Free 256-Bit Encryption Software for USB 3 Flash drives

[vicar]

Does anyone know of any 'free' 256bit software I can use to encrypt a USB 3 flash drive?

Many thanks for looking.

[ChinesePate]

truecrypt

[Aftermath]

truecrypt

Definitely try this out, I use it on all of my machines and it works great. Also, it's open source so that's some extra brownie points for it!

[vicar]

Many thank for all your advice, much appreciated.

[directhex]

256 is low for volume encryption

[vicar]

256 is low for volume encryption

Any ideas or suggestions will be appreciated.

[PsychoPoo]

Another plus for TrueCrypt.
You can either encrypt the whole device which is great for security, but not so great if you desperately need to access somthing off your USB on a machine without TrueCrypt installed (Although their are portable versions of the software you can use) OR you can create an Encrypted TrueCrypt file that acts as a container for your files. This can be set to any size you want and also allows for the USB to be used on devices without TrueCrypt (Although, you won't be able to access your encrypted files). Truecrypt is also available on a variaty of platforms so you will have better compatibility than with other software.

You should be fine with 256bit AES encryption unless your super paranoid. Remember, the stronger the levels of encryption, the more of a performance hit you will get. There is a fine balance between security and performance and unless your super paranoid OR doing something illegal, 256 AES will treat you just fine =P

[teletext]

BitLocker can do 256bit encryption and comes preinstalled on Windows 7 and 8, so that could be more portable.