With the constantly increasing of modern people’s awareness of privacy protection, data/file encryption has become an indispensable part of our lives. Especially for some large companies and high-ranking workers in the office, looking for a good and practical file encryption software for computer is not so easy because the file encryption software market is flooded with innumerable similar encryption products from which you can hardly determine which to use.
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VeraCrypt is a free open source Encryption software that is supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux. VeraCrypt is developed by IDRIX. Using VeraCrypt you can Encrypt an entire partition or storage device, it can be a hard drive partition or USB flash drive. It uses hardware acceleration to speed up the process 4-8 times faster. Mac computers that have the Apple T2 Security Chip integrate security into both software and hardware to provide encrypted-storage capabilities.Data on the built-in, solid-state drive (SSD) is encrypted using a hardware-accelerated AES engine built into the T2 chip.
Moreover, for the safety of vital files, they usually require a higher level of security for encryption, and the required file encryption software is mainly for business, not the general personal using. But don’t worry for we have sorted out the top 12 best file encryption software for you in this article, which can save your time and energy of finding out the most suitable file encryption software for Windows and Mac computer. The following is a general introduction and review on these 12 free file encryption software.
1. Gihosoft File Encryption (Windows)
Gihosoft File Encryption is one of the best file encryption software for PC. With which you can lock files and folder, create virtual disk to password protect files, make dummy files to confuse others, upload files to cloud. As a practical file encryption software for Windows, it mainly adopts the password to protect your vital or sensitive data/files, so only those who know the correct master password can open this program to access relevant data/files.
With a clean and intuitive graphic user interface, this program can let you conveniently find the function you need exactly, making it easy for you to get started! It both supports folder encryption and multiple file type encryption, such as the Excel file, picture file, Word file, etc. Besides, you can also create a virtual disk in which you can put files/folders to achieve file/folder encryption as well. It’s worth mentioning that you can download this file encryption software to try before purchase.
2. VeraCrypt (Windows/OS X/Linux)
VeraCrypt is another practical file encryption software which is free for users to download on Windows, OS X, and Linux. VeraCrypt is the branch and successor of TrueCrypt. It usually uses AES to encrypt files, in addition to TwoFish and Serpent. Apart from the encryption for individual folders of files, VeraCrypt can also create a virtual encrypted disk in a file, or use a pre-boot authentication to encrypt the partition or (in Windows) the entire storage device.
Those who love VeraCrypt praise it as an instant encryption tool because your files are only decrypted when needed and are encrypted at all other time. At the same time, many people say that even if it lacks a good-looking interface, it is still a powerful tool that is easy to use. You also noticed that VeraCrypt may not support TrueCrypt files and containers, but can convert them to its own format. Its development team is constantly working hard to improve the user experience, making it more functional.
3. 7-Zip (Windows/OS X/Linux)
7-Zip is a free file archiving program that is used to place files in a compressed container called “archive”. But in addition to that, it is still a good file encryption software for computer. It is mainly compatible with Windows, OS X, and Linux systems. It is worth noting that the official download of this file encryption software only supports Windows systems, but there are also unofficial versions supporting Linux and OS X systems.
7-Zip can convert a single file or an entire volume into an encrypted volume that only has the key you own. This program is completely free, even for commercial use, and it also supports 256-bit AES encryption. In addition to the security key, the single file can also be encrypted with a password and converted to an executable file that will be self-decrypted when it reaches the intended recipient.
4. AxCrypt (Windows)
AxCrypt is also an excellent free file encryption software for Windows 10/8/7 we strongly recommend for you. As a free, open source, and GNU GPL licensed encryption software, it is proud of its simplicity, efficiency, and ease of use. It integrates well with the Windows shell, so you can right-click on the file to encrypt it.
The best part is that it provides “timed” executable encryption to automatically decrypt the file after a certain period of time, or to automatically decrypt it when its intended recipient receives it. Files encrypted with AxCrypt can be decrypted as needed or kept decrypted while in use and then automatically re-encrypted when modified or closed. AxCrypt runs very fast, although you can choose to encrypt the entire folder or a large set of files.
5. BitLocker (Windows)
As we all know, BitLocker is a complete volume encryption tool which is built into Windows systems, and it supports all Windows versions starting with Windows Vista. In other words, it achieves data protection primarily by providing encryption for the entire volume. By default, it uses the AES encryption algorithm in the Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) or the XTS mode with a 128-bit or 256-bit key.
It provides users with a variety of authentication mechanisms, and the common ones of them are the traditional password and USB “key”. In addition to these two mechanisms, the controversial Trusted Platform Module (TPM) technology (using hardware to integrate keys into devices) is also used. Either way, the integration of BitLocker with Windows (especially Windows 8 Pro) makes BitLocker accessible to many people. At the same time, BitLocker is a viable disk encryption tool, especially for individual users who need to protect data when a laptop or hard drive is lost or stolen, in case their data is maliciously compromised.
6. LastPass
LastPass is probably the most important choice as the best password manager tool for users. All the incredible features which this password manager tool offers are beneficial and handy for the users. The best part of using this password manager tool is that it is safe and secure than most of the other password manager tools available for the users. The latest encryption technology used in this password manager tool is pretty much capable of delivering high-end results to the users as their saved passwords will never get exposed or hacked suspiciously by the users. The easy to use and intuitive interface of this password manager tool is another very bad thing for the users, which attracts them the most. There is also a user-manual guide available for the users which they can read to set up as secure and safe password onto their accounts and other related websites. The two-factor authentication system available in this password manager tool is another considerable advantage for the users, which will add an extra layer of security in their accounts. Moreover, users can save or store different passwords for the multiple accounts present in their devices.
The advanced and optimized techniques of this password manager tool are probably the best part of it. When the features are optimized, then you will experience high-quality security features. The mobile application of LastPass is available for both Android and iOS users. Furthermore, users can also use the extension of the LastPass password manager tool in their main web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc. So, LastPass is an excellent choice for users with a lot of optimized features.
7. FileVault2
This password manager tool is designed and developed for macOS and Mac Hardware. FileVault2 software tool is an excellent choice for users who want to block every single unauthorized access into their private accounts. This password manager tool will not only manage your passwords but also it will provide you the security and privacy protection as well. FileVault2 password manager tool is developed with secured AES-128 encryption along with a crucial 256-bit algorithm to secure the passwords which have been saved by the users in their Mac devices. This password manager tool is an open-source software tool that can be used by any Mac user. However, this software also comes in a paid version, which will unlock premium security features to manage the passwords saved in the devices. The overall graphic user-interface of this software is also developed pretty much enhanced by its developers to make it more attractive than other software tools. There is no single chance for hackers to penetrate the security breaches set up by this password manager tool. All the passwords which have been saved in this software tool are entirely safe and secured. There is nothing to worry about when you have used FileVault2 encryption software on your device to secure your passwords and other confidential data.
8. DiskCryptor
Yet another very excellent choice for the users as a free, open-source, and encryption software. As the name of this software itself suggest that this software can be used to encrypt or secure the data present in the internal or external hard disks of your PC. Even the system partitions and ISO images can be encrypted using this brilliant software whose name is DiskCryptor. The easy to use interface of this software is awesome, which will let you operate this software hassle-free. DiskCryptor is a full disk encryption tool that is now made as a partial disk encryption tool. There are multiple encryption techniques or algorithms that are working behind the functionality of this software like AES encryption, Twofish encryption, and many more secure encryption techniques as well. All you need to do is click on the “Encrypt data” option available inside this software and select the parts of the disk which you want to encrypt. After selecting the files, proceed to further guidelines to accomplish your task of encryption. As we already mentioned, DiskCryptor is very easy to use for every user, and encrypted data is safe and secured with this software. Users are not required to register themselves on this software as it doesn’t require any registration process to be done for the setup. Just launch this software on your PC, followed by a selection of files to encrypt them will do the job for you. We highly recommend this software to our users as DiskCryptor is very easy to use, and the interface of this software is incredibly well developed.
9.HTTPS Everywhere
HTTPS Everywhere is a web browser which is particularly developed for the users who want to experience secured surfing on the web. Because data privacy is still the most critical concern among the users, hence HTTPS Everywhere browser becomes a good option to surf safely on the internet. The HTTPS Everywhere can be used in your system with other web browsers like Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc. as well. The encryption technology used by this web browser is pretty much optimized and latest, which will make sure that your private data will not get hacked in any case.
Because most of the bank frauds and other financial frauds are done online, that’s why there is an urgent need for software that can protect the users from online fraud. And HTTPS Everywhere software is doing the same job for the users. This encryption software is pretty much secured, and there are no chances that anyone can steal any single bit of data from your systems. So, we would suggest our users install this browser on their PC for a safe and secure internet surfing.
10. Tor Browser
Tor Browser is yet another perfect kind of web browser which is developed to secure the traces of your online activities. This browser will secure all your online activities from prying eyes of hackers and other wrongdoers. The most important thing related to this software is that Tor browser will never let the hackers steal the IP address of your PC. The tor browser will always mask your identity in front of all users and will never let your privacy to be exposed. The latest version of Tor Browser 0.4.0.4 comes with several bugs fixes which makes it more convenient and relevant for the users. The latest and newly optimized alpha version of the tor browser is going to release very soon, which will offer so many newly optimized features to the users.
11.CyberGhost
Basically, CyberGhost is not typical encryption software. CyberGhost is a VPN that users can use to connect to different networks and can make sure that their private data will remain confidential. VPN connections are the most secured connections available on the web, which are pretty much efficient as well. And one name in the segment of popular VPN connections is CyberGhost, which is an outstanding choice for the users. CyberGhost is developed with the latest encryption algorithms by the developers who can protect your online identity and data from suspicious activities. CyberGhost provides the feature of connecting to more than 100 different web servers of more than 50 plus countries. As browsing in private mode will secure your privacy concerns, that’s why CyberGhost becomes an excellent choice for every user. CyberGhost has recently won the “Best Value” category award of top VPN awards 2019.
CyberGhost VPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to the users. Furthermore, CyberGhost works very well with almost every OS like Windows, iOS, Mac OS, and Android OS as well. The basis user-manual guide available on this software is also beneficial for the users who are using a VPN connection for the very first time. That manual will guide them on how to use a VPN and how to switch the server connections instantly. That’s why to secure and encrypt all your digital assets in the most efficient manner; there will be no other choice better than CyberGhost VPN.
12. ExpressVPN
Another trendy name in this section of top VPN companies is ExpressVPN, and this undoubtedly one of the most incredible options which we have ever seen. The latest 256-bit AES encryption technology algorithm is used in this VPN connection, which is having on the most advanced privacy protection features. Express VPN also offers almost the same kind of functions as provided by CyberGhost VPN. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to its users, which is probably one of the best features of this software. You can easily connect your PC to the servers of almost 148+ locations of 90 different countries, which is an incredible feature. Talking about the compatibility of ExpressVPN, then it is pretty much compatible with Windows, Android, iOS, and Mac OS as well. That’s why ExpressVPN has a huge fan following, and there can be no option better than this VPN company. The graphic user-interface of this VPN is also a great thing about it. Moreover, ExpressVPN is very simple and easy to install and use. The overall setup is also very convenient and reliable to use. So, ExpressVPN should be your backup choice because most of the VPN like CyberGhost is recently launched, and they frequently go out from working. So, in that case, ExpressVPN should have to do the job for you.
Applying these security measures to enhance your online safety
In this part of the article, we will now discuss some basic set of different security layers. There are many things which should be kept in mind while setting up multiple layers of security, such as:
- Using Antivirus software: If we use antivirus software on our PC, then it will provide an extra layer of protection from hackers. Additionally, antivirus software will also offer some different functions to use as well. However, you have to spend some additional money to purchase premium Antivirus software. Antivirus software will make sure that you are getting all-around protection for all your digital assets.
- Keeping both browser and OS up to date: Another very crucial thing which we should keep in our mind while setting up multiple layers of security is that we should keep both the OS and the web browser of our system updated.
- Be careful while connecting to Public networks: It is a well-known fact that the majority of the privacy threat is given by the public networks which aim to steal the confidential data of the users.
Conclusion:
Those listed above are the top 12 best file encryption software that we have carefully selected for you from a wide range of similar products. We hope that you will consider them practical, and you can share these 12 best free file encryption software with your friends and family members who may be in need now. If you need help, you can leave your message in our comment section below!
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Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.The data on your Mac, which is important, can be vulnerable to prying eyes or malicious hackers, etc. Luckily, encryption software is here to help. Encryption is a good way to protect your data. This article will talk about the best encryption software for Mac to protect your apps, emails, disks, folders, files and other important or sensitive data. There’s even free Mac encryption software, which will also be covered in the article.
Why do we encrypt?
You may keep sensitive information, personal or work related, on your Mac, such as personal photos, critical bank information or business documents etc., which if leaked or stolen, could potentially lead to fraud, blackmail, identity theft or other threats. Encryption makes your information inaccessible or unreadable by an unauthorized third party. That’s why Mac encryption apps can be helpful if not necessary.
8 best encryption software for Mac 2021
#1 Cisdem AppCrypt — the best app encryption software for Mac
Cisdem AppCrypt for Mac is the best encryption software when it comes to keeping apps safe from others, due to its high ease of use and effectiveness. You may want to encrypt certain apps (e.g. Photos) when others can access your Mac so as to protect privacy.
AppCrypt helps you easily and safely lock apps without modification on any system or application files. You just need to set a strong password to protect your apps from unapproved access and usage. If someone tries to open an encrypted app and enters a wrong password, the software will record the failed attempt with date and time and take a photo of the intruder. In addition to encrypting apps, it can also stop unauthorized access to specific websites.
AppCrypt
- Encrypt any apps such as Photos, Messages, Notes, Mail, Quicken, etc.
- Record failed attempts to open locked apps with time, date and photos of intruders
- Block websites and webpages on Safari and Google Chrome
- Provide a useful schedule feature
- Hard to bypass and easy to use
- Help guard privacy, block unwanted websites and more
- Can be used for privacy protection, productivity, parental control, etc.
- Support macOS 10.10 or later
Steps to encrypt apps on Mac with the software
1. Download AppCrypt and install it.
2. When you open the software for the first time, set a password. Read the warning before you submit the password.
3. Click the software’s icon and choose Open Main Window.
4. In the main window, click Add App. Select the apps that you want encrypt and click Add. Alternatively, you can do it by dragging apps into the left sidebar.
Now the selected Mac apps are protected by password and become inaccessible. To turn off encryption, in the left sidebar of the main window, select the app and then click Remove App.
Want to make the encryption even more effective? Here’s a tip. In the top right corner of the main window, click Menu > Preferences. Enable Launch at system startup.
Pros
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- Password protect any apps on your Mac effectively
- Record unauthorized attempts to access the protected apps
- Also block websites and webpages with password
- Easy to use with intuitive interface
#2 GNU Privacy Guard — the best email encryption software for Mac
GNU Privacy Guard (also known as GPG or GnuPG) is the best free software for email encryption. In addition to macOS, it’s available for Windows, Linux and more.
GPG, which is PGP-based, uses two forms of encryption: symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography, bringing good speed and security. It can encrypt both email messages and attached files such as PDF documents and images. Once an email is encrypted by it, only the sender and recipient are able to see the content.
Note that this piece of email encryption software can encrypt only the content of your email but not its subject line. If it’s a confidential email, make sure that the subject line doesn’t give away anything.
Steps to encrypt email on Mac with the software
1. Install the software on your Mac.
2. Generate a key pair and distribute your own public key.
3. Import someone else’s public key.
4. Drag other people’s public key into the system as recipients, and then encrypt your email on Mac.
You should decrypt an email with your private key.
For more details, you can go to GPG's website.
Pros
- Free Mac encryption software for Mac
- Support expiring signatures and paired keys
- Encrypt emails and other data
- Support multiple algorithms
- Cross-platform
#3 FileVault — the best disk encryption software for Mac
FileVault is a piece of Mac encryption software for users of Mac OS X 10.7 Lion or later. It is a method of using encryption with volumes on Mac computers. Encryption and decryption are performed on the fly.
FileVault 2 is the newer version that can encrypt the entire macOS startup volume and typically includes the home directory, abandoning the disk image approach. You can use FileVault 2 to help prevent access to documents and other data stored on your startup disk.
While a user’s account password could unlock the FileVault encryption when logging into the Mac, the user would also need to create a “Master Password” in the event that the user account password was lost.
Steps to encrypt disk on Mac with the software
1. Go to System Preferences.
2. Go to the Security & Privacy pane.
3. Select the FileVault tab.
4. Click the lock to make changes and click the Turn On FileVault.. button.
Pros
- Mac’s built-in encryption software
- Allow you to keep unwanted visitors away
- Automatically clean up unnecessary system files
- Use the XTS-AES 128-block cipher
Cons
- Encrypt only the home folder (The files outside the home folder would be totally unprotected in the event of theft or other unauthorized access.)
#4 VeraCrypt — the best file encryption software for Mac
VeraCrypt, open-source file encryption software, is used for on-the-fly encryption. It can create a virtual encrypted disk or container within a file or encrypt a partition or the entire storage device. The software is available for macOS, Windows and Linux.
The software is a fork of the TrueCrypt project (which is discontinued). There have been many improvements and optimizations since its initial release in 2013.
VeraCrypt supports AES, Twofish, Serpent and some other well-known encryption ciphers. It supports the creation of hidden, encrypted volumes within other volumes.
Steps to encrypt files on Mac with the software
1. Download and install the file encrypt software on your Mac. Open it.
2. Select a slot and click Create Volume.
3. Choose to create an encrypted file container and set it to be a standard volume. Specify a location on your computer.
4. Choose a desired encryption algorithm and set the volume size.
5. Now set a volume password.
6. Once the encrypted volume is created, you can use it to encrypt the files on your Mac.
Pros
- Free and open-source
- On-the-fly encryption
- Excel at encrypting Mac files
- Help prevent data leaks and theft
- Cross-platform
#5 Disk Utility — the best Mac software for folder encryption
Included with macOS, Disk Utility allows users to effortlessly and effectively encrypt folders, which makes it the best free folder encryption software for Mac.
It offers two types of encryption: 128-bit AES encryption and 256-bit AES encryption. The former should be enough for most users. If you want an even higher level of security, you can choose the latter.
There are to ways to do the encryption: directly encrypting an existing Mac folder (via the Image from Folder option) or creating an encrypted container or more precisely disk image for folders (via the Blank Image option).
Steps to encrypt folders on Mac with the software
1. On your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air or iMac, etc., open Disk Utility.
2. From the menu bar, select File > New Image > Image from Folder.
3. Select the folder that you want to encrypt and click Choose.
4. Choose a location to store the encrypted folder. Select a desired type of encryption and set a password.
5. Select an Image Format. Here I choose read/write so that I can add files to this encrypted Mac folder.
6. Click Save. And the software will start encrypting.
Pros
- Built-in to Mac and free to use
- Easy to encrypt and decrypt
- Give users enough options
#6 Finder — the best Mac software for USB encryption
Since macOS Mojave, you can encrypt and decrypt USB flash drives (aka thumb drives) or USB-connected hard drives via Finder without erasing data. It’s a piece of free encryption software for Mac that inherits the same XTS-AES encryption as FileVault 2. Once you encrypt data on your removable drives, this Mac encryption software won’t let you access them without a correct passphrase.
Steps to encrypt USB drive on Mac with the software
1. Plug USB flash drive into your Mac computer.
2. Launch the Finder app.
3. Control-click the disk icon in the left sidebar.
4. Click Encrypt (name of your USB) in the dropdown menu. Waves gtr3 full crack.
5. Enter a password and encrypt the drive.
Pros
- Built-in to Mac, requiring no installation
- Easy to use
Cons
- Won’t see the encryption option if you haven’t formatted the USB flash drive through GUID partition map before
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#7 Unarchiver — the best Mac software for ZIP file encryption
Unarchiver is a compression and decompression program. Also, it can be used as the best compression program to encrypt files. The software creates password protected zipped files on Mac in one click and makes working with three formats of compressed files easy.
You can pack all your important files in an encrypted, password protected archive by compressing your file and selecting a password to protect your archived file.
Steps to encrypt ZIP file on Mac with the software
1. Download and install the Zip encryption software on Mac.
2. Click on the iPack icon.
3. Add the files to the new pop up dialog.
4. Click on the Compress icon.
5. It will ask you to rename the ZIP file, and from this dialog, you can also set a password to protect your files.
Pros
- Zip and unzip files on Mac
- Open RAR, Zip, 7-zip, ISO, TAR and CHM files etc.
- Offer solid encryption for archives
#8 CloudMounter — the best Mac software for online data encryption
CloudMounter is designed to organize various cloud servers and connecting to web servers. It keeps your online data protected without unauthorized access and supports services like Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive and Amazon S3 etc.
Steps to encrypt online data on Mac with the software
1. Choose Encrypt from the context menu.
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2. Type a password and verify it.
3. Tick the optional boxes and click on the Encrypt button.
Pros
- Mount the big cloud services
- Reliably encrypt and protect cloud files
Factors to consider when choosing the best encryption software for Mac
The type of encryption you need Some encryption apps such as AppCrypt are good at protect your apps, some excel at protecting files and folders, and some have a reputation for email encryption. It depends on your needs.
The level of security There are various encryption algorithms. Different apps may use different algorithms. Some are weak (but still helpful enough for many), and some are stronger. Certain Mac encryption apps with stronger security may be a bit hard to set up and use for inexperienced users.
Encryption speed The speed is a factor that many people would consider. When it comes to encrypting large files or even entire drives, the speed is particularly important.
Ease of use Encryption software that is too complex can be overwhelming to a novice. An intuitive and user-friendly one is better.
Best Free Encryption Tool For Mac
Open-source software or not There are some free encryption software for you to choose, but free things are not necessarily good, similarly, encryption programs you need to pay are not always good, but you always get choices to try the applications for free before you pay for it.
File Encryption For Mac
Final words
The above are the top 8 Mac encryption apps. All of them have their own features, advantages, and disadvantages. Before deciding which one to use, you’d better tested them to better understand the functions, speed, and compatibility. If the key feature satisfies your demands, you can first try the encryption software for Mac to lock your apps, emails, files, folders, USB drives, or other items.