Rohos Mini Drive 2.1

Overview

The Rohos Mini Drive is a piece of software that creates a secure, encrypted partition on a USB flash drive in order to protect its contents from being accessed by a third party. The software is available as either a desktop or portable version. The portable version does not need administrative access and doesn't need to be installed in order to be used.

Encryption is provided via AES 256-bit encryption technology which is NIST-compliant.

The Rohos Mini Drive software is comprised of three packages. The desktop app can create an encrypted partition on a USB flash drive. This is seen as a real drive within Windows. The Rohos Mini executable file is to be placed on the USB drive. This second package ensures that the USB encrypted partition can connect and be seen on a Windows PC (requires administrative rights). The third application, Rohos Disk Browser, is a portable encryption utility which doesn't require admin rights to use it. It can create hidden encrypted containers and visible encrypted containers as a USB partition.

The free version of the Rohos Mini Drive main application can support up to an 8 GB virtual disk size.

Installation

The installation proceeds as normal and completes without incident. The installation requires Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8. There was no added software or malware bundled with the setup application.

Interface

The interface is a little out of date but it functions perfectly well. Encrypting USB flash drives and encrypting application data is treated as separate actions which makes this simpler. Encrypted disks are handled well with clear information on what disks have been created, the encrypted container that is open presently, what available space it has, and so on.

A link to the Rohos Mini Drive app can be placed on the desktop for faster access. Automatic connection to the encrypted container can be configured so it immediately happens when the USB flash drive has been inserted into the USB port.

Pros

• Create hidden or visible encrypted containers on a USB flash drive
• AES 256-bit NIST-compliant encryption
• Encrypt application data from Skype, Chrome, and other programs
• Set the app to access the encrypted container immediately when the USB flash drive has been inserted
• Requires administrative privileges in the desktop app
• Connect to a USB flash drive as either a removable drive or a read-only drive
• Has a portable app version that does not need installing or admin privileges

Cons

• 8 GB data container restriction on the trial version

Alternatives

Have a look at our list with Best Free USB Encryption Software for Windows. BitLocker, the encryption utility included in Windows Vista and above, can also encrypt USB drives.

Conclusion

Rohos Mini Drive has an older-looking interface but it packs some good features including strong AES 256-bit encryption and more than one way to manage USB flash drive security.