VeraCrypt is an open source encryption solution that is easy to use and works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It can be obtained by visiting https://veracrypt.fr and can be a useful tool to help protect Virginia Tech data. The most common way to use VeraCrypt is to create an encrypted volume (file) and then store files inside the volume that need to be encrypted. Steps have been provided below for the creation and mounting of a VeraCrypt volume.
Creating a VeraCrypt Volume
1. Open up the VeraCrypt application and select "Create Volume".
2. Select “Create an encrypted file container” and click “Next”.
3.Create a name and select a location to save the VeraCrypt volume that you will be creating and select “Next.”
NOTE: It is helpful if you create a volume name that ends with “.vc”. This will associate the volume with the VeraCrypt application.
4. VeraCrypt provides some options for encryption. Select the desired encryption algorithms and select “Next”. VeraCrypt uses the AES algorithm by default and is recommended for selection.
Note: In most cases a 500mb size volume is suitable. However this depends on the user's need and should be adjusted accordingly.
5. Create the size of the volume that you would like to create. Click “Next”.
6. Create a password for your encrypted volume. Click “Next”.
Note: The longer the password the better it is. It is important to not lose your password. A lost password will make the data unrecoverable.
7. Select the file system and click “Format”. The default is suitable in most cases.
8. Your volume has been created. Click “Exit”
Mounting a VeraCrypt Volume
1. Select the VeraCrypt volume that you would like to mount. Select the letter drive location you would like to use. Click “Mount”.
2. Enter your password for the VeraCrypt volume. Click “OK”.
3. The drive is now unencrypted and ready for use at the drive location you have selected. Save files and documents as you would normally do with a mounted drive.
