File Encryption Tools

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Folder Shield can be used to hide any folder completely and securely. Your personal documents, private photographs etc. are invisible, and therefore no longer accessible, as soon as the relevant folders have been hidden with Folder Shield. Just specify all your confidential folders and activate Folder Shield s protection and they will be hidden from unauthorized access. As Folder Shield operates on a driver basis and does not modify or encrypt the data, even large quantities of data can be concealed quickly. Files held in the concealed folders cannot be manipulated or modified, nor can t they be deleted or even opened. This applies both to Windows Explorer and also to DOS dialog boxes, program dialogs, other file managers as well as viruses and Trojan horses.

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.

CryptoMite is a fast and very easy-to-use program which enables you to encrypt, decrypt, and wipe files and folders of any type. The program adds a context menu entry to all files, folders, and drives which lets you encode/decode/wipe them with right-click ease. CryptoMite supports building self-decrypting compressed exe-files, so you can send your encrypted files via email in a manner that allows the recipient to decrypt the files without having installed the program. All that is needed is the password used for the encryption; the decrypting and decompressing engine is encapsulated inside the archive. Encrypted files can be automatically emailed, using your regular email program or the built in SMTP mailer. Additional features include support for skinned (encrypted) archives and a secure file shredder.

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.

Steganos Security Suite combines the powerful techniques of cryptography and steganography in order to reach a maximum of security. The program uses 256-bit AES encryption. The complete set of security tools includes file encryption and hiding, e-mail encryption, password manager and generator. The included Steganos Safe allows you to automatically protect a complete drive. Additional features include file shredder, internet trace removal,anti-theft protection and more.

StorageCrypt allows you to encrypt and password protect fixed and removable drives, including USB drives, Memory Sticks, Flash cards, PCMCIA drives and more. It uses 128 bit AES encryption for maximum security and does not store the password on the removable device. Once encrypted, the removable drive will produce an error message and cannot be opened it it is used on any other computer (unless it has StorageCrypt installed). The user will not know that the drive is protected, as it appears to be simply damaged. This approach has the advantage of being more secure, however it limits the portability of the data somewhat. The software can be used on an unlimited number of drives.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hide any files and have them automatically encrypted! Masker is able to hide your sensitive data in other files (carrier files), which are absolute discrete and look like regular files - without a sign that they in fact contain addtional data. Of course these files will also act just like regular files, which means you can still view the picture, the movie or read the document that contains the didden files (you just can t edit it). For additional protection, the inserted file is encrypted using one of four highly secure encryption algorithms: CAST 128-bit, BLOWFISH, RIJNDAEL 256-bit or TWOFISH. As carrierfile you can use: image files (bmp, gif, jpg, tif); audio files (wav, mid, snd, mp3); program files (exe, dll, ocx) and video files (avi, mov, mpg, asf). If you ever forget which file you used to hide your data in, the program offers a scanning feature that can find it for you.

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.

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.

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.

WinDefender provides automatic ("on-the-fly") strong encryption of files in selected folders. The encryption is "transparent" for Windows - there will be no difference, from standpoints of use, whether you work with the usual file or with enciphered while. WinDefender is active. Ciphering is based on a password and nobody will be able to view files in protected folders without WinDefender running and unlocked. Additional features include the option to set folder protection such as a rights on delete, create, write and open files and folders inside, or search files/folders inside folder.

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.

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.

Folder Crypto Password is an easy to use encryption tool that allows you to password protect selected folders, preventing others from accessing your files. Simply selected the folder, click the Protect button, and specify a password - the folder will then be encrypted and compiled into a .fpp file. In addition, you can also create self-extracting and self-decrypting archives from your folder, allowing you to send the content by email or other means. While the program can convert folders into protected archives, it does not provide an option to encrypt single files. Folder Crypto Password supports 10 encryption algorithms to choose from, including Blowfish and DES.

Protect Folder 98 lets you lock your files and folders with your personal password. The program uses advanced encryption algorithm approved by the US Government to protect your sensitive data from unauthorized access, malicious programs, accidental damage and intentional harm. You can simply drag and drop your file or folder and the rest is done automatically.

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.

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.

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.

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.