The Definitive Guide to Computer Encryption Programs

Insert a symbol and it takes even longer"p4ssworD!" Would take about 275 days. An even stronger password would be a sentence that's a combination of letters, numbers, symbols and capitalization. Something simple to remember but hard to guess, such as"mYd0g!sMyp4ssw0rD," would require a PC approximately 3 quintillion years to figure out.Encryption Software: Things We Tested, What We FoundMost of the encryption software for Windows we analyzed allows you to combine your encrypted documents in one secure location, while it is a locker, library or vault.

Ideally, the document encryption software you choose should get the job done quickly, be easy to use and keep your information safe.PerformanceWe tested all the encryption methods thoroughly using 63 files which totaled 128MB to determine which application was the greatest overall. Those that converted the documents quickly received more charge in the final scores than others.

Although encrypting such a small batch of files only took seconds in most situations, some apps took minutes to finish the task. When you are locking up only a couple megabytes' worth of information, it's not a huge deal, but if you are encrypting gigabytes of data, you might be looking at hours of waiting.We also clocked the speed of decryption and found that most programs are able to supply you with access to your own files fairly quickly.

The programs we include in our lineup are overall simple and intuitive, especially Folder Lock and Secure IT. They both guide you through processes step by step. Secure IT gives you access to encryption by integrating with the Windows operating system, so all you have to do is tap on a document and choose to encrypt it in the menu.In virtually every test, we found that these file encryption programs compress files as they encrypt them.

Fastest Encryption Software - Truths

Those that compressed documents the most obtained more charge in scoring.SecurityEncryption applications uses different kinds of ciphers to scramble your information, and each has its own benefits. Advanced Encryption Standard, or 256-bit key AES, is a sort of the Rijndael cipher and is used by the U.S. government, including the National Security Agency, so it's considered one of the strongest encryption ciphers available.

Although any of these ciphers may be broken given enough time and computing power, they are considered practically unbreakable. AES has long been recognized as the superior algorithm, so we gave more credit to the apps that employ AES.Many data applications include an option to shred your files when you're ready to bury data.

To"shred" files, an app overwrites the data with random bits of information. Data retrieval is a his explanation lengthy process, so unless you're in the business of trade secrets or espionage, your own hard drives are probably safe from info recovery.Your files and information will be only as safe and protected as your master password.

The longer and more random your password is, the tougher it is to break. A password strength meter included in the program is useful. Many applications require a master password to utilize the application, and then another password for each vault or collection of files. Password generators are also useful when you don't want to have to think of strong passwords yourself.We sent encrypted documents via email and supplied a password into the tester to unlock the files.

10 Easy Facts About Encryption Programs For Windows Described

You are using your mouse, which prevents potential keyloggers from recording your password as you type it. Your Windows operating system already includes a digital keyboard, and that means you have access to this security feature, but programs like Folder Lock and Advanced Encryption Package Pro make it easy to access. Stealth mode offers even more solitude anyone else who logs on to a personal computer or hacks in won't even see that you utilized encryption software.After encrypting files, a anonymous few applications allowed us to back up the secure data and connect to upload to a server, like google Drive or Dropbox, which can be called redundant security.

In fact, you can upload any of your encrypted files to a cloud area and your files remain safe.Top Ten Reviews Aims, whenever possible, to evaluate all goods and services in hands-on tests that mimic as closely as possible the experiences of a normal consumer. We obtained the applications in our comparison on loan from the companies and through retail purchase.

Results of our evaluations were not provided to the companies in advance of publication.What Else Is Important in Choosing Encryption SoftwareWhile safety helpful site is the utmost factor in picking the ideal encryption software for you, it is always important that you choose a program which works for your own system. Furthermore, if you run into issues with your applications, you might need to contact customer support or have access to online manuals and tutorials.Version CompatibilityIf you are running an older version of Windows, like Vista or XP, then you want to make sure the program still supports your operating system.