Top 7 Encryption Providers And Why You Should Use Them

Did you know that some zero-day threats can sneak past your antivirus and meddle with your data? Tech experts recommend using encryption software to add an extra layer of security.

It’s a security feature that allows you to encode all data into some form of code.

Only users with access to a key (usually a password) can decrypt the data and view the information.

It’s used by corporations and individuals to block malware from accessing sensitive data.

There are different types of encryption levels available given it’s one of the major lines of defense in every cybersecurity architecture.

This method helps to send, receive, and store data securely over a network or across devices.

This can be extended to all forms of data-security requirements, ranging from classified government secrets to personal online transactions and messages.

Data encryption software, also known as encryption algorithms or ciphers, is used to create a defense mechanism scheme that can only be broken with massive quantities of computing power.

This is valuable because many hackers don’t have the bandwidth or resources to overcome these defenses.

You’ll mostly find two forms of encryption – asymmetric and symmetric keys. The symmetric key is generally used to encrypt smaller volumes of data while asymmetric keys use a combination of two interlinked keys (one public, one private).

Why Do You Need Encryption Software?

A lot of users get confused between encryption, encoding, and hashing. For instance, hashing is a one-way process that’s aimed at protecting data integrity and is mostly used in SSL certificates and digital signatures.

Encoding, on the other hand, isn’t used for security reasons. It’s a technique to convert data into multiple formats by different operating systems.

Encryption is what keeps the internet secure. Every bit of data is converted into unreadable formats using cryptographic keys.

All the data is encrypted before it’s sent and can only be decrypted by the receiver.

-          You need encryption software because you have sensitive data on your devices.
-          You send and receive packets of information daily by email, messages, and other mediums.
-          Hackers can easily sneak past antiviruses and take control of your data, leaving you at risk.
-          Encryption can help stop these problems and isn’t that difficult or costly.

Encryption makes the data unrecognizable without a valid key.

Even if malware is installed or you lose the device, decrypting the device is next to impossible without the key.

One of the main reasons for encrypting your data is that it reduces the chance of identity theft. With access to files on your personal computer, anyone could have all they need to steal your identity and use your details for fraud, whether to take out loans on your behalf or withdraw money from your bank accounts.

Hardware Vs Software Encryption

Most open-source encryption software, as well as the paid versions, use the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) standard to safeguard data.

This protocol uses keys of different sizes, usually a 256-bit key. Hence, the term 256-bit AES encryption.

The computer can encrypt data and perform other cryptographic operations with software-based encryption that uses the password of the user as the key for scrambling the data.

Contrarily, hardware-based encryption uses a dedicated device that’s physically placed on the encrypted drive instead of the device’s processor.

This device uses a random number generator to produce the encryption key that’ll be unlocked by the user's password.

Our Picks For General Users

For individual users, there’s a lot of free encryption software that can get the job done. These tools use cryptography for masking files and other forms of data from malicious elements. Here are our top picks.

• BitLocker - As one of the best pieces of software solutions launched by Microsoft, BitLocker provides full disk encryption on the device and USB drives. The product comes built-in on all Windows devices running Windows 10 and above. It uses 128-bit and 256-bit AES and best of all, it’s free and extremely easy to use.
• VeraCrypt – VeraCrypt is another free piece of software that works seamlessly with Linux, Windows, and Mac OS X. It also supports AES and allows you to layer the encryptions too. It’s open-source software and makes a great alternative to the TrueCrypt tool.
• DiskCryptor – This is also a free and open-source software that you can use to secure almost everything - ISO images, USB storage drives, SSD, internal partitions, and any other connected devices. It includes multiple algorithms like Serpent, Twofish, and AES. You’ll appreciate the intuitive and simple interface as all you need to do is click on a button and the software takes care of the rest.
• FileVault 2 – If you’re looking for a Mac-only product, check out FileVault 2. Similar to all of the aforementioned products, it’s free software and uses XTS-AES 128-bit and 256-bit keys. It blocks unauthorized access on the startup disk and process as well as provides a full and partial-disk options.

Our Picks for Advanced Users

If you need additional features and endpoint security solutions, here are some other advanced tools that you can consider:

• CryptoExpert – This is a desktop software for Windows operating systems. It features secure data vaults alongside a fast on-the-fly encryption feature. One of the standout features of the product is that it can back up a variety of files and can secure vaults irrespective of size. The software uses Cast, 3DES, Blowfish, and AES-256-bit algorithms. You can get a 30-day free trial, then purchase it at $59.95.
• CertainSafe – CertainSafe is another effective cloud-based encryption tool that’s highly-compliant with industry rules and seeks to provide enhanced security. The platform allows you to communicate and collaborate safely by blocking off third party sources. If you run a business, you’ll also appreciate the automated business database and application security feature. The products offer a free trial for 30 days, but you’ll then need to subscribe to a $12 per month per user plan. You’ll get 100 GB storage space and 100 free guests at this price. Additionally, if you need a custom quote, you can request one directly on the official website.
• Folder Lock – You’ll get a range of advanced options for your computer and mobile devices using Folder Lock. From password-protecting files to shredding redundant data, this software has everything you need. You can use it to set hacker deterrents, decoy passwords, track and monitor login attempts, and get notified on all brute-force attacks. The basic version is free to use, and you can get the Pro version at just $39.95.

Bottom Line

Encrypting data is one aspect that most device users overlook. An antivirus can only safeguard your data to an extent whereas an encryption software solution adds the extra security layer for unforeseen circumstances.

Start with a free product to understand how encryption works, and gradually migrate to a premium version when you feel the need for advanced features.