How do I password protect a USB HDD on my Router?

[Homeuser66]

Hi, I just purchased an Asus rt-n66u Router. Found Here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320091 I haven't hooked it up yet, as it's a Christmas gift to me from my wife and she don't know it yet...lol...So, I'm not sure if there is any software that comes with it to do such a thing as it's wrapped under the tree...

Basically, I want to hook my 3TB External USB HDD to the Router, so that all our devices can share the media on it, but I want it password protected so if someone else comes in the House, they can't access anything on there and only we are allowed to access it. I'm not sure if the whole drive can be locked or just specific folders on the drive.

If anyone has any suggestions or options that might point me in the right direction, I would greatly appreciate it!

Thanks in advance!!!!

Ohh, I'm running Windows 7 Pro x64, my other devices are all random. Including Mac, Windows XP, Windows 8, Windows 7 Student ed...

 

[Thorsen]

Since this is an external, the only way to make sure others can't access it is to encrypt the data.

I would say TrueCrypt is the safest easiset free method: TrueCrypt
truecrypt will encrypt the entire drive (this deletes any data already on it) and requires truecrypt installed on the computer and a password to "mount" the drive. You can also create a folder or container of any size instead of encrypting the entire device with this program.


Otherwise for a paid app this looks promising too: Protect Drive by Lockngo Professional
I don't know about use with external drives though. I would assume it is doable.
This will encrypt the entire drive and require a password. It says no installation on the computer is necessary.

As for the router, you can find the manual and firmware for it here: ASUS - Networks- ASUS RT-N66U

so you don't have to resort to this: How to Carefully Open Presents Before Christmas: 9 steps

 

[Thorsen]

Other than that, I have a friend who uses a Rasberry Pi and a Media server to hold his data. This would be more complex, but could require you to sign in to access the server and have the Rasberry hooked up to your media center....


Quick start guide | Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi • View topic - How effective is the RPi at being a Media Centre

How to turn your Raspberry Pi into an XBMC media centre | Reviews | CNET UK

 

[Homeuser66]

Hey Thorsen, thanks for the reply! I looked at TrueCrypt and the only issue I am going to have is that I already have 1.5TB of info on this 3TB device and don't have anyway of transferring it to format it. Also, I tried it on a thumb drive and put it in another computer and I was able to open and view it... Obvislly I did something wrong...As far as the opening the gift thing.....I like where you were going...but I bought it, wrapped it and put it under the tree and I"m going to be the one who opens it...lol...but she will still be surprised....

I'm also looking at Folder Guard...I can lock any or all folders I want...so I think I'll look into this route...Not sure yet...