External hard drive security

[Leslie]

Is it possible to put a password on an ordinary external hard drive, so one can leave it lying around without fear of someone opening it?

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Best Free File Encryption Utility

 

[Edward]

You need whole disk (sometimes full disk) encryption.

 

[Leslie]

Last time I tried to encrypt an external hard drive, it crashed the whole drive. I lost all my back-up, and that right after the computer that it backed up broke. I'm in Africa and cannot replace my external hard drive. Electronic stuff sold here is all stuff that failed quality control in the West. Can't buy anything of decent quality in-country. So I'm reluctant to go the encryptation route again. I wonder if there are any other alternatives.

 

[Leslie]

Bump

 

[Edward]

The best alternative to whole disk encryption would be a safe set in concrete.

 

[Semper Fidelis]

Depending on the size, you could buy one of these enclosures or an actual enclosure with disk that has hardware encryption:

Amazon.com: external hard drive encrypted: Electronics

 

[Leslie]

Depending on the size, you could buy one of these enclosures or an actual enclosure with disk that has hardware encryption:

Amazon.com: external hard drive encrypted: Electronics

Are these generally available in well-stocked electronics stores? I will make a trip to London and back in another 6 months or so, could buy it there. But I can't order it and have it sent to this location. My low-tech alternative at the moment is to take the short cable from the drive (it has a peculiar end) along with me wherever. Apparently a siple password is not an option.