TrueCrypt is a freeware utility for OTFE (on-the-fly encryption). It is used to create a virtually encrypted disk within a file, encrypt a disk partition, or even the entire storage device. Its development was discontinued on May 28, 2014, but its source code is still available for compilation and use.
It was originally released in 2004 based on the software E4M (encryption for the masses). It runs on Microsoft Windows, Apple macOS, and GNU/Linux, and supports the AES, Serpent, and TwoFish encryption algorithms. It includes a feature called Plausible Deniability that creates a hidden “virtual volume” within another volume. On Microsoft Windows, it can create and run a hidden, encrypted operating system whose existence can be plausibly denied.
CamelCase, Encryption, Freeware, Partition, Security terms, Utility
The original TrueCrypt is no longer considered secure, and it may have exploitable vulnerabilities. We recommend users interested in TrueCrypt technology investigate VeraCrypt as an alternative.
Related information
- Computer security help and support.
- TrueCrypt source code on SourceForge (no longer actively maintained).
- DragonFly BSD, an operating system offering functionality similar to TrueCrypt.