How do I create a VeraCrypt encrypted volume?

VeraCrypt is a third-party application to create encrypted virtual folders to store data securely.

Download VeraCrypt

  1. Click on Create Volume.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard 1
  2. Select Create an encrypted file container.  Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Create an encrypted file container
  3. Select Standard VeraCrypt Volume.  Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Standard VeraCrypt volume
  4. Browse to save the location in their personal network drive.  Suggested naming scheme: <username>-VC.  Click Save.  Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - File explorer. Specify drive
  5. Default settings.  Encryption Algorithm: AES. Hash Algorithm: SHA-512. Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Encryption options
  6. Set Volume Size to 5 GB. Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Volume Size
  7. Create a password or passphrase.  It will only be known by you. Click Next.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Volume password
  8. Filesystem: exFAT.  Move mouse over window until the bar is green.  Click Format.
    VeraCrypt Volume Creation Wizard - Volume format
  9. Exit.

Extra Security: Container is only encrypted when not in use.

Check Auto-dismount volume after no data has been read/written to it for 30 minutes. Click OK.

VeraCrypt Preferences

 

Related article: How do I mount and dismount volumes using VeraCrypt?