File Encryption Tools

CryptoExpert 2008 Professional uses an on-the-fly encryption system to encrypt your files and keeps the data hidden in virtual drives. When you start the application and enter the password, it will mount the drives into Windows Explorer and you can access the content as if they were normal files; they are encrypted/decrypted automatically as they are requested by other applications. Any new data that is added to the virtual drive is automatically encrypted and stored securely; this way, encrypting new files is as easy as moving them to the protected drive(s). When the volume is unmounted, the files stay encrypted and and nobody can access your data without the proper password (this can be done via hotkey). In fact, once unmounted, the virtual drives are no longer available or visible from Windows Explorer. The program is easy to use and offers a step-by-step wizard to create new volumes (containers) and a file manager to copy or move files into them. Additional features include secure file wiping, auto-dismount on inactivity, commandline support and more. CryptoExpert supports Blowfish, DES, Cast and 3DES encryption standards.

AutoKrypt is a Java based encryption software, that can automatically encrypt and decrypt files and folders. It supports password based, secret key, public and private key, OpenPGP password, OpenPGP private and public key encryption, and includes key generators, and a key store to manage keys. You can use the software to perform automated task, using the built-in scheduler and also run tasks in sequence or conditionally depending on exit codes. Additional features include email notifications on task failure, zip file viewer, extensive logging, remote task control and more. AutoKrypt is useful for those that have very specific needs for automated encryption/decryption, however we found the interface to be lacking much of the conveniences of native Windows applications, and overall more complicated and less flexibility than other encryption tools.

Master Voyager enables you to create password protected (virtual) partitions on CDs/DVDs and USB drives. The partition can automatically be opened once the CD/DVD is inserted and the proper password is entered. The protected media does not install any software to the target computer. You can create one or more protected partitions from the application interface and then simply drag and drop files into them. Master Voyager uses 256-bit AES encryption and comes with built-in CD and DVD burning.

File Encryption XP allows you to encrypt selected files, using the Blowfish algorithm. The password for the encrypted file is not stored within the container, which makes it virtually impossible to crack the protection. In addition to the proprietary .fex format, you can also create self-decrypting EXE files, which can be decrypted by the recipient without the need to install any software - as long as he/she has the proper password for the file. The program also includes a secure file wiping option, that allows you to delete files and folders beyond any means of recovery. File Encryption XP can also install itself on a removable device, and allows you to encrypt files anywhere by simply inserting the device (USP stick, memory card etc.) into a Windows computer.

Advanced Encryption Package Professional is an encryption program that includes 17 strong encryption algorithms (Rijndael, TWOFISH, BLOWISH, CAST, MARS, TEA, etc), as well as a secure file shredder to wipe the contents of your original files. It can create self-decrypting archives, send encrypted email attachments and offers support for .zip archives as well. Additional features include command line options and Windows Explorer integration.

PenProtect enables you to protect the files your USB pen drives with 256-bit AES encryption. The program encrypts your files and also scrambles the folder and file names for additional privacy. To unlock your files, you need to run the PenProtect program (from the pen drive) and enter the proper password, which will restore your files to normal. You can choose to encrypt the entire drive or only selected files and folders. PenProtect comes as a single executable that is copied directly to your USB drive and run from there, no installation is needed.

nokVAULT File Encryption enables you to encrypt, shred and securely hide your sensitive files. You can choose between two encryption algorithm (AES and Blowfish) to encrypt your files, and optionally store them in a secure vault that completely hides them from other users. Other features include Windows Explorer integration and secure file shredding.

Encrypts files and produces self-extracting executable, which can be sent safely over the Internet. No crypto software needs to be installed on the receiving side. Silver Key supports Windows drag-and-drop and can compress data before encryption. An integrated file shredder included.

Folder Castle allows you to hide and password protect selected files and/or folders with optional 256-bit AES encryption. Other users will not be able to even see the files or folders that you have protected, unless you choose to unhide them. The hidden files and folders will remain in their original location (albeit invisible) on your drive, which allows for quick hiding without the need to move files. You can view and manage all hidden objects from the Folder Castle control panel or the optional Windows Explorer toolbar. As an alternative to hiding files, the program also offers a secure storage option that lets you store and encrypt files and folder in a designated container on your hard drive or removable drive. Other features include Unicode support, stealth mode and Windows Safe Mode support.

Folder Lock is an easy to use tool to create a password protected folder, that you can use to store all your sensitive files and documents. The folder is completely hidden while it is locked, and the files and folders contained in the Locker are inaccessible from Windows Explorer or even DOS mode. The program is very easy to use, it offers a simplistic interface that lets you unlock/lock and open the protected folder, and then simply drag new files into the Locker. Folder Lock offers 3 different protection methods (lock, scramble and 256-bit Blowfish encryption). You don`t have to keep Folder Lock running all the time in order to keep your files protected, just launch it when you need to gain access to your protected area or want to add new files. The program is completely self-contained and can also be used to protect removable drives (e.g USB drives) and transfer data securely from one location to another without the need to install any software. Additional features include file shredding, stealth mode, hack attempt monitoring and more.

Kryptel is reliable and easy-to-use software, protecting your private data with strong cryptographic algorithms. With Kryptel, your files are safe from any unwanted access - and you can do it with a single mouse click from within Windows Explorer. The program offers efficient data compression using ZIP or BZIP methods, enhanced password dialogs, support for binary keys as well as command line support and advanced operations. Kryptel supports strong ciphers, such as AES, Triple-DES, Blowfish, Twofish, Serpent, and IDEA and also includes a DoD-compliant (specification 5220.22-M) file shredder.

BestCrypt allows you to allocate a portion (container) of free space on your drive where you can keep your sensitive data in encrypted form. It creates a virtual drive that can be used from Window Explorer just like any other drive. You can move files into the drive, work with files or documents from the drive etc. As soon as you dismount the drive(s) though your data will be protected using strong encryption algorithms, including Blowfish, GOST, and DES. Additional features include automatic dismount after timeout, secure file wiping and more.

P-Encrypt Secure Drive enables you to create virtual encrypted drives that can hold all your sensitive files and folders and become invisible once they are locked. You only need to unlock the selected drives once, and can then access the files normally from any program, without having to encrypt or decrypt them. Once you lock the drives, which can be done by hotkey or inactivity timeout, the files become invisible and inaccessible. P-Encrypt Secure Drive offers a choice of encryption algorithms including AES, Blowfish and others, as well as a drive firewall that can further restrict access to the files to certain applications. Other features include variable drive sizes, stealth image mode, support for removable drives and more.

Docsvault Professional is a document management software that enables you to store all your important documents in a central repository, organize them into cabinets and folders, track changes via audit trails and version history, burn selected documents to CD/DVD and more. You can import paper documents directly from your scanner and automatically convert the scanned document to PDF, TIFF or other digital formats. Other features include a built-in task manager with reminders and linked documents, integrated document search engine, backup/restore, tabbed interface and automatic file versioning. Docsvault Professional also comes with a PDF printer driver that allows you to convert any document to PDF via the standard print command.

Cryptainer PE enables you to create a secure container on your PC, using powerful 256/448 bit strong encryption - without changing the way you work. The software creates new virtual drive letter(s), and all files that are added to this drive are encrypted on-the-fly. You can also create a secure storage container on any media including external and removable drives (e.g. USB drives, CD etc). The drive letter is accessible through Windows Explorer just like any other drive - as long as you are logged into the Cryptainer PE interface. If the program is terminated, the files in the secure drive are no longer accessible to other users - you can access them at any time by logging in with your password. Using this method, you can automatically keep a secure area, that can only be accessed by you, without having to encrypt individual files manually - just login once. In addition, Cryptainer PE allows you to send files with encrypted email messages, using self-decrypting EXE attachments that do not require any software to be installed by the recipient.

Encrypt Easy is a secure file encryption program that offers a choice of 67(!) encryption algorithms, including AES, 448-bit Blowfish, Hash, Des, Triple Des and many others. It offers a plain and simple interface and integrates with Windows Explorer, for convenient right-click access to encrypt/decrypt file. You can also create self-extracting archives with one or more encrypted files that can be sent by email and opened by other users, as long as they have the proper password (no software install needed). Encrypt Easy can encrypt and package entire folders or individual files. It offers additional data compression as well as a secure file deletion feature.

FineCrypt allows you to create encrypted self-extracting archives which can be decrypted without having to use the program. It lets you encrypt files, directories and entire directory trees using a password or a key. You can select any from 10 strong encryption algorithms, including MARS, RC-6, Rijndael(AES), Serpent, Twofish and others as well as 4 encryption modes (ECB, CBC, CFB, OFB). The program includes a key manager to organize your pass keys, the ability to display file statistics, a permanent file wiping function, and integration with the Windows shell allowing you quick access from the Windows Explorer. It can also test your encrypted files to make sure that they are safe.

Secure IT is an easy to use file encryption program that protects all your files and folders using 448bit strong Blowfish encryption or AES encryption. You can encrypt any type of file (documents, movies, pictures etc.) and also create self-decrypting EXE files that can be sent as email attachment and the recipient does not need to install any software in order to decrypt it. Secure IT also includes a secure file shredder that lets you delete files beyond recovery. The program is easy to use and offers step-by-step wizards to encrypt and decrypt your files.

P-Encryption Suite enables you to store your private documents and files in an encrypted archive that can only be accessed with the proper password. As an added level of security, the program offers a stealth encryption option that allows you to disguise the archive as audio, image, PDF or other file type. The program supports AES, Blowfish, Twofish and 3DES encryption with optional binary key protection which eliminates the chance of password cracking. Additional features include a built-in file shredder, CD/DVD encryption, Zip archive support, a scripting engine and more.

HandyCrypto (formerly Encrypted Briefcase Personal) allows you to hide folders and encrypt files with on-the-fly AES encryption. You can create one or more encrypted folders and move your sensitive files into the specified folder and they will be decrypted/decrypted in real-time. You can work with the files as usual, and when you`re done, lock the briefcase, which will store the files securely and also hide the entire folder from view.

Genie Eyes-Only enables you to encrypt and/or hide your personal files and folders to prevent unauthorized access. You can choose to securely wipe the original files and only keep the encrypted versions, or completely hide folders and files from view, so that they are only accessible from the password protected manager interface. Other features include Windows Explorer integration, master password and secure file deletion. The program uses the AES encryption algorithm.

DriveCrypt enables you to create secure storage areas on your PC, Notebook or removable USB drive. The containers will act as virtual drives and can be accessed like any other drive letter. DriveCrypt transparently encrypts and decrypts files within the secure containers whenever you access them - once unmounted the drive(s) will become invisible. Other features include steganographic hiding of files, fast hotkey control, automatic locking, password sniffing protection and more. In addition to encrypted containers or virtual drives, DriveCrypt can also encrypt entire hard drive partitions, however this feature is disabled in the trial version. The program secures your data with industry standard encryption methods, including 1344-bit Military Strength Encryption.

Take-Away USB Flashdisk Encryption offers self-contained Blowfish encryption for USB thumbdrives or other removable media, including Flash disks, Floppies, RW-CD and more. All you need to do is copy the program to the media, and run the wizard to encrypt all or selected files. If your removable drive is lost or stolen, the encrypted files are unusable without the correct password. The files can be decrypted on any Windows 2000/XP computer without having to install any software.

Invisible Secrets is a security tool that can encrypt your data and files for safe keeping or for secure transfer across the internet. It can also hides them inside other files, that appear totally innocent, such as picture or sound files or web pages. These types of files are a perfect disguise for sensitive information since would realize that your important papers or letters are stored in your last holiday pictures, or that you use your personal web page to exchange messages or secret documents. Invisible Secrets allows you to encrypt and hide files directly from Windows Explorer, and then automatically transfer them by e-mail or via the Internet. The program features strong encryption algorithms and a wizard that guides you through all the necessary steps needed to protect your data. Additional features include a secure password manager, a file shredder, a file locker, and option to clean your Internet tracks including cache, cookies and more.

CD-Lock allows you to encrypt portable data on CDs, DVDs, USB drives and other removable media. It securely encrypts the files, using Blowfish, and can optionally scramble the original file names as well. What makes CD-Lock unique, is that it can transparently decrypt the files on the CD, after the password is entered. It does NOT require you to copy files, then decrypt them - instead just asks for the password and displays the files. The files are automatically locked again when the CD (or other media) is removed. CD-Lock works with regular CD-Rs and does not require to use CD-RWs. CD-Lock disks can be distributed to anyone and will work on any computer running Windows 2000 or XP. (Win 98/ME users can decrypt the files on the CD, but it won`t be done automatically). The user only needs the password, and does not have to install CD-Lock. The program is also very useful to protect data on a portable USB Thumbdrive or similar devices. Even though CD-Lock prevents viewing of your data, it does not prevent access to the CD or media.

BladeBox eXtreme enables you to create virtual, AES encrypted drive volumes that can be used to store your sensitive files. These virtual drives can be accessed just like any other drive, however once they are unmounted, the drives and their content are hidden and no longer accessible without the proper password. Even while a virtual drive is mounted, the data is encrypted on-the-fly, making sure that your files are always protected. BladeBox eXtreme allows you to create drives with fixed sizes, or dynamically adjusting size. It also includes a unique `Honeypot` feature that allows you to specify a secondary password that, if used, will open decoy volume (with other files) instead of the real volume containing your sensitive material. The program also includes application level access restrictions that allow you to limit which programs can access files on a protected volume. Other features include auto-locking, hotkey mounting/unmounting and more.

CryptaFlix allows you to encrypt your AVI files and compile them into a standalone EXE version with built-in video player, that requires a password before the movie can be viewed. You can also apply encryption without using the EXE option, in which case it creates a local .cfx file that requires a password when opened. The program supports AVI and other AVI based formats including DiVx (not MPG) and uses strong the 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES). On-the-fly decryption during playback eliminates the need for temporary files. CryptaFlix comes with movie organizer that shows your movies and optionally displays a thumbnail (extracted from a frame of your choice) for each. Additional features include secure deletion of movies, built-in player, favorites manager and more.

DigiSecret is an easy-to-use, secure, and powerful application for file encryption and sharing. It utilizes strong and time-proven encryption algorithms for creating encrypted archives and self-extracting EXE files. The program Blowfish,Twofish,CAST and Rijnadel algorithms and also includes powerful and intelligent file compression without need for .zip files. DigiSecrets also includes a file shredder with 4 different levels of security. A unique features, is the included support for file sharing, which allows you to connect to other DigiSecret users via IP address and securely exchange files and information.

Uconomix Encryption Engine is a file encryption software that allows you to encrypt selected files and folders, using AES 512 bit encryption. You can choose to optionally delete the original files (and only keep the encrypted packages) and batch-encrypt multiple files and folders. The program also integrates into the Windows right-click menu for convenient access to encryption and decryption features. The encrypted files are saved with an .UEE extension to the same folder as the original - they can only be opened if the Uconomix Encryption Engine software is installed.

SecureExplore enables you to encrypt and decrypt files and/or entire directories from the Windows right-click menu. The program uses a 128-bit secret key algorithm, and allows you to export and distribute personal certificates to authorized users. Easy to use, but very basic features.