Encryption secures data by translating it into laptop code that’s unreadable to those that don’t have the means to entry the knowledge. These technique of entry can embrace passwords, credentials, and authentication of some type. Although encryption might nonetheless be damaged or cracked, sturdy encryption is almost impenetrable.
SEE: Greatest Encryption Key Administration Software program (TechRepublic)
Securing information each saved and in-transit by way of encryption is important as a part of a corporation’s cybersecurity technique. There are numerous encryption choices on the market. Listed here are our high picks.
High encryption software program: Comparability desk
| Product Identify | Value | Affords Assist | Affords Password Supervisor | On-the-Fly Decryption | Enterprise-Grade Encryption |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VeraCrypt | Free | No | No | Sure | No |
| BitLocker | Free with Home windows OS | Sure | Unknown | No | Sure |
| AxCrypt Premium | $12.00 per 30 days, per consumer for AxCrypt Marketing strategy | Sure | Sure | Sure | Sure |
| Pattern Micro Endpoint Encryption | Contact vendor however a license supporting 251 to 500 endpoints averages about $77-$83 per 30 days | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| NordLocker | NordLocker Enterprise for 1-year 2TB is priced at $29.99 per 30 days | Sure | No | Sure | Sure |
| Superior Encryption Package deal | Totally unlocked model: one-time charge of $49.95 | No | No | Sure | Sure |
| ESET PROTECT Full | Contact vendor however can begin at $462.16 for five units, 1 12 months. | Sure | No | Sure | Sure |
High encryption software program
VeraCrypt: Greatest total
VeraCrypt is my decide as my finest total encryption resolution. It’s a free disk encryption software program that you should use on Linux, macOS, and Home windows methods. It’s additionally an open-source service, which forks off the TrueCrypt challenge, including options to assist with secrecy.
VeraCrypt is my prime advice for privateness fanatics and tech-savvy shoppers. I significantly like VeraCrypt attributable to it being open-source, whereby its supply code is publicly accessible for straightforward recognizing of vulnerabilities and factors for enchancment. Companies that prioritize transparency and common code audits in an encryption resolution ought to have VeraCrypt excessive on its listing.
Why I picked VeraCrypt
I selected VeraCrypt as my high resolution for its simple hiding of encrypted information in sight, making inside assets safer in opposition to prying eyes. As well as, it makes use of fashionable encryption algorithms and has large assist for a number of platforms.
Pricing
Free.
Options
- Affords the power to create encrypted containers.
- Can create hidden volumes.
- Helps nested encryption.
- Robotically protects recordsdata.
VeraCrypt execs and cons
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BitLocker: Greatest for Home windows environments
For Home windows-centric companies, I like to recommend BitLocker. BitLocker is on the market on server and enterprise editions and incorporates numerous encryption instruments. The Redmond resolution focuses on encrypting recordsdata and drives on a tool proper out of the field. I admire how one can arrange restoration keys to retrieve information if you happen to get firmware issues or errors. Personally, I feel it’s a wonderful selection for encryption software program for Home windows.
As a Microsoft product, you’ll usually want a Microsoft account or might want to hyperlink a tool to a Home windows area to make use of it. It’s also possible to configure it for a company surroundings utilizing Group Coverage. The settings aid you determine which drives you wish to encrypt and find out how to distribute your keys (certificates).
Moreover, the pc will need to have a Trusted Platform Module that may assist the encryption course of.
Why I picked BitLocker
I selected BitLocker for its simple integration with Home windows environments. That is on high of a user-friendly interface and full disk encryption. For customers which might be already deep into the Home windows ecosystem or are planning to undertake a Home windows-centered surroundings, BitLocker is my high advice.
Pricing
Free as a part of Home windows software program.
Options
- Encrypts full drives and different media.
- Helps Microsoft account-linking and domain-linking.
- Constructed into Home windows software program.
BitLocker execs and cons
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AxCrypt Premium: Greatest for native storage encryption
If you happen to plan to encrypt regionally, I encourage you to attempt AxCrypt Premium. AxCrypt Premium permits customers to encrypt recordsdata regionally utilizing the AES-256 encryption algorithm. Sharing is feasible with its key-sharing possibility. The answer protects labeled and delicate data and offers entry to a grasp password generator.
SEE: Uneven vs Symmetric Encryption: What’s the Distinction? (TechRepublic)
Why I picked AxCrypt
I chosen AxCrypt for customers that wish to prioritize native storage encryption above all else. I additionally like that it makes use of the gold commonplace AES-256 encryption, has file and key-sharing assist, and works nicely with the preferred working methods and platforms.
Pricing
There’s a one-month trial interval throughout its Password Supervisor, Premium, and Enterprise subscriptions. However for organizations and companies, AxCrypt’s Enterprise plan is priced at $12.00 per 30 days, per consumer. Nonetheless, prospects can get 20% off, or $10.42 per 30 days per consumer, in the event that they select annual billing.
Options
- Permits file and key sharing.
- Helps encryption and decryption of recordsdata on Android and iOS units.
- Affords grasp password administration.
AxCrypt execs and cons
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Pricing
A license supporting 251 to as much as 500 endpoints averages about $77-$83 per 30 days.
Options
- Folder Lock permits for distant locking in case of stolen or misplaced units.
- Offers clear key administration.
- Centralized encryption administration.
- Automated enforcement of policy-based encryption.
Pattern Micro Endpoint Encryption execs and cons
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NordLocker: Greatest for all-in-one encrypted information
For companies an all-around encryption resolution, I like to recommend NordLocker. From fashionable safety supplier Nord Safety, NordLocker is their tackle encrypted file storage. Other than file encryption, it presents information syncing, safe file-sharing, and file administration throughout quite a few units.
As a cloud-based resolution, I envision companies will discover it handy that they’ll simply entry their recordsdata on their computer systems or cell units. Followers of Nord’s different safety merchandise, similar to NordVPN and NordPass, ought to undoubtedly contemplate NordLocker as a attainable encryption resolution.
Why I picked NordLocker
NordLocker received its identify on this listing for being an all-in-one encryption storage resolution. Each companies and particular person customers in search of a safe and intuitive approach to safe their information will discover NordLocker as a high quality selection.
Pricing
NordLocker has two tiers: Private and Enterprise. For Private, we get three subscription choices with a month-to-month and annual plan. Right here’s a rundown of the 1-year plans:
- Private 1-year 3GB: Free.
- Private 1-year 500GB: $2.99 per 30 days.
- Private 1-year 2TB: $6.99 per 30 days.
For NordLocker Enterprise, we solely get one plan possibility that lasts a 12 months:
- Enterprise 1-year 2TB: $29.99 per 30 days.
Options
- Zero-knowledge structure.
- Helps folder locking.
- Affords drag-and-drop auto encryption.
- Helps safe file sharing.
- On-the-go decryption and updates.
NordLocker execs and cons
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Superior Encryption Package deal: Greatest for straightforward encryption
For easy encryption duties and fewer tech-savvy customers, Superior Encryption Package deal is an efficient possibility. It presents a selection between 20 confirmed encryption algorithms to guard consumer information. This contains the trade commonplace AES encryption, Blowfish, Serpent, GOST, Twofish, and plenty of others.
SEE: Why Your Enterprise Wants Cybersecurity Consciousness Coaching (TechRepublic Premium)
It’s an easy-to-use information encryption resolution that allows customers to create a password to entry recordsdata and select their very own encryption algorithm. Decryption is straightforward as nicely. Proper now, AEP is on the market for Home windows 10 and 11.
Why I picked Superior Encryption Package deal
I selected Superior Encryption Package deal for its ease of use when it comes to deciding on an encryption algorithm for particular recordsdata and folders. The truth that it places an emphasis on user-friendliness is an enormous plus for encryption software program — a product class which may be intimidating for some customers to deal with.=
Pricing
- Totally unlocked model: one-time charge of $49.95.
- License pack for two PCs: $39 for every machine, $78 in complete.
- License pack for 3 PCs: $39 for every machine, $117 in complete.
Options
- Affords safe file deletion.
- Helps 20 encryption algorithms.
- Encrypts textual content to and from the clipboard.
- Has command-line administration.
Superior Encryption Package deal execs and cons
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ESET PROTECT Full: Greatest for bundled endpoint safety
For customers that need an endpoint safety resolution alongside encryption, I like to recommend ESET PROTECT Full. It’s a multilayered service that gives endpoint safety, a centralized console, and vulnerability and patch administration.
For encryption, ESET presents full disk encryption that may simply encrypt system disks, partitions, and units. This could show important for companies that wish to move compliance necessities. I particularly admire how ESET permits for encryption and deployment in a single motion.
Why I picked ESET PROTECT
I’ve ESET PROTECT on this listing for being a full-fledged safety resolution that may deal with full disk encryption, endpoint safety, and superior risk protection — in a single service. I additionally like the way it has pretty large platform assist, being appropriate with Home windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, iOS, mail and file servers, amongst others.
Pricing
ESET PROTECT Full’s pricing relies in your contract size and variety of units coated. Beneath is a quick abstract of pricing:
- 1 12 months; 5 units: $462.16 per 12 months.
- 1 12 months; 10 units: $924.32 per 12 months.
- 2 years; 5 units: $813.67 per 12 months.
- 2 years; 10 units: $1,663 per 12 months.
Options
- Centralized administration throughout the ESET PROTECT console.
- IPS 140-2 validated with 256 bit AES encryption.
- Protects endpoints, cloud apps, and electronic mail.
ESET execs and cons
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Extra cloud safety protection
Key options of encryption instruments
When selecting encryption software program, I like to recommend you give attention to these key options:
Person Interface
You need an easy-to-use interface so as to handle and entry the encrypted information simply. With encryption software program, extra novice customers might discover it formidable to implement and use. However an intuitive and user-friendly software program expertise will encourage customers to encrypt extra of their information, and in flip, improve their information’s safety.
Automated Backup
Ideally, an encryption instrument ought to routinely backup encrypted recordsdata. I personally discover there’s no level in encrypting information that’s liable to being misplaced after a single wipe or crash. Having computerized backup performance offers one other layer of safety in case vital consumer or enterprise information is broken or misplaced.
Encryption Algorithms
On the very least, I really feel that encryption software program ought to assist the Superior Encryption Commonplace (AES) 256-bit algorithm, which is military-grade safety. That is the usual encryption algorithm that’s widely known because the strongest on the planet, with many banks and authorities companies using it for added safety. Different algorithms embrace RSA, Blowfish, Twofish, and DES.
SEE: Knowledge Encryption Coverage (TechRepublic Premium)
Numerous gadget assist
For me, encryption software program ought to accommodate a variety of units and platforms. Organizations with a whole bunch to 1000’s of customers might use their very own units to work or have their very own working system (OS) preferences, which implies that encryption ought to assist as many units as attainable.
Having large gadget assist will permit larger adoption of encryption software program, and consequently, the next degree of safety being applied in a enterprise.
Buyer Assist
Stable and a number of assist choices are perfect. Encryption software program suppliers ought to have high quality buyer assist in place to assist customers that is probably not accustomed to find out how to implement such merchandise.
This could are available in quite a lot of kinds: on-line guides and tutorials, group boards, assist tickets, electronic mail and cellphone correspondence, and plenty of extra. The extra choices a person consumer or enterprise has for buyer assist, the higher.
Methodology
I used market analysis to find out the highest encryption software program. This analysis concerned learning trade rankings, discussions, and product opinions. Lastly, we narrowed the listing to probably the most applicable candidates, selecting primarily based on options like how nicely the software program protects delicate information, its integration capabilities, and the pricing compared to the options every provide.
How do I select the most effective encryption software program for my enterprise?
Trying on the listing of merchandise above, you’ll discover bundles, free choices, and a few with trial variations. So it’s simple to attempt all of them out and select the correct file encryption program that meets your wants.
BitLocker may very well be perfect for many who need recordsdata encrypted all through their community and don’t need an enormous studying curve to make use of. Nonetheless, VeraCrypt and AxCrypt could also be higher if the main focus is on defending particular person recordsdata with out sharing.
Pattern Micro is extra of an enterprise targeted instrument due to its business-focused characteristic set. In the meantime, NordLocker and AEP might profit much less tech-savvy customers or organizations.
Moreover, you must search for distributors with free product trials and clear pricing.
