TrueCrypt
Free open-source disk encryption software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X, and Linux
Open source encryption program that creates a fixed-size 'container' file on the computer that you access with a password, and which then shows up as a separate drive.
The container can be copied in its entirety for backup purposes, or the container can be accessed with the same drive letter, and once 'opened', the contents can be synced with a backup software program like GFI.
Containers can be large or small, and can be created on flash drives or even in an FTP location for cloud storage or backup.
Latest install used by me is attached below (add .exe to the filename after download) -- verified after initial download from the website. This is one program you want to be sure is legit before you set it up. Newer versions are sure to be available, as the support for this program is ongoing.
main site:
From the site:
Main Features:
Creates a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mounts it as a real disk.
Encrypts an entire partition or storage device such as USB flash drive or hard drive.
Encrypts a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication).
Encryption is automatic, real-time (on-the-fly) and transparent.
Parallelization and pipelining allow data to be read and written as fast as if the drive was not encrypted.
Encryption can be hardware-accelerated on modern processors.
Provides plausible deniability, in case an adversary forces you to reveal the password:
Hidden volume (steganography) and hidden operating system.
More information about the features of TrueCrypt may be found in the documentation.