Best Free File Encryption Utility
Encryption is the process of coding your files so that unauthorized parties cannot read them It's normally used to protect highly sensitive documents, but it's equally useful to stop people from looking at your personal stuff.
My personal favorite is an Open Source program called AxCrypt. It provides secure AES-128 encryption using passwords or key-files, which AxCrypt can generate. Usage is wonderfully simple; to encrypt a file or folder, just right-click it and select "encrypt." Double clicking on an encrypted file lets you edit or view it with the program of your choice. Closing an open file automatically re-encrypts the file.
dsCrypt is another option. Here's what the website says: "dsCrypt is AES/Rijndael file encryption software with simple, multi-file, drag-and-drop operations. It features optimal implementation, performance and safety measures. dsCrypt uses an advanced encryption algorithm and offers unique options for enhanced security."
To that I'll add that it's tiny, easy to use, has open code, employs proven techniques that are essentially unbreakable and comes from a highly reputable source.
You can use another Open Source Program called TrueCrypt for file encryption, but its a more complex program and is better suited to encrypting a lot of files, folder and drives.
Product Details
Website: http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/
Download link: http://www.axantum.com/axcrypt/
Author: Axantium Software Ltd.
Current version: 1.6.3
Version date: July 2007
Download File size: 1.10MB
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 98-Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit version available: (beta only)
Portable version available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
dsCrypt
Website: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/ (scroll down the page)
Download link: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/
Author: nulifetv
Current version: 1.100
Version date: 2006
Download File size: 25KB
License: Freeware
Operating systems supported: Windows 98-Vista
Additional Software Required: None
64 Bit version available: No
Portable version available: No
Non-English languages supported: None
- Best Free Drive Encryption Utility
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- Encryption is Not Enough
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor Snork.
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Today I launched my unbreakable file cipher software, its strength depends on password secrecy. Its FREEWARE, you can get it at www.ak0n.tk
FREEWARE Rocks!!!
hey ihave glary utilitys and it comes with an encryptor, it doesn't have many options, just wondering how tamper proof it is.
AxCrypt is full of bugs - at least on Vista - crashes frequently and corrupts files regularly that cannot be recovered. Also beware of free encryption programs like this that seem to have ceased undergoing regular development and bug fixes. Last update to AxCrypt was back in '07. Not enough development to ensure security of valuable files.
I can't speak of Vista compatibility because I use XP, but the last update to AxCrypt (version 1.6.4.4) was released on May 15, 2008.
hi,
i wish an expert person evaluate these softwares : 1)SiFEU v.0.9 , 2)blowfish advanced cs . though these are old programs , sofar blowfish is uncracked .
also look at kruptos v. 3.0.0.28 in : http://www.kruptos2.co.uk/
thanks . adam
TrueCrypt6 also supports FDE (Full Disk Encryption), allowing you to encrypt your C: drive in total. No more worries about who has access to your data if you should loose your laptop!
I'd also suggest Pismo File Mount Audit Package for the list
It si great free ZIP / CFC / CD/DVD IMAGE "mounter" - free for personal and business use, small, and easy to use!
Its aditional great feature is "PRIVATE FOLDERS" - you can create a password protected/encrypted/compressed ".PFO" file.
If you "mount" it with password, your have a normal folder, but if you unmount it it is just a file! Nobody can see
what's in it without a password.
http://www.pismotechnic.com/pfm/ap/
after reviewing several i'd endorse this, Pismo does seem the most suited to my needs.
A good pros/cons review of these apps would be good based on requirements e.g. one file?, a million files?, portability?, documentation?, ease of use?, recovery?, etc.
Dear readers,
I would suggest "Bowfish"; try it!
Gcu212
I like MicroSoft's My Private Folder.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/Microsoft-Private-Folder....
Why didn't MS market it? No back door.
I like that TrueCrypt allows you to create an "encrypted volume" and name this empty space anything with any extension you want, and can even nest thes e files. You can size them as you see fit, several k to several gig. Mount 'em like a drive....
I keep a few with rar style extensions (.part01, part02 etc)
Hi
I think Kruptos and BCArchive are also good options and I agree with a previous poster about Androsa FileProtector being a good app.
Thanks
Truecrypt features full compatibility with 32bit and 64bit Vista since Version 4.3 as far as I know.
And as is usual with Truecrypt, it is 3 days later and version 6.0a with a few bug fixes is out!
Hi
Truecrypt 6 is out!
A curiosity of mine is "why a program?" right click the folder in question, properties, advanced, and click encrypt. When leaving a computer, simply export the certificate and private key to a flash drive with the password of your choosing (for example, it is in tools, internet options, content, certificate. You can then import it to access the encrypted files when you need to. A home computer will not have to export, you will see it in green to know it is encrypted. when going on vacation, you export it and delete it from internet options. I believe you can do both the certificate or just the private key. Just a thought. Works with xp pro, not sure of vista
MP
A small secret, In the process of exporting your key, you can place a checkmark to delete private key once successful to your flash drive or other removeable media. Once done, import it back in again with the option to type the password in when accessing the folder, with another option to make the private key exportable again. :) Play with it on a dummy folder with a word document inside.
I tried TrueCrypt, but when I uninstalled it, it left a an unusable block (section) on my hard drive. That section now always shows up as an undefragmentable section when I defragment my hard drive. I followed the correct procedure when I uninstalled the program, using the Control Panel's "Add or Remove Programs."
Anon, I haven't been using TrueCrypt for long, but it sounds like you created a container as a FILE. This encrypted file can be copied, moved, deleted/overwritten like any other file.
So, once you uninstalled TrueCrypt, the encrypted file remains. This file simply needs to be deleted like any other file (right-click and delete; or, drag to recycle bin), or overwritten with a program like CCleaner, Eraser, Cybershredder, etc.
Xavier D
xavier@techsupportalert.com
Hmm, interesting. May I suggest you email the truecrypt people and ask what is going on. I have never heard of it before.
An nice file encryption utility that I've been using for a while is Androsa FileProtector (http://www.androsasoft.net/). Amongst good encryption algorythms ( AES - 256 bit / 192 bit / 128 bit, TripleDES 192 bit, DES 64 bit), you can also encrypt a file as a self-decrypting .exe. And you can install it as a portable app as well. Check it out!
~FB
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