Quick answers
Yes, it is absolutely possible to lock an external hard drive. There are a few different methods that can be used:
– Using built-in software encryption like BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on Mac. This will fully encrypt the drive so it can only be accessed with the correct password or recovery key.
– Using third-party encryption software like Veracrypt or EncFS. These also encrypt the drive but offer open source options.
– Physically locking the drive in an enclosure with a key or combination lock. This prevents physical access to the drive.
– Disabling the write feature on the drive through software, making it read-only.
So in summary, software encryption, physical locks, and write-protection can all be used to lock down an external hard drive and control access to it. The level of security ranges from simple software options to fully encrypting and physically locking away the drive.
Why would you want to lock an external hard drive?
There are a few key reasons why you may want to lock down an external hard drive:
– To protect sensitive data – By using encryption and access controls, you can prevent unauthorized people from accessing sensitive or confidential data stored on the drive. This includes personal finance info, medical records, proprietary business data and more.
– To prevent tampering or malware – Locking the drive can prevent manual tampering with data on the drive. It also blocks malicious programs or viruses from infecting and corrupting the data.
– To disable writing to the drive – Locking the drive in a read-only state protects important data from being edited or overwritten unintentionally.
– To limit certain users’ access – You may want to only give certain users read access but not full write access. Drive locking allows this kind of granular control.
– To enhance physical security – Physically locking away the drive prevents theft and direct access to the data if the drive is lost or stolen.
So in general, locking enhances an external drive’s security in all aspects – digitally and physically – making it much safer for storing confidential data.
Built-in software encryption options
One of the easiest ways to lock an external hard drive is to use built-in disk encryption that is included with most operating systems:
BitLocker (Windows)
– Included with Windows Pro and Enterprise editions
– Provides full-drive AES encryption
– Needs a password or smart card to unlock
– Can store decryption key in your Microsoft account
FileVault (MacOS)
– Full disk encryption for Macs
– Uses XTS-AES 128 encryption
– Unlocks with user credentials or recovery key
– Encrypts entire startup disk by default
Linux Unified Key Setup (LUKS)
– Open source encryption for Linux devices
– Creates encrypted block devices that can store multiple volumes
– Unlocks via key files, passwords or smartcards
– Supported by all major Linux distributions
The advantage of using built-in tools is that they are simple to set up and baked into the operating system. But they only work within that OS and not cross-platform.
Third party encryption options
There are also many third party tools available for encrypting external drives. Some top options include:
Veracrypt
– Open source and free
– Works across Windows, Mac, Linux and more
– Allows creation of encrypted file containers or encrypted partitions
– Supports AES, TwoFish, Serpent, AES-Twofish, AES-Twofish-Serpent and Camellia ciphers
DiskCryptor
– Open source disk encryption for Windows
– Implements AES, TwoFish, and Serpent encryption algorithms
– Can set up full drive, partition or virtual disk encryption
– Integrates with the Windows bootloader
Cryptomator
– Free client-side encryption tool for cloud storage
– Uses Scrypt and AES for encryption
– Files are encrypted before syncing to cloud services
– Works across Windows, Max, Linux, iOS and Android
The benefit of third party tools is the ability to work across any platform. They offer more customization but can be more complex to set up.
Physically locking away the drive
For maximum data security, you can physically lock away the external hard drive so no one can access the drive itself without authorization. Options include:
– External drive enclosures with a key lock – These prevent the drive from being removed from the enclosure without the key. Provides basic physical security.
– Secure hard drive caddies – Extra secure enclosures that need a physical key and/or combination lock to open. Prevents any unauthorized physical access.
– Locked server racks and NAS devices – For enterprise storage, you can install drives within a locked server rack or NAS device. Provides the highest level of physical security.
– Safe or safety deposit box – For extreme security, you can store the backup drive in a fireproof safe, bank safety deposit box, or other similar secure locations that require a key or access code to enter.
Physically locking away the drive is most useful when storing highly sensitive data that must be secured at all costs. Software encryption might still be used as an additional layer of digital security.
Example products
| Product | Physical Security |
| Apricorn Aegis Secure Key | Integrated keypad and lock |
| Drobo 5D3 | Drive bay locks |
| CRU ToughTech Secure | Removable drawers + locks |
| Synology NAS | Rack mountable form factor |
Making the drive read-only
An alternative to fully encrypting or locking away the drive is to simply make it read-only to prevent writing any new data. This can be done through software controls.
– On Windows, you can flip the “Read-only” switch in file properties. Or use the diskpart command to set a drive to read-only.
– On Macs, enable Write Protection in Disk Utility to set a drive to read-only.
– On Linux you can remount the drive as read only or make the disk immutable with the chattr command.
The benefit of making it read-only is it is fast and simple. But data can still be deleted, so it doesn’t fully protect the data, just prevents modification.
Some hardware write-blockers also exist that physically makes a drive read-only. But software options accomplish the same thing for less cost.
Conclusion
There are quite a few options for effectively locking an external hard drive depending on your specific security needs:
– Built-in encryption like BitLocker and FileVault provides full disk encryption that is simple to implement.
– Third party software offers open source, cross-platform options but can be more complex.
– Physically locking away the drive limits access to the physical device only. This protects against theft.
– For quick protection with minimal effort, setting a drive to read-only can prevent data modification.
Combining multiple layers such as encryption and physical security provides the highest level of protection for sensitive data on an external drive. The best method depends on your specific risks, threats and accessibility needs. But the options covered here should provide effective external hard drive security in most cases.
