Encryption secures data by translating it into laptop code that’s unreadable to those that don’t have the means to entry the data. These technique of entry can embrace passwords, credentials, and authentication of some type. Although encryption might nonetheless be damaged or cracked, robust encryption is sort of impenetrable.
Securing knowledge each saved and in-transit by way of encryption is crucial as a part of a company’s cybersecurity technique. There are numerous encryption choices on the market. Listed below are our prime picks.
High encryption software program: Comparability desk
| Product Identify | Value | Presents Help | Presents 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 thirty 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 thirty days | Sure | No | No | Sure |
| NordLocker | NordLocker Enterprise for 1-year 2TB is priced at $29.99 per thirty days | Sure | No | Sure | Sure |
| Superior Encryption Bundle | Absolutely unlocked model: one-time charge of $49.95 | No | No | Sure | Sure |
| ESET PROTECT Full | Contact vendor however begins at $287.72 for five gadgets, 1 yr. | Sure | No | Sure | Sure |
VeraCrypt: Finest total
VeraCrypt is my decide as my finest total encryption answer. It’s a free disk encryption software program that you should use on Linux, macOS, and Home windows techniques. It’s additionally an open-source service, which forks off the TrueCrypt undertaking, including options to assist with secrecy.
VeraCrypt is my prime advice for privateness fanatics and tech-savvy shoppers. I notably like VeraCrypt because of it being open-source, whereby its supply code is publicly obtainable for simple recognizing of vulnerabilities and factors for enchancment. Companies that prioritize transparency and common code audits in an encryption answer ought to have VeraCrypt excessive on its record.
Why I picked VeraCrypt
I selected VeraCrypt as my prime answer for its straightforward hiding of encrypted knowledge in sight, making inside assets safer towards prying eyes. As well as, it makes use of widespread encryption algorithms and has large help for a number of platforms.
Pricing
Free.
Options
- Presents the flexibility to create encrypted containers.
- Can create hidden volumes.
- Helps nested encryption.
- Robotically protects recordsdata.
VeraCrypt execs and cons
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BitLocker: Finest 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 comprises numerous encryption instruments. The Redmond answer focuses on encrypting recordsdata and drives on a tool proper out of the field. I respect how one can arrange restoration keys to retrieve knowledge should you get firmware issues or errors. Personally, I believe it’s a superb 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. You may as well configure it for a company surroundings utilizing Group Coverage. The settings enable you resolve which drives you need to encrypt and how you can distribute your keys (certificates).
Moreover, the pc will need to have a Trusted Platform Module that may help the encryption course of.
Why I picked BitLocker
I selected BitLocker for its straightforward integration with Home windows environments. That is on prime 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 prime 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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SEE: The 5 Finest Encryption Key Administration Software program (TechRepublic)
AxCrypt Premium: Finest for native storage encryption
For those who plan to encrypt domestically, I encourage you to attempt AxCrypt Premium. AxCrypt Premium permits customers to encrypt recordsdata domestically utilizing the AES-256 encryption algorithm. Sharing is feasible with its key-sharing possibility. The answer protects labeled and delicate data and supplies 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 need 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 help, and works nicely with the preferred working techniques 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 thirty days, per consumer. Nevertheless, clients can get 20% off, or $10.42 per thirty 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 gadgets.
- Presents 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 thirty days.
Options
- Folder Lock permits for distant locking in case of stolen or misplaced gadgets.
- Gives clear key administration.
- Centralized encryption administration.
- Automated enforcement of policy-based encryption.
Pattern Micro Endpoint Encryption execs and cons
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NordLocker: Finest for all-in-one encrypted knowledge
For companies taking a look at an all-around encryption answer, I like to recommend NordLocker. From widespread safety supplier Nord Safety, NordLocker is their tackle encrypted file storage. Except for file encryption, it presents knowledge syncing, safe file-sharing, and file administration throughout quite a few gadgets.
As a cloud-based answer, I envision companies will discover it handy that they will simply entry their recordsdata on their computer systems or cell gadgets. Followers of Nord’s different safety merchandise, resembling NordVPN and NordPass, ought to positively think about NordLocker as a attainable encryption answer.
Why I picked NordLocker
NordLocker received its identify on this record for being an all-in-one encryption storage answer. Each companies and particular person customers on the lookout for a safe and intuitive approach to safe their knowledge will discover NordLocker as a positive 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 thirty days.
- Private 1-year 2TB: $6.99 per thirty days.
For NordLocker Enterprise, we solely get one plan possibility that lasts a yr:
- Enterprise 1-year 2TB: $29.99 per thirty days.
For NordLocker Enterprise, we discovered that pricing wasn’t supplied outright not like earlier years.
So it’s finest to contact NordLocker straight for a customized value quote on their Enterprise subscription.
Options
- Zero-knowledge structure.
- Helps folder locking.
- Presents 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 Bundle: Finest for simple encryption
For easy encryption duties and fewer tech-savvy customers, Superior Encryption Bundle is an effective possibility. It presents a selection between 20 confirmed encryption algorithms to guard consumer knowledge. This consists of the business commonplace AES encryption, Blowfish, Serpent, GOST, Twofish, and plenty of others.
It’s an easy-to-use knowledge encryption answer that allows customers to create a password to entry recordsdata and select their very own encryption algorithm. Decryption is simple as nicely. Proper now, AEP is on the market for Home windows 10 and 11.
Why I picked Superior Encryption Bundle
I selected Superior Encryption Bundle for its ease of use when it comes to choosing 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 that could be intimidating for some customers to deal with.=
Pricing
- Absolutely 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
- Presents safe file deletion.
- Helps 20 encryption algorithms.
- Encrypts textual content to and from the clipboard.
- Has command-line administration.
SEE: NordLocker vs VeraCrypt: Encryption Software program Comparability (TechRepublic)
Superior Encryption Bundle execs and cons
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SEE: Uneven vs Symmetric Encryption: What’s the Distinction? (TechRepublic)
ESET PROTECT Full: Finest for bundled endpoint safety
For customers that need an endpoint safety answer 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 gadgets. This will show important for companies that need to go compliance necessities. I particularly respect how ESET permits for encryption and deployment in a single motion.
Why I picked ESET PROTECT
I’ve ESET PROTECT on this record for being a full-fledged safety answer 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 help, being appropriate with Home windows, macOS, Ubuntu, Android, iOS, mail and file servers, amongst others.
Pricing
ESET PROTECT Full’s pricing depends in your contract size and variety of gadgets coated. Under is a quick abstract of pricing:
- 1 yr; 5 gadgets: $287.72 per yr.
- 1 yr; 10 gadgets: $575.45 per yr.
- 2 years; 5 gadgets: $518.07 per yr.
- 2 years; 10 gadgets: $1,036.15 per yr.
Options
- Centralized administration throughout the ESET PROTECT console.
- IPS 140-2 validated with 256 bit AES encryption.
- Protects endpoints, cloud apps, and e-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 concentrate on these key options:
Consumer Interface
You need an easy-to-use interface so to handle and entry the encrypted knowledge simply. With encryption software program, extra novice customers could discover it formidable to implement and use. However an intuitive and user-friendly software program expertise will encourage customers to encrypt extra of their knowledge, and in flip, enhance their knowledge’s safety.
Computerized Backup
Ideally, an encryption software ought to robotically backup encrypted recordsdata. I personally discover there’s no level in encrypting knowledge that’s susceptible to being misplaced after a single wipe or crash. Having computerized backup performance supplies one other layer of safety in case vital consumer or enterprise knowledge is broken or misplaced.
Encryption Algorithms
On the very least, I really feel that encryption software program ought to help the Superior Encryption Customary (AES) 256-bit algorithm, which is military-grade safety. That is the usual encryption algorithm that’s well known because the strongest on this planet, with many banks and authorities companies using it for added safety. Different algorithms embrace RSA, Blowfish, Twofish, and DES.
SEE: Threat Administration Coverage (TechRepublic Premium)
Various system help
For me, encryption software program ought to accommodate a variety of gadgets and platforms. Organizations with a whole lot to 1000’s of customers could use their very own gadgets to work or have their very own working system (OS) preferences, which implies that encryption ought to help as many gadgets as attainable.
Having large system help will permit larger adoption of encryption software program, and consequently, a better stage of safety being applied in a enterprise.
Buyer Help
Stable and a number of help choices are very best. Encryption software program suppliers ought to have high quality buyer help in place to assist customers that will not be conversant in how you can implement such merchandise.
This will are available quite a lot of kinds: on-line guides and tutorials, neighborhood boards, help tickets, e-mail and telephone correspondence, and plenty of extra. The extra choices a person consumer or enterprise has for buyer help, the higher.
How do I select the very best encryption software program for my enterprise?
Trying on the record of merchandise above, you’ll discover bundles, free choices, and a few with trial variations. So it’s straightforward to attempt all of them out and select the best file encryption program that meets your wants.
BitLocker could possibly be very best for individuals who need recordsdata encrypted all through their community and don’t need an enormous studying curve to make use of. Nevertheless, 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 software due to its business-focused function set. In the meantime, NordLocker and AEP could profit much less tech-savvy customers or organizations.
Moreover, it is best to search for distributors with free product trials and clear pricing.
Methodology
I used market analysis to find out the highest encryption software program. This analysis concerned learning business rankings, discussions, and product evaluations. Lastly, we narrowed the record to probably the most acceptable candidates, selecting based mostly on options like how nicely the software program protects delicate knowledge, its integration capabilities, and the pricing compared to the options every supply.
This text was printed in November 2024. It was up to date by Luis Millares in July 2025.
