How to choose the right encryption tool

In essence, most encryption tools are similar. They lock away your data and give you the key. But that doesn’t mean that all encryption tools are equal. If you are new to cybersecurity, ease of use, automatic data backups, and other features can make a big difference in your ability to stick to new habits. Here’s what to look for when choosing an encryption tool.

Are free encryption tools good enough?

Should you pay for software when a free option is available? It’s a question as old as the internet. But due to a rise in cybersecurity threats and revelations about the true cost of “free” apps, answering it now is more important than ever.

That’s not to say you shouldn’t use free software. After all, NordLocker’s encryption with 3 GB of private cloud storage is free. But if you are going to use a free app, think about the ways that project is staying afloat. Is it a Facebook-type of a business where everything you share is used for profit, or is it a community-adored project supported by donations?

Proprietary or open-source encryption tools?

Open-source encryption tools have clear advantages over proprietary software. Even if you can’t analyze the code yourself, you can at least hope that someone in the world has already done the necessary work for you. And if that’s what you’re looking for, you can check out several open-source alternatives.

But you won’t be surprised to hear that we think closed-source encryption tools also have significant benefits. For example, one of those benefits is responsibility. When bugs are found in open-source apps, no one can be held accountable. Plus, every user must take initiative to update their software when those bugs are patched. As a global brand, NordLocker is putting its reputation on the line with every release. That’s why all code must be monitored and constantly improved.

Must-have encryption features

Before you can decide which encryption tool to use, you must consider your needs. When you clearly define your expectations, committing to a new encryption tool is much easier.

Disk, folder, or file encryption

Do you need to encrypt an entire disk or folder, or do you simply need to restrict access to a particular file? If you only need basic device-level encryption, free built-in encryption tools like BitLocker may suffice. But if your needs lean more towards privacy, then you’ll need more sophisticated tools.

File name encryption

File name encryption is a security feature that hides both what’s inside a file as well as what the file even is. While it’s less useful on an individual level, someone's dealing with personally identifiable information or invoices may find this feature a must-have.

Ease of use

Privacy-focused products will never have the budgets of trillion-dollar data companies that have analyzed every detail of their UI. But that cannot be an excuse. Needless to say, unless privacy tools are intuitive and easy to use, people will be reluctant to use them instead of their mainstream counterparts.

Cloud and cross-platform sync

Plenty of encryption tools offer local encryption. But if you want to access your files on the go, benefit from backups, and more, you may want a tool that comes with secure cloud storage.

Sharing

Similar to cloud storage, secure sharing can also be a useful extra or a must-have. To decide if you need such a feature, consider whether you plan on sharing your files with family or coworkers.

RSA encryption or AES encryption

The ability to choose between RSA and AES encryption is rarely highlighted because, given the cipher is strong enough, both encryption methods should be equally safe. But if this feature is important to you, make sure your encryption tool allows you to choose between RSA and AES.

24/7 support

Software and bugs are inseparable, so when something goes wrong, you should have someone to call for help. If it’s an open-source project, take a look at how active its community is. If you’re considering a paid tool, email the company to check how fast or helpful its support staff’s answers are.

Nice extras

Everyone has unique needs, and encryption tools are no exception. So here are a few extra features you may want to think about:

• Multilingual menu
• Mobile access
• File compression
• Multi-account support
• Business features

Test your tools

Only you can know which encryption tool is right for you. So, test a couple, read the reviews, and evaluate your needs. Maybe you’ll realize you need two separate encryption tools with different features. First-hand experience is always the best way to answer these types of questions and make the right decision.