Fastest Encryption Software - The Facts

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

The file encryption software you select should work quickly, be easy to use and maintain your information safe.PerformanceWe analyzed all the encryption methods thoroughly using 63 documents which totaled 128MB to determine which application was the best overall. People who converted the files quickly received more charge in the final scores than many others.

Although encrypting such a small batch of files only took seconds in most situations, some programs took minutes to finish the job. When you're locking up only a few megabytes' worth of information, it's not a huge deal, however if you're encrypting gigabytes of information, you could be looking at hours of waiting.We also simplifies the rate of decryption and found that most programs are able to supply you with access to your files fairly quickly.

The programs we include in our lineup are complete simple and intuitive, particularly Folder Lock and Secure IT. They both guide you through procedures step by step. Safe IT gives you access to encryption by integrating with the Windows operating system, so all you have to do is right-click on a document and select to encrypt it in the menu.In almost every test, we found these file encryption programs compress files as they encrypt them.

Get This Report on Encryption Programs For Windows

Those that compressed files the most obtained more credit in scoring.SecurityEncryption software uses different types of ciphers to scramble your information, and each has its own benefits. Advanced Encryption Standard, or 256-bit key AES, is a form of the Rijndael cipher and can be used by the U.S. government, including the National Security Agency, so it is considered one of the strongest encryption ciphers accessible.

Although any one of these ciphers could 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 use AES.Many data applications include an option to shred your files when you are ready to bury data.

To"shred" documents, a program overwrites the data with random pieces of data. Data recovery is a lengthy process, so unless you are in the business of trade secrets or espionage, your hard drives are more likely safe from data recovery.Your documents and information are only as safe and protected as your master password.

The longer and more this random your password is, the tougher it is to break. A password strength meter included in this program is helpful. Many applications require a master password to utilize the software, and then a separate password for each vault or collection of files. Password generators can also be useful if you don't want to need to come up with strong passwords yourself.We sent encrypted documents via email and supplied a password into the tester to unlock the files.

How Best Hard Disk Encryption Software can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.

You are using your mouse, which prevents potential keyloggers out of recording your password as you type it. Your Windows operating system includes a digital keyboard, so you have access to the security feature, but apps like Folder Lock and Advanced Encryption Package Pro make it effortless 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 used encryption software.After encrypting documents, a 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 safety.

In fact, you can upload any of your encrypted files to a cloud space and your files remain safe.Top Ten Reviews Aims, whenever possible, to assess all products and solutions in hands-on tests that mimic as closely as possible the experiences of a normal consumer. We obtained the Find Out More applications in our comparison on loan from the companies and via retail purchase.

Results of our evaluations were not given to the companies in advance of publication.What Else Is Important in Choosing Encryption SoftwareWhile safety is the utmost element in picking the ideal encryption software for you, it is always important that you opt for a program that works for your system. Also, if you run into problems with your applications, you may need to contact customer service or have access to online manuals and tutorials.Version CompatibilityIf you're running an old version of Windows, such as Vista or XP, then you certainly want to make sure that the app still supports your operating system.