VeraCrypt is a cross-platform disk encryption utility used to create encrypted file containers and secure entire disk partitions. It functions as a tool for full disk encryption and a manager for encrypted volumes, providing a means to protect sensitive data on local disks and removable media across multiple operating systems.
The software is distinguished by its support for plausible deniability, allowing the creation of hidden volumes nested within other encrypted volumes to conceal the existence of data. It also implements hardware-based access control, requiring physical security tokens, smart cards, or keyfiles in addition to passwords to authenticate users.
The project covers a broad range of security capabilities, including the management of EFI-based boot loaders for encrypted operating system booting and the use of high-iteration key derivation to resist brute-force attacks. It includes utilities for volume creation, mounting, and conversion, as well as a command-line interface for automating these administrative tasks.
