[KB6266] ESET Secure Data FAQ
Solution
ESET Secure Data is a new feature available in ESET Smart Security Premium that allows you to create encrypted directories on removable drives to protect against data theft in the event of USB flash drive or laptop loss.
ESET Secure Data FAQ
- How do I enable or install ESET Secure Data?
To enable or install ESET Secure Data from ESET Smart Security Premium, see Set up security tools in ESET Smart Security Premium.
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Will the ESET Secure Data drive still work if my ESET Smart Security Premium license expires?
Yes, you can still access your encrypted drive and the data will still be available for both read and write access. You will not, however, be able to create a new encrypted drive. -
What happens if I connect my encrypted removable drive to a computer without ESET Secure Data installed/disabled?
If you connect your encrypted removable drive to a computer where ESET Secure Data is not installed, you can access the Secure Data executable file. To display the encrypted folder, run the executable file and enter the correct password. The encrypted folder will then be mounted as a new drive where you can access it. -
What happens if I connect my encrypted removable drive to a computer with ESET Secure Data installed/enabled?
If the removable drive is connected to any computer with ESET Secure Data installed, you will be prompted to enter your user-defined password to decrypt the removable drive. If no password is entered, the encrypted folder will be visible, but not accessible. - What happens to my encrypted data if I have to uninstall ESET or there is a problem with the product?
Your encrypted files are stored separately from ESET program files. Uninstallation or errors in your ESET program will not affect your files. If you have to uninstall ESET Smart Security Premium, you can access your encrypted data after reinstallation by double-clicking the file and typing in your password.
- Can I delete a virtual drive?
Yes, but the virtual drive can only be deleted when it is unmounted. If the virtual drive is mounted, then you can only delete its contents. To unmount a virtual drive, right-click the mounted virtual drive in Windows File Explorer and select Eject encrypted drive. After the virtual drive is unmounted, it can be deleted from the disk.
- What happens if I leave "Decrypt Automatically on this Windows account" selected?
The encrypted data will be accessible without entering a password. Because this will decrease the security of your data, we do not recommend this option.
- What happens if I disable ESET Secure Data after I create a virtual drive?
If you disable ESET Secure Data on your device, you will lose access to the encrypted drive you created. You will regain access to the drive if you re-enable ESET Secure Data. You will still need the password you used when you first created the encrypted drive. We recommend that you decrypt the folder and remove all files before deleting or disabling Secure Data.
- What happens if ESET Secure Data is set up with created Virtual Drive/Removable drive and the license expires? Will the data still be accessible after the license has expired?
The existing drive and the data will still be accessible, even for write access. However, you will not be able to create a new encrypted drive.
- What happens if ESET Secure Data is set up with selected option "Decrypt Automatically on this Windows account" if you do not have a password protected login to Windows? Will the same password as I set to access the Virtual Drive/Removable drive be requested when trying to access it or will it be automatically available?
The data will be available without entering any password.
For more information about the ESET Secure Data feature and how to use it, visit the ESET Secure Data Online Help topic.
