Encrypto is a free, easy-to-use app that lets you encrypt files with AES-256 encryption and then send them to friends or coworkers. It works on both Mac and Windows, so you can send encrypted files without worrying whether the other person can open it or not. Take any file or folder and add AES-256 encryption. The correct answer is given by John and Sitaraman: GNU Privacy Guard (GPG). I will add the following:. It works with both text and binary files. It has an ASCII. Enforce Full Disk Encryption (FDE) for Mac & Windows. Over the last two decades, full disk encryption (FDE) has evolved from a little-known security feature to an expected industry standard in system security. In order to enforce FDE across an enterprise and do it efficiently, IT has turned to a variety of third-party tools.
The rate of cybercrimes such as identity thefts has increased a lot in the past couple of years. Hackers have become quite proficient at what they do and are coming up with malware that’s pretty easy to sneak into target computers and mobile phones. Once their tools are in, they gain unsolicited access to target’s personal files such as pictures, videos, sensitive data such as credit card information and bank details, and so much more. We rarely bother to acknowledge this risk while filling up our digital devices with data of all sort.
Fortunately, many people and even organizations have realized this looming threat and have deployed encryption software to keep their data safe. However, there are still people and companies that are either not aware of the problem, or they simply don’t know how encryption tools protect against snoops and which one they should opt for.
To spread awareness and offer guidance, we have outlined some basic information about them and have detailed the best encryption tools for all major platforms.
What Exactly is an Encryption Software?
Encryption software turns every bit of information into an unintelligible code, which cannot be read unless it’s decrypted. Encryption software comes equipped with algorithms that transform accessible data into encoded information, hence keeping it safe from the prying eyes. Even if malware sneaks in and gets its hand on your personal data, it will not be able to take anything because all the information would be hidden.
Organizations all over the globe are utilizing services of multiple encryption software in this regard, but as a newcomer, it can be a bit difficult to find the right tool. Every operating system works differently, so there’s different encryption software for them, and finding the right one can be quite a hassle.
No need to worry though because we have outlined the best solutions available on each platform so you can your hands on them with ease.
Best Encryption Software for Windows
Let’s quickly go through some of the best encryption tools for Microsoft’s flagship for PCs.
BitLocker
If you want security on your Windows PC, then you should opt for BitLocker. It uses Advanced Encryption Standard “AES” as a security measure which is widely tested by the experts and is regarded as one of the best tools for optimization and security. BitLocker doesn’t half-ass things – it encrypts all of your hard drive in one go. This means that all of the data presented on your hard drive would be encrypted and safe from the prying eyes.
InterCrypto
However, if you don’t like the looks of BitLocker, there’s no need to worry because you can go for InterCrypto. It is a bit expensive solution but it comes with 17 encryption algorithms, which more than guarantees safety of your data and personal information. If you can afford this tool, then we would highly suggest going for it because it will really keep a lid on your data.
Folder Lock
Folder Lock is known worldwide because of its safety measures. There’s a reason for its success. It encrypts your data and hides it in the storage where it can only be accessed by the people who know the password. Every file that you put through this tool will get encrypted and will be kept safe from the prying eyes of government agencies and hackers.
Best Encryption Software for Mac
Now let’s take the direction of our discussion towards Mac, Apple’s prolific desktop OS that certainly isn’t invulnerable to hacking threat. Here are a few available options to ensure the security of your data on it.
Concealer
Mac users should go with Concealer encryption software. It is a fantastic encryption tool, but the only problem that we struggled to overlook was the omission of bulk encryption option. As a result, you have to manually select files that you want to be encrypted. Once you know which of your files need to be hidden, just select them and put them in Concealer software. The encryption process will begin and it will take a few seconds to encrypt the data. Once the process is complete, you can rest easy because all of your information is now safe.
VeraCrypt
If Concealer doesn’t tickle your fancy, then maybe you should give VeraCrypt a shot. It’s available for free and allows you to encrypt any file you want to protect from snoops. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of manually encrypting each file, then there’s a feature that enables you to encrypt the whole hard drive. Encrypting the hard disk is surely going to take some time, but all of your data will be safe, so it’s worth it.
FileVault
FileVault encryption software is another remarkable tool that does its job quite well. If both of the aforementioned solutions don’t do the trick for you, then you can give this one a shot. Everything that you encrypt using this tool will gain protection against federal snoops and cyber criminals.
Best Encryption Software for Android
If you’re an Android user, then you’d be glad to know that there are plenty of encryption apps available for the platform as well.
SSE Universal Encryption App
SSE for Android has been around for quite a while and it has managed to survive this long because of its amazing features. It can secure all forms of files, can make your lost password retrievable, helps you to share files without having to expose any sensitive information and a whole lot more. It’s a great tool for Android users if they are looking to enhance their security measures.
Signal for Android
If you are less worried about your data and are more concerned with communication’s privacy, then you should seek help from Signal app. It’s pretty secure and will encrypt each and everything done through the platform.
Crypt4All Lite
If both of the aforementioned apps don’t do the trick for you, then you can opt for Crypt4All Lite. This app can be used to encrypt all your personal information and sensitive data so that it stays hidden from the prying eyes. It works well and is quite user-friendly which means that you can get used to it in no time.
Best Encryption Software for iOS
Looking to secure your data on an iOS device, specifically an iPhone? Don’t worry, there are quite a few options available to cater to your needs.
Signal for iPhone
Free Encryption Software For Mac
Things have started to heat up between FBI and Apple, so it’s better to be prepared for the worst case scenario. You will definitely need encryption software if FBI wins, and the best tool for such circumstances is Signal. Edward Snowden loves this app and you will too once you get your hands on it. It encrypts all the data that is sent or received through this software, hence providing safe passage for it. More importantly, it keeps your conversations encrypted as well. So any communication you do through the Signal app will be safe from the FBI or any other party keeping tabs on your mobile activities.
Silent Phone
Free Encryption For Gmail
Silent Phone is another great option for keeping your data encrypted. It offers secure file transfer, calling, video calling, voicemail, and conference calls. The only problem with it is that it doesn’t encrypt your instant messages. So, if you rely on calls only, then Silent Phone is your best bet because of its call related security algorithms, and easy to understand user interface.
What Is The Best Free Encryption Software
Confide
Email Encryption For Mac
If you are strictly into messaging and want your conversations to be extremely secure, then we’d suggest going with Confide. This app is downright fantastic. It comes with end to end encryption for all of your messages, hence preventing all sorts of attacks. That’s not all though as this app also features ephemeral messages, which disappear as soon as they are read by the intended individual. These messages can’t be saved, forwarded, and no one can even take a screenshot of them. So if you’re looking for messaging security, your best bet is Confide.