VeraCrypt: The TrueCrypt replacement we've been waiting for

18 March 2016, 01:42


The computing world was collectively shocked when, several years ago, the folks behind the insanely useful TrueCrypt file and disk encryption app said they were hanging up their boots. The app was no more. It was a dead app.

The excuse was that with things like FileVault built into modern OSes like Mac OS X, there’s no need for their app. This didn’t make total sense, though, and even worse, over the years the last version of TrueCrypt has stopped working on the Mac. This essentially locks-up people’s old encrypted files. (Mac Kung Fu detailed a hack to get it working and it’s one of our most popular older postings.)

However, there’s some terrific news. VeraCrypt picks up the mantle from TrueCrypt, building on its last version, and is compatible with files it created while introducing its own safer formats. It’s free of charge and not only does it work fine on modern computers but:

VeraCrypt adds enhanced security to the algorithms used for system and partitions encryption making it immune to new developments in brute-force attacks. VeraCrypt also solves many vulnerabilities and security issues found in TrueCrypt.

VeraCrypt’s code is reviewed periodically, which helps boost security even further.

The app can be downloaded here but before that you’ll need to install OSXFUSE, which is a harmless background app that extends OS X’s native file handling capabilities. During installation of OSXFUSE, be sure to select the MacFUSE compatibility layer option.



Leave a comment...

 
---