The ability to password protect your flash drive will keep your data safe, allowing you to rest easy knowing your private information will stay that way.

Three Ways To Password Protect Your Flash Drive
Flash drive and software manufacturers provide several different options when it comes time to password protect your flash drive. Your options range from free software-based protection to sophisticated biometric solutions. Here are a few of the better options:

• As individual as a fingerprint. Some flash drives come with built in biometric identifying hardware that reads a fingerprint to identify the owner. The BioDrive by Axiom Memory Solutions (www.axiommemory.com) requires the user to swipe her finger over a special reader before the drive will allow file access. The unit features 128-bit data encryption and is compatible with all versions of the Windows OS.
• Security built in. Many manufacturers include password protection software already loaded on the flash drive. Lexar (www.lexar.com) and Kingston Technology (www.kingston.com) are two companies that provide 256-bit data encryption software on select flash drive models. Typically, these pre-loaded solutions support both Windows and the Apple OS, but check with the manufacturer for details. If you choose a pre-loaded software product, be sure to back the software up on your computer in case the application on the flash drive becomes deleted or corrupted.
• Free is good. Several software companies provide free password protection software for your flash drive. Cryptainer LE from Cypherix (www.cypherix.co.uk) and TrueCrypt (www.truecrypt.org) are two free software products that allow you to password protect files, folders or even entire disk partitions. While Cryptainer is a Windows only application, TrueCrypt provides Windows and Apple OS versions of their software.