Introduction: Convert an Old Memory Stick Into a Databank With Government-grade Encyption

Got an old memory stick? Got valuable files you need to protect? Find out how to protect your files better than a simple passworded RAR archive; because in this modern age, anyone with a good PC can decrypt it in under a day.

I'm using a 32MB Memory Pro Duo card from my PSP, so in case I need to, I can also destroy it physically.

Step 1: Preparations

First thing we will need to do is format our storage medium. Choose FAT or FAT32; keep all settings at default otherwise and DO NOT do quick format.

After that, you will need to download TrueCrypt from truecrypt.org. Install it, and reboot your PC (this is mandatory)

Step 2: Setting Up Our Volume - 1

After everything is installed, open your now blank storage medium. Copy any file to it, but not one of the files you want to hide. I chose this overweight dog.

Step 3: Follow the TrueCrypt Wizard

Click on create volume. In the Volume Creation Wizard, select "Create a file container"

Select "hidden Truecrypt volume". this is an advanced type of volume. if for some reason, you have files that you REALLY want to hide, this lets you create two volumes with two passwords, and each password will give you access to a different volume.

When it asks to select a file, choose the file you previously copied over to your storage medium.

For this outer volume, choose serpent-twofish-aes. Outer volume is a decoy volume. Keep the hash algorithm at the default.

Choose a small volume for the outer to make it not look suspicious (a small jpg shouldnt be 20mb in size)

Choose a password that you can easily guess.

Make sure filesystem is fat, cluster is default

Now, read the image I uploaded that is titled "Outer Volume Contents" and follow those directions.

Click next, follow the same procedure to make your hidden volume.

Only difference here, for the password, check 'use keyfiles'. Select a file no one will likely modify. I chose the overweight dog image. Never modify that file, or you will not be able to access your volume anymore. Choose a long password (64 characters in length) to avoid being cracked by brute force. This is up to you, a long password isn't necessary unless you're hiding life-threatening documents. If you're just hiding porn, any password will do.

Step 4: "Decorate" Your Storage Medium

Congratulations, your volume is made. Now make the rest of the card look not suspicious in case someone finds it. I renamed my volume file to IMG100, to make it seem as if a camera generated these files. I also added files close in filesize, and also my passkey as one of the files. You're done, enjoy the security.