does anyone know of any twofish encrypters for Leopard?
Nick said 12:34PM on 2-06-2008
So what are the BIG advantages of this over just using Disk Utility 256 bit AES encryption?
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kitepaint said 12:44PM on 2-06-2008
Platform portability, if that's a requirement for you. TrueCrypt volumes can be used on windows, linux, and os x. Also, as stated by somebody else, plausibly-deniable hidden truecrypt volumes for protection against extortion. OS X cannot create hidden tc volumes, but can use ones created elsewhere. http://www.truecrypt.org/docs/?s=plausible-deniability
MacBookOwner said 11:31AM on 2-06-2008
This isn't the same as FileVault or an encrypted disk image.
TrueCrypt also provides security to private files if you are forced to give up your password to the main drive.
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Nuno Sousa said 11:54AM on 2-06-2008
Can anyone mount the truecrypt .dmg? it gives me an error.
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BigMike said 12:51PM on 2-06-2008
Yeah, I'm getting "No mountable file systems" error when I try to open the DMG file.
Mat Lu said 1:05PM on 2-06-2008
The Intel Leopard one worked fine for me.
DJCarbon43 said 1:25PM on 2-06-2008
Just send me your files, and I'll encrypt em for you ;)
ptackbar said 1:33PM on 2-06-2008
I found that Safari (or their web server) appended ".bz2" to the end of the filename. Rename the downloaded file to just have a ".dmg" extension and it should mount fine.
Jason Harris said 11:49AM on 2-06-2008
So does anyone know if this is possible:
I have a 60 gig external USB hard drive. I'd like to take 20 GB or so and make that encrypted and private, leaving the rest unencrypted. I'd like to be able to access the files on a mac or PC.
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Patrick said 3:39PM on 2-07-2008
You would of course have to create two partitions, one to be formated via TrueCrypt and one as usual via OS X. Of course having a seemingly empty 20 GB partition filled with random data will make it obvious that there is a TrueCrypt-Partition there, albeit encrypted. Hiding Files only works with hidden partitions as mentioned before.
DWizzy said 8:23PM on 2-06-2008
I'm not sure if you can make a TrueCrypt encrypted FAT32 partition. Else you'd have to use NTFS over MacFUSE (for write capability) so you can create a large disk image file
SoloMalee said 4:26PM on 2-06-2008
Excellent! Now I can (hopefully) work without problem between home (MAC) and work(PC) while keeping my files on my thumb drive safe and secure.
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