USB memory security

[mousegun]

Nice thing about TrueCrypt is "plausible deniabiity". A Truecrypt container (filesystem) can contain another container that is undetectable. Just put some of your (legal) porn in the outside container for bozobait and if you're forced to give up your password the investigators/thugs who get it won't be able to detect the second encryption. Overhead makes the space available 5-10% less than the total size of the Truecrypt container. Pretty good system.

[Flyliner]

I believe you need Admin rights to install/run True Crypt. If you are going to be on machines other than yours that may be a problem.

True Crypts docs say it is completely "unsecure" to use True Crypt a system where you don't have Admin rights as all your data and passwords can be captured.

Also, True Crypts USB portable mode won't work on Macs.

Several manufacturers make secure USB sticks, but I suppose you have the "back door" possibility as stated above.

[mousegun]

I've used it on a bootable USB drive with Tinycore linux.
Seems to work OK and the overhead with TC is less than 12MB.

[Flyliner]

AESCrypt is a good tool the OP might want to look into. Not portable however, so you would run into the same problem as with TrueCrypt.

http://www.aescrypt.com/

I have also been considering one of these Kingston Secure USBs. 100% of the stick is AES256 hardware encrypted with Cypher Block Chaining, shock proof, water proof. Needs no Admin rights or per-installed software.

Kingston DTVP

I suppose you run into the back door possibility again. My intent though is to keep out nosey neighbors, coworkers, and the random person who finds the stick should I loose it. If you need to keep stuff secret from big brother, then this wouldn't be the way to go.

[Lost.monkey]

Ironkey is one way to go:

http://www.amazon.com/Ironkey-Personal-D200-Flash-Drive/dp/B002T45X4I/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341609673&sr=8-1&keywords=ironkey

Pricey, but rugged and secure.

[JDay]

I use truecrypt on both my USB sticks. It's nearly impossible to crack and any layman that gets the drive won't even know there's encrypted partitions on it. Plus, it's free.

That depends on the strength of your passphrase. And the "hidden" partitions are not hidden.