There are a couple of different methods for password protecting an external memory stick. The first is to encrypt each file individually. This can be accomplished by choosing the options tab in the file menu of whatever program is used to create the file. From there, click on security and enter the desired password to open or modify the file. It is important to remember that passwords are case sensitive. Once the file is saved with a password, it can be dragged and dropped in the unit. This will save it to the drive with the password intact and required to open the file.

The other method involves downloading a software application created to encrypt files. There is a version of the software that can be transported to the drive itself and installed so that any files sent to the drive are encrypted when placed in a certain location on the drive and require a password to open.

Flash drives one of the most common forms of portable data storage available. Files can be stored on the USB drive for transportation from one computer to another. There are times when the nature of the files makes it an important security precaution to password protect the mini-drive. This is not a complicated process, but it can be done in a couple of different manners. One is to protect individual files when saving them. The other is use an encryption software to create a zone on the flash drive that can not be accessed without a password. Either is effective.