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The 6 Best Encryption Software Choices For 2024
Encryption secures information by translating it into computer code that's unreadable to those who don't have the means to access the information. These means of access can include passwords, credentials and authentication of some form. Though encryption could still be broken or cracked, strong encryption is nearly impenetrable.
SEE: Brute Force and Dictionary Attacks: A Guide for IT Leaders (TechRepublic Premium)
Securing data both stored and in-transit through encryption is essential as part of an organization's cybersecurity strategy. There are various encryption options out there. Here are our top picks.
ESET PROTECT AdvancedEmployees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Any Company Size Any Company Size
Features
Advanced Threat Defense, Full Disk Encryption , Modern Endpoint Protection, Server Security
ManageEngine Log360Employees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Micro (0-49 Employees), Small (50-249 Employees), Medium (250-999 Employees), Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Micro, Small, Medium, Large, Enterprise
Features
Activity Dashboard, Advanced Threat Analytics, Analytics/Reporting, and more
AlyneEmployees per Company Size
Micro (0-49), Small (50-249), Medium (250-999), Large (1,000-4,999), Enterprise (5,000+)
Large (1,000-4,999 Employees), Enterprise (5,000+ Employees) Large, Enterprise
Features
Cyber Security Risk Management, Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), ESG Management, and more
Top encryption software: Comparison table Product Name Price Offers Support Offers Password Manager On-the-Fly Decryption Enterprise-Grade Encryption BitLocker: Best for Windows environments Free with Windows OS Yes Unknown No Yes VeraCrypt: Best for hidden encryption Free No No Yes No AxCrypt Premium: Best for local storage encryption $10.42 per month, per user for AxCrypt Business plan Yes Yes Yes Yes Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption: Best for handling diverse media and file types Contact vendor but a license supporting 251 to 500 endpoints averages about $77-$83 per month Yes No No Yes NordLocker: Best for all-in-one encrypted data NordLocker Business for 1-year 2TB is priced at $29.99 per month Yes No Yes Yes Advanced Encryption Package: Best for easy encryption on latest version of Windows Fully unlocked version: one-time fee of $49.95 No No Yes Yes Top encryption software
Image: BitLocker BitLocker: Best for Windows environments BitLocker is available on server and business editions and contains various encryption tools. The Redmond solution focuses on encrypting files and drives on a device right out of the box. Likewise, you can set up recovery keys to retrieve data if you get firmware problems or errors. It's an excellent choice for encryption software for Windows.
As a Microsoft product, you'll typically need a Microsoft account or will need to link a device to a Windows domain to use it. You can also configure it for a corporate environment using Group Policy. The settings help you decide which drives you want to encrypt and how to distribute your keys (certificates).
Additionally, the computer must have a Trusted Platform Module that can support the encryption process.
Why we chose BitLockerWe chose BitLocker for its easy integration with Windows environments. This is on top of a user-friendly interface and full disk encryption. For users that are already deep into the Windows ecosystem, or are planning to adopt a Windows-centered environment, BitLocker is the best choice for you.
PricingFree as part of Windows software.
FeaturesFigure A
Accessing a drive via BitLocker. Image: Microsoft Learn
Image: VeraCrypt VeraCrypt: Best for hidden encryption VeraCrypt is another free disk encryption software that you can use on Linux, macOS and Windows systems. It's an open-source solution which forks off the TrueCrypt project, adding features to help with secrecy.
VeraCrypt is a prime pick for privacy enthusiasts and tech-savvy consumers. This is largely due to it being open-source, wherein its source code is publicly available for easy spotting of vulnerabilities and points for improvement. Businesses that prioritize transparency and regular code audits in an encryption solution should have VeraCrypt high on its list.
Why we chose VeraCryptWe selected VeraCrypt as a top solution for hidden encryption. Its feature set allows for easy hiding of encrypted data in sight, making internal resources more secure against prying eyes. In addition, it utilizes popular encryption algorithms and has wide support for multiple platforms.
PricingFree.
FeaturesFigure B
Mounting a drive on VeraCrypt. Image: VeraCrypt Documentation
Image: AxCrypt
AxCrypt Premium allows users to encrypt files locally using the AES-256 encryption algorithm. Sharing is possible with its key-sharing option. The solution protects classified and sensitive information and provides access to a master password generator.
Why we chose AxCryptWe selected AxCrypt for users that want to prioritize local storage encryption above all else. It uses the gold standard AES-256 encryption, has file and key-sharing support and works well with the most popular operating systems and platforms.
PricingThere's a one-month trial period across its Password Manager, Premium and Business subscriptions. But for organizations and businesses, AxCrypt's Business plan is priced at $10.42 per month, per user, However, customers can get 20% off if they choose annual billing.
FeaturesFigure C
Using a master key in AxCrypt. Image: AxCrypt Info page
Image: NordLocker
From popular security provider Nord Security, NordLocker is their take on encrypted file storage.
Aside from file encryption, it offers data syncing, secure file-sharing and file management across numerous devices.
As a cloud-based solution, businesses will be able to easily access their files on their computers or mobile devices. Fans of Nord's other security products, such as NordVPN and NordPass, should definitely consider NordLocker as a possible encryption solution.
Why we chose NordLockerNordLocker carved its name on this list for being an all-in-one encryption storage solution. Both businesses and individual users looking for a secure and intuitive way to secure their data will find NordLocker as a fine choice.
PricingNordLocker has two tiers: Personal and Business. For Personal, we get three subscription options with a monthly and annual plan. Here's a rundown of the 1-year plans:
For NordLocker Business, we only get one plan option that lasts a year:
Figure E
Dragging and dropping folders in NordLocker. Image: NordLocker Support page
Image: Advanced Encryption Package
Advanced Encryption Package (AEP) offers a choice between 20 proven encryption algorithms to protect user data. This includes the industry standard AES encryption, Blowfish, Serpent, GOST, Twofish and many others.
It's an easy-to-use data encryption solution that enables users to create a password to access files and choose their own encryption algorithm. Decryption is easy as well. Right now, AEP is available for Windows 10 and 11.
Why we chose Advanced Encryption PackageWe chose Advanced Encryption Package for its ease of use in terms of selecting an encryption algorithm for specific files and folders. The fact that it puts an emphasis on user-friendliness is a big plus for encryption software — a product category that may be intimidating for some users to tackle.
PricingFigure F
Algorithm selection in AEP. Image: Advanced Encryption Package
When choosing encryption software, you should focus on these key features:
User InterfaceYou want an easy-to-use interface so that you can manage and access the encrypted data easily. With encryption software, more novice users may find it daunting to implement and use. But an intuitive and user-friendly software experience will encourage users to encrypt more of their data, and in turn, increase their data's security.
Automatic BackupIdeally, an encryption tool should automatically backup encrypted files. There's no point in encrypting data that's at risk of being lost after a single wipe or crash. Having automatic backup functionality provides another layer of protection in case important user or business data is damaged or lost.
Encryption AlgorithmsAt the very least, encryption should support the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit algorithm which is military-grade security. This is the standard encryption algorithm that's widely recognized as the strongest in the world, with many banks and government agencies utilizing it for added protection. Other algorithms include RSA, Blowfish, Twofish, and DES.
Diverse device supportEncryption software should accommodate a wide range of devices and platforms. Organizations with hundreds to thousands of users may use their own devices to work, or have their own operating system (OS) preferences, which means that encryption should support as many devices as possible.
Having wide device support will allow higher adoption of encryption software, and consequently, a higher level of security being implemented in a business.
Customer SupportSolid and multiple support options are ideal. Encryption software providers should have quality customer support in place to help users that may not be familiar with how to implement such products.
This can come in a variety of forms: online guides and tutorials, community forums, support tickets, email and phone correspondence and many more. The more options an individual user or business has for customer support, the better.
MethodologyWe used market research to determine the top encryption software. This research involved studying industry rankings, discussions and product reviews. Finally, we narrowed the list to the most appropriate candidates, choosing based on features like how well the software protects sensitive data, its integration capabilities and the pricing in comparison to the features each offer.
How do I choose the best encryption software for my business?Looking at the list of products above, you'll find bundles, free options and some with trial versions. So it's easy to try them all out and choose the right file encryption program that meets your needs.
BitLocker could be ideal for those who want files encrypted throughout their network and don't want a huge learning curve to use. However, VeraCrypt and AxCrypt may be better if the focus is on protecting individual files without sharing.
Trend Micro is more of an enterprise focused tool because of its business-focused feature set. Meanwhile, NordLocker and AEP may benefit less tech-savvy users or organizations.
Additionally, you should look for vendors with free product trials and transparent pricing.
Android 15: Privacy Upgrades Can Fight Stingrays, Hide Your Device Name
With Android 15 Beta 1, Google is introducing a handful of upgrades that should help protect your privacy while browsing with Wi-Fi or cellular.
Our team is actively digging through Android 15 Beta 1 to find what new features and goodies Google has included in this first public-facing release. Thus far, the company hasn't shared the major tentpoles of Android 15, but a common thread we've found in this latest build is improvements to privacy. Starting with Wi-Fi, Android 15 reworks the "Privacy" option found on the "Network details" page. Previously, tapping this would open a popup that allows you to choose whether to share your phone/tablet's MAC address or a randomly generated one. The owner of a public Wi-Fi network could use that address to track your activity across visits, while using a non-randomized address can be a good idea for your home network. After the update, Wi-Fi Privacy now has a full-page menu with a new "Send device name" toggle. For example, my Pixel 8 Pro appears as "Pixel-8-Pro" to my Nest Wifi router. Meanwhile, it's common (especially for iPhone owners) to give your phone a more personalized name. By turning off "Send device name," your phone stays anonymous.
Beyond that, Google also introduced a set of new privacy-protecting features for cellular networks. You can find them under Settings > Security & privacy > More security & privacy > Cellular network security. The first toggle, "Security notifications," is the less strict of the two. Once enabled, Android will let you know whenever you connect to a cellular network that either isn't encrypted or records your IMEI and IMSI numbers. One common situation in which this would occur is if a law enforcement agency is using a Stingray device to track nearby cell network usage. The ACLU has some helpful resources explaining how and where Stingrays are used in the US. Receive notifications in case the cellular network you are connected to is insecure due to lack of encryption, or if the cellular network records your unique device or SIM identifiers (IMEI & IMSI) Going a step further, you can also choose to "Require encryption," protecting against potential surveillance. The option warns that you may be unable to connect properly in certain areas, but your phone usage should remain secure. Any calls placed to emergency services will ignore this setting, however, to ensure the call can be completed. Encryption is more secure, but you might not be able to connect in some locations. For emergency calls, encryption is never required As we're still in the early days of Android 15, it's not yet clear whether these latest privacy protections will arrive on other phones/tablets or if they were developed solely for Google's Pixel lineup. We'll likely learn more when the company shares additional details about Android 15 at this year's Google I/O conference. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. Google Just Announced 10 Huge Updates For Your Android Phone
Google I/O, the annual everything-Google-software fest, has kicked off. As usual, Android takes center stage. From enhanced privacy and Google Wallet upgrades to theft detection and app safety checkups, there's a lot to look forward to here.
From Android 15 features to more general Android updates, here's a breakdown of all the major Android announcements from I/O 2024.
Making life easier with Google WalletDo you have a pass that is heavy on text, a library card, an insurance slip, or a gym membership card? If you live in the U.S., simply scan it within the Google Wallet app, and it will create a digital version for easy access in the future while locking it behind a passcode or biometric firewall. Neat! This feature isn't tied specifically to Android 15, so you won't have to wait on that major update to use this one.
Double-checking permissionsShady apps have been abusing their on-device permissions and privileges for years to wreak all kinds of havoc. To address the issue, the Restricted Settings system will now ask users for an extra layer of approval before they grant permissions to apps installed from the internet or any other source apart from the Google Play Store.
Anti-theft safeguardsAs the name suggests, this one uses AI to identify any sudden movement, such as someone running away or racing ahead on a bike with your snatched phone. In such scenarios, the phone will be automatically locked so that the thief or any other bad actor can never get access to your personal information.
If a device is stolen and the thief resets the phone, it can not be set up without the original owner's Google account credentials, leaving it as nothing but a brick. And to ensure that critical safety features like Find My are only disabled by the legitimate owner, Android will put these controls behind a password lock.
For stolen devices with theft protection enabled, Google will block sensitive processes like changing PINs, account credentials, and accessing Passkey from a new location. These guardrails will be released as part of Android 15's public release later this year.
If your phone has been stolen and you can't recall your Google account credentials for a remote lock or full factory reset, there is now a new option that uses the phone number and security question to let users do the same. This remote lock facility will be enabled for devices running Android 10 or a newer version later this year.
Fraud preventionOnce again, Google will rely on AI to find apps that could be engaging in suspicious behavior, such as fraud or phishing, by checking their activity and device permission in real time. If an app is detected as fraudulent following an automated check and human review, a warning will be sent to users, but no data erasure will happen.
In addition to Google's Pixel phones, devices from OnePlus, Nothing, Oppo, Lenovo, and Honor, among others, will be enabling live threat detection later this year.
Private SpaceThink of this one as an invisible vault for apps that you don't want to appear in the app library or drawer for security reasons. Locked behind a layer of password or biometric authentication, Private Space appears as a separate folder at the bottom of the App Library. Only after authentication will it let you see the sensitive apps, like those used for banking and secure communication, among others. Unlike some of the features here, you will need to wait for an Android 15 update before you can use Private Space on your phone.
Keeping one-time passwords safeInterceptions are a common method of stealing sensitive one-time passwords (OTPs), but there are a few other ways that a bad actor can steal them. Google is closing the door on at least one of them. Android will no longer show OTPs in notification banners, keeping prying eyes from gaining access to them.
On a similar note, if you are screen sharing, notifications that contain OTPs or those from a private app will be hidden. It's somewhat like the protected screen-sharing system in Android 15. And if you are sharing your device's screen and need to enter log-in credentials or sensitive data like banking information, the screen will once again be hidden for that duration.
Call and network safetyAs mentioned above, network interception is a real threat vector. With that in mind, Google is introducing a new system called Cellular Cypher Transparency that will check a network's encryption status. If it's not encrypted, which potentially leaves call and messaging channels exposed, Google will warn users in advance.
For at-risk individuals, such as activists and journalists, Google will alert them if a surveillance tool or spyware is recording their location coordinates using the unique hardware identification number.
What else is new in Android 15?On the note of Android news, Google has today released the second beta update of Android 15 for compatible Pixel smartphones. More importantly, the company is finally opening Android 15 beta testing to a wide range of smartphones from other brands including OnePlus, Oppo, Xiaomi, Honor, and Nothing, among others.
For large-screen devices, Android 15 adds native support for pinning the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. Users can also now save their app pairs to directly launch them in a split-screen view, which is quite convenient.
On devices like foldables and tablets, Google is also giving a push to dynamic panes for resizing an app's UI and accordingly showing more or less details. In Android 15, when an app like Google Calendar opens with a pane view, users can actually adjust its size, just like you would adjust the size of multiple windows on a desktop screen.
Health Connect, which now serves as a centralized dashboard for all fitness and health data, is getting support for new data types, including training plans and skin temperature. Digital Trends is in attendance at Google I/O 2024, and we will be covering all the major announcements from the event, so stay tuned.
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