Top 5 Encryption Software

When you think of file encryption, you probably think of multinational drug cartels, terrorist organizations, and paranoid weirdos living in tiny one-bedroom apartments, shaking their fists at the federal government who’s always “watching them”—I know I do. Turns out there’s more to it than that.

Encryption software isn’t only for criminals and people on government watch lists—it actually has many legitimate applications suited to normal, socially well adjusted, law abiding citizens. So stay with me and we’ll cover the top 5 encryption software.

Folder Lock

Folder Lock is a complete file-security software application for Windows (XP through Windows 10). Along with encryption it allows for password protecting files, real-time backups, protecting portable drives, file and drive shredding, and history cleaning. Originally developed in 2002 by NewSoftwares.net, Folder Lock is encryption software with AES-256 military-grade encryption.

With Folder Lock, it’s all about lockers—digital ones, not stinky gym ones. You can make multiple lockers and move or copy files to them. These lockers are just folders that have been encrypted with almost no way to gain access to their contents other than entering the correct password. (So don’t forget your password, cause there’s no “forgot your password?” option here.)

They also offer a portable locker option in which the lockers can be transfer with a flash drive, burned to a CD, emailed, etc. These portable lockers still have the same high level of encryption.

Other features include locking files without encryption, and file shredding that renders deleted files unrecoverable by any means. So let’s give our first example of a benign reason to use encryption software—the aforementioned file shredding.

Suppose you’re using a shared computer and you just bought a present for someone who also uses said shared computer. You want to destroy all digital evidence of the present. Now, you think you’re pretty slick—you went into incognito mode and you shift deleted that PDF receipt so it won’t show up in the recycle bin. Done and DONE! Not so fast.

Did you know that deleted files are easily, and I mean easily recoverable? Well they are. A quick Google search will bring up pages of software available to recover deleted files. So if you’ve got a particularly clever snooping spouse, well that surprise could be as good as ruined. But, use the file shredding options and Sherlock himself would be stumped.

Folder lock is very popular, fast, and secure. You really can’t go wrong with this software.

Kruptos 2

Kruptos 2 is top-notch encryption software available for Windows, Mac, and Android, which also uses the same AES 256-bit key encryption. Along with the standard encryption and file shredding capabilities, it has some cool features like password protecting an entire USB device, and sending encrypted emails. Also, it integrates smoothly with Google Drive, DropBox, OneDrive and other cloud storage. It is easy to use and install, and has a nice user interface.

So, locking an entire flash drive. This sounds like our second good reason to use encryption software. Chances are reasonable that you’ve already lost a USB drive or two at some point. Do you remember everything on there? Didn’t think so. So why not keep it on lock down for a little peace of mind?

Kruptos is not freeware, but it is pretty reasonably priced. And honestly, in my mind security is an area where it pays to, well, pay. Kruptos 2 is a good value.

CryptoForge

Next up is CryptoForge. But before we get into details, let’s talk about reason #3: garden variety protection of passwords, account info, financial documents and the like. Sounds reasonable to me.

And you can certainly do that with this software. It’s easy to setup and use, with built-in shredding and file compression. Is supports encryption for large files—up to 16TB! One nice feature is their free Decrypter app. This means you can send encrypted files through email to anyone, who can then use the app to open them. Nice one.

Though CryptoForge isn’t as feature rich or as fast as some of its competitors, if you’re looking for something simple and easy to use, but still with the same high level of encryption and solid file shredding, it could be a great choice.

Cypherix SecureIT

Up until now I’ve mentioned a few times the ease of use, but Cypherix SecureIT is actually the easiest; the interface is designed to look like Windows Explorer so Windows users will instinctively know their way around. If you’re one of those people that used to think the CD tray on your PC was a cup holder, this is the one for you.

Cypherix has “file encryption, folder encryption, compression, and file shredding all rolled in one package.” According to their site their encrypted files are “statistically impregnable against brute force attacks. It would take more than the age of the universe for all the computers in the world working simultaneously to decipher a Secure IT encrypted file.” Is that like the monkeys with typewriters writing Shakespeare kind of thing? The mind reels.

SensiGuard

OK, rounding out our top 5 is SensiGuard. This one is… not as easy to use as the others, but still it’s not exactly difficult—just not quite as user friendly. It’s also a bit slower but it still uses the same high level 256-bit AES for maximum security. It has the standard file shredder, compressor, password management, and the license is reasonably priced. You can do all the basics, for example lock and encrypt photos and videos on your computer that you wouldn’t want anyone to accidentally stumble upon. Yes, those photos and videos.

So I guess my final reason for using file encryption software really needs no further explanation. With any of the choices above you can keep all your, ahem, private files safe and secure. Just don’t forget your password. No, serious, cause if you do, all the monkeys with all the typewriters in all the universe aren't gonna be able to help you.