What is Encryption?
Encryption can refer to any means of sending information so it can’t be read by third parties.
Using encryption software, a very longstring of numbers operates as a keyto lock and unlock that data.
When you encrypt a file, theinformation is scrambledby complex math using that key.
This kind of encryption can be used tosend data with a high degree of security.
With encryption software, you enjoy a lotmore security than you would get from a simple password.
But despite the complexity going on behind the scenes, mostencryption software is very easy to use.
That’s definitely true of the recommendations we offer below.
In each case, it just takes a few clicks to lock up your data tight.
While some encryption software is free, yourbest options may require a modest subscription.
For most users, thecost is far outweighed by the possible consequencesof leaving your data exposed.
Also,data exposure is becoming more common.
This situationmay be more dangerous than you realize.
The risks are obvious if you’re storing sensitivefinancial informationor personal details that could be used foridentity theft.
Of course, you don’t have to use cloud storage to benefit from encryption.
It can also be a valuable way ofsecuring data that remains on your rig, tablet, or smartphone.
It also represents asecure way of sending filesfrom any one of those devices to another.
This makes for an important professional tool if you ever have to share sensitive information with colleagues.
Best Encryption Software
There are a number of solid options currently available for all encryption needs.
As this aspect of cybersecurity continues to develop, there will bemore options in the future.
This full-disk encryption tool isbuilt into some newer versionsof the operating system.
Its primary purpose is toprotect against unauthorized access to your entire hard drive.
But it can also be used toadd encryption to USB drives and other removable media.
In either case, BitLocker gives you the opportunity to applymultiple authentication methodsto your data.
This includes - but is not at all limited to - ordinary passwords and PINs.
The encryption that those methods unlock hasproven very difficult to crack.
However, there areunsubstantiated rumorsthat Microsoft has leftbackdoor accessopen togovernment agencies.
7-Zip
This is another encryption tool for whichaccessibilityis a selling point.
7-Zip is actually better known as an archive utility tool.
It allows you tocompress files into smaller formsfor ease of storage or for sending over slower internet connections.
But it also provides the option forpowerful encryption of those compressed files.
This utility isfree to download, and that’s a big part of what makes it accessible.
It is officially designed forWindows, but there are also versions that work onOS X and Linuxsystems.
Theydon’t have to have the same software to decryptand decompress the file.
Or you could protect the encryption with atraditional password.
VeraCrypt
This option has a few morebells and whistles, and it can be described as moreversatile.
Official versions are available forWindows, OS X, and Linux.
These can bedownloaded for free, although there is also apremium versionfor users who want a little extra.
VeraCrypt supports themost popular encryption format, AES, as well astwo other ciphers.
And this is just one of the ways in which the software offersflexibilityto its users.
The fact that AxCrypt can operate invarious languagesdemonstrates its purpose of facilitating secure global communication.
This option isfast and flexible, and it allows you toencrypt files individually or in large groups.
The128-bit and 256-bit encryption optionsare applicable tofiles on your system, or tocloud storage.
Documents you upload will beautomatically protected on vulnerable third-party servers.
AxCrypt also boasts special multi-gadget compatibility.
Itcan be linked to a smartphone appthat allows you to access your encrypted files from anywhere.
It asks you: why bother with Google Drive or Dropbox if you have to add separate security measures?
CertainSafe is built forcollaboration and professional use.
There is also a system fordirect communication through private messages, and these are also encrypted.
CertainSafe is an overall secure place for you to do business online.
Conclusion
There are many software options available for encrypting your sensitive data.
There are differences in the specific features offered by each app or service.
These may become more important as you develop personal preferences about how to use encryption.
Further Reading
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