A USB or Universal Serial Bus is an interface technology that can be used to connect devices to the computer or other systems. It enables data exchange, communication, and charging of other devices such as smartphones, an external hard drive, cameras, and printers. Over the years, a new technology has emerged, such as the USB versions. Technology offers higher data transfer and better power delivery. For example, USB 2.0 can support data transfers of up to 480 Mbps, while the advanced USB 3.0, and USB-C are significantly faster, up to 10 GB/s and beyond. USB ports have various types: Type-A, Type-B, and the latest Type-C which is more popular due to its ability to be plugged into a device in either way and higher speed. Basically, USB has now been established as the standard for most peripherals due to its features such as convenience, versatility, and compatibility. Here is the USB description completed in the next passage know how users can decrypt USB BitLocker encryption with or without BitLocker password.
What is USB BitLocker Encryption
BitLocker encryption provides protection of data that is stored on USB because it offers a high level of security against unauthorized access. When BitLocker is enabled on a USB drive, it encrypts all the data stored on the USB drive with advanced encryption standards, for example, AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). If someone steals my USB and there is so much important data, in this situation, BitLocker encryption helps to keep safe data. Without the right BitLocker password or BitLocker recovery key, users can not use that USB.
Another advantage of BitLocker encryption is that it is compatible with the Windows operating system and thus easy to implement for the encryption of removable media, such as USB sticks. BitLocker is flexible depending on BitLocker password protection, or users can integrate the decryption method with a smart card or hardware security module.
What is the Role of BitLocker Password
Password in BitLocker is one of the most significant components focusing on protection since it is the primary line of defense that determines who can access the data. If the drive, which may be a USB or a hard drive, is encrypted using BitLocker, it means that the data is well protected using a strong encryption code. However, this encrypted data cannot be read without the right password; the password acting as the decryption key. This security is further enhanced by a strong and complex password, which may be difficult for the attacker to easily guess or have a way around. In other words, the password for BitLocker should be required for the protection of sensitive information from unauthorized access due to theft or loss. In simple words, people cannot decrypt USB BitLocker encryption without password.
How to Unlock USB BitLocker Encryption
To unlock BitLocker encrypted USB drive, users can follow the below steps:
For Windows Users:
1: Insert USB Drive: Attach BitLocker-encrypted USB drive into PC.
2: BitLocker Prompt: A BitLocker prompt will automatically appear, asking for the password.
- Enter the Password: Type in the password that was used to encrypt the USB drive.
- Enter BitLocker recovery key: Type BitLocker recovery key to unlock the encrypted USB drive if user forget their BitLocker password.
3: Unlock: Click on the “Unlock” button. After entering the right BitLocker password, encrypted USB drive will be unlocked.
Alternate Methods (if BitLocker Password is Forgotten)
Procedure 1: Decrypt USB BitLocker Encryption Without Password
Use BitLocker Recovery Key: If user forgets the BitLocker recovery password, they can unlock their BitLocker encrypted USB drive. Using the right BitLocker recovery key that was generated during the step-up of BitLocker encryption. Follow the same process, but select “More Options” and choose to unlock with Backup key. Enter the 48-digit key to unlock the drive.
Unlock USB Via Using Smart Card: If your organization has configured BitLocker with smart card access, they can insert the smart card and follow the instructions to unlock the drive.
Procedure 2: Use Command Prompt
- Press “Windows + R”, type cmd, in the last press “Enter”.
- In the search bar type “Command Prompt” and go with “Run as Administrator”.
- Type below mentioned command prompt to decrypt USB BitLocker encryption
Note: “manage-bde -unlock X: -password” replace “X” with real USB drive letter
Conclusion
In this blog, we mentioned various kinds of solutions that help users to decrypt encrypted USB drives with BitLocker passwords or without passwords. Command prompt is the free option to find BitLocker backup key and unlock encryption automatically by fetching the right recovery key.