Password-protect an external HD without encrypting?

Question

I have a lot of data (~500 GB) on an external hard drive that I'd like to password protect so that the "average" computer user can't access it. Encryption would be nice, but it takes so long to encrypt and then read/manipulate so much data that I don't think it's worth it.

Is there any way to put a lock on a hard drive, so that I don't lose data transfer speeds once authenticated?

Answer 1

Not possible. There's no way for a hard drive to say "sorry, you can't read me without the password" because hard drives are dumb- all they do is fetch data when the computer asks them too. Most hard drives don't have the capability to enforce stuff on their own. Even if they did come with a program that tried to enforce that, it would most likely be a Windows program so all someone would have to do is plug it into a Mac and they'd get full access. That's hardly secure.

Answer 2

If you are windows user you need at once convert your disk partition into NTFS file system. Click right buttom on your folder and choose "Properties" Select Rights tab (You need work with administrative rights) and remove from list all users except yourself and your Administrator account. Or set rights for ever user. You can prohibit various kind of folder access (file listing, file viewing, file executing, file deleting, file writing access rights or additional writing to existing file) If your version of Windows - Started edition or Home you cannot edit rights visualy. In this case, you need learn CACLS command from command string. For UNIX like systems (Linux, Mac) you should to work with CHMOD command

Answer 3

Encryption is definately the safest, most secure route available.

Unless you are trying to secure porn from your parents, or something. Then just be sensible and delete it.