Both Internet users and organizations can do that with the help of free encryption tools which can enhance protection by keeping valuable information hidden from malicious actors. Encryption is essential to protect critical data, no matter if it is stored locally, on the PC, or sent over the Internet.
So which are the encryption tools? Before we jump to these encryption software products available for free, we outline the importance of always using strong and unique passwords for all your online accounts. Before you do that, make sure you apply these actionable security tips to manage passwords like an expert and make them more secure and unbreakable by cybercriminals.
We carefully curated and put together some of the best free encryption software tools you can use to keep your most valuable data safe and secure. Probably one of the most popular password manager tools out there, LastPass can be used for free with limited features, but will still secure your passwords and personal data. LastPass comes with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface and can simplify things for you. There are extensions available for the main web browsers, such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome.
Also, you can use the mobile app available for both Android and Apple. When you create a new online account, it offers the option to save the new credentials. This tool encourages you to set a unique and hard-to-break password and discourages users to reuse it. Other password management tools you can use Sticky Password or RoboForm come with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface and can provide good password security.
To safely manage passwords, we encourage users to follow these security steps included in this guide. Use a two-factor authentication system, whenever possible. You can either use it to encrypt a particular disk partition or the entire hard disk. BitLocker is a full-disk encryption tool built-in in the latest Windows operating systems Windows 10 , which uses AES and bit encryption to encrypt data on the drives.
The Advanced Encryption Standard has been tested and improved and is now used worldwide by most security vendors due to its high level of security and optimization.
Why you should choose BitLocker:. Another free encryption software tool you can use which is available for Windows, OS X and Linux operating systems. It is an open source program which means developers and researchers can download and use the source code.
Source: GHacks. VeraCrypt 1. Looking to encrypt your data stored on devices featuring macOS and Mac hardware? FileVault 2 is a free encryption software tool we recommend checking out.
Yet another open-source and free encryption software you can use to secure your internal and external drive, including system partition, and even ISO images, or USB flash drives or any other storage devices. Many users are not interested in encrypting the entire hard disk, but only specific files and documents that store sensitive information. This software tool is capable of extracting most archives and features strong AES encryption.
Source: GHack. It features AES file encryption and can efficiently encrypt one file, an entire folder or a group of files with a simple right-click. Files can be encrypted for a specific period of time or can be auto-decrypted later on when that file reaches the destination. So, how can I increase my online security without creating too many barriers that may slow down my access to the information posted online?
See below a few simple tools you can use to access online content and stay safe from data breaches at the same time. Encrypting your files is not enough. To be one step ahead of cybercriminals, you need to enhance online protection, you need to make sure no one can eavesdrop on your communication over the Internet.
To make sure you always access secure web pages that use encryption mechanisms, we recommend trying a browser extension like HTTPS Everywhere , which is compatible with Mozilla Firefox, Opera, and Google Chrome.
Using an extension like HTTPS Everywhere, which encrypts your communication with major websites you access on a daily basis, will make your online activities more secure from multiple online threats. If you want to access the Internet anonymously, Tor browser can be a great option to encrypt your online traffic and keep your browsing activities from prying eyes.
Tor Browser will block popular browser plugins such as Flash, RealPlayer, Quicktime, and others which can be manipulated into finding out your IP address.
It is recommended not to install additional add-on or plugins into Tor Browser, because it may bypass Tor and compromise your privacy and security. The special Tor browser has been designed to be used by anyone who wants to conceal any browsing activity from prying eyes. The most recent version of this browser, Tor Browser 0. Using encryption software like Tor will make it more difficult for your online activities to be traced by malicious actors.
Another way to hide your online identity is to use a VPN Virtual Private Network which can encrypt your communication and keep it safe from constant interception attempts. This private network is able to spread across the normal Internet space, using its resources to create an encrypted channel and protect your data from hackers or the prying eyes of others.
It uses strong encryption mechanisms to hide your IP address, secure banking transactions, or keep yourself and your information safe when accessing Wifi networks. A VPN software program like Cyberghost can be used when trying to connect to unsafe public networks or when needed to access content whose distribution is restricted to a certain geographical area. CyberGhost is a popular VPN solution to ensure that your web traffic and valuable information remain encrypted.
It includes a day money-back guarantee for everything else and friendly support. A VPN service provider like Cyberghost helps you keep your data protected and secure your digital assets. Simply download, install and connect to ExpressVPN with a few clicks.
Source: VPNMentor. When it comes to securing your most important information, encryption is not enough. Oftentimes, in our blog articles and protection guides, we often emphasize the importance of using multiple layers of security to be one step ahead of hackers. Since there are so many online threats out there and cybercriminals keep changing their tactics , we recommend following these actionable security measures to improve your online security:.
When you think about encryption, have in mind the entire picture and know how important its role is in the overall security strategy.
What about you? How do you see encryption in the bigger picture of Internet security? Are you using any type of encryption for your data at the moment? Let us know your thoughts in a comment below. Heimdal Security offers the latest in cybersecurity protection against advanced cyberattacks. End-to-end Encryption E2EE. Sorry, but this info is stuck in the nineties, or what???? All these apps use encryption that have been broken a while ago.
There are MUCH better alternatives available. Please stop misinforming users with old and obsolete information, you are just putting out spam filling pages for seo purposes…….
Right on the spot Jan. Thank you for noticing these legacy solutions. Thanks for the article! There are some really useful tools listed here. It comprises a host of other features, including a password manager , cloud storage, and multilingual support.
CertainSafe is undoubtedly one of the best encryption software for Windows in It is a cloud-based, award-winning digital vault, designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses to maintain the confidentiality of corporate data. Whether you already have a small business online or are planning to launch your startup, it is extremely important to have an encryption program like CertainSafe to make sure that your digital assets remain safe from prying eyes.
But, want to keep your personal and sensitive information private? In order to protect your privacy , all you need is the best file encryption software for Windows CryptoExpert is one such renowned program that provides secure data vaults to ensure the maximum security of your data. One of the most popular options for file encryption tools for Windows is Folder Lock.
Developed by New Softwares, Folder Lock comes with a plethora of easy-to-use tools that let you protect your files, folders and drives with passwords, on-the-fly encryption, real-time data backup, and history cleaner, etc.
VeraCrypt is another one of the best encryption software for Windows that aims to keep your important files and folders secure against brute-force attacks. You also have the option to create virtual encrypted disks, encrypt a specific partition or entire external storage devices. The program is available for free for Windows, Mac, and Linux machines. It is an excellent disk encryption software which uses a NIST-certified bit AES cipher algorithm to prevent cybercriminals from stealing your sensitive data.
In the help can be exported AES source code. Stay informed about special deals, the latest products, events, and more from Microsoft Store. Available to United States residents. By clicking sign up, I agree that I would like information, tips, and offers about Microsoft Store and other Microsoft products and services.
Privacy Statement. AES Encryption Tools. See System Requirements. Available on PC Mobile device Hub. Description Used primarily for encrypting files. Show More. However, while the default is for only you to be able to access them, there is the option to share specific files and folders with other users. This is great because OneDrive works really well as a small business and personal cloud storage solution, so the ability to encrypt files is a great bonus.
Additionally, OneDrive is an excellent choice for anyone who is committed to using Microsoft's services, as it offers neat integration with Outlook. OneDrive also ties in nicely with Windows and there is a selection of reasonable mobile apps to facilitate access on the move. For instance, most employees have access to their company emails and other accounts on their smartphones, and they need to be protected.
Folder Lock is a good option when it comes to adding encryption to your mobile devices. The app can protect your personal files, photos, videos, contacts, wallet cards, notes and audio recordings stored in your handset. There are some other hidden security features, too. Not only is there encryption, but you can also set a decoy password, hacker deterrents, log unauthorized login attempts, back up all your passwords and get notified on potential brute-force attacks.
The basic app is free to download, with a pro version available for a one-time fee which opens up more advanced and useful security features.
The software has been designed specifically for individuals and small teams within businesses. It provides strong security, with files protected by either bit or bit AES encryption, which should thwart any intruders. There are also cloud storage capabilities thrown into the mix — the software will automatically protect files saved on services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. AxCrypt is fully multilingual, and it can work with languages such as Dutch, French, German, Italian, Korean, Spanish, Swedish, Russian and Portuguese — with more support planned for the future.
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