Anchor Link AxCrypt
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2012-11-13
Version: 1.7.2976.0 – Released: 2012-11-13 Windows: Installer automatically selects
File Size: 3.2 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
Portable version available on-site
“AxCrypt is a file encryption program using the AES algorithm with 128-bit keys. It combines strong symmetric encryption with compression (if needed) and double-click editing/viewing. Encrypted files have a ‘.axx’ extension added to their names, and are shown with a new icon. To encrypt a file, right-click it in Windows Explorer and select ‘AxCrypt | Encrypt’. To edit or view an encrypted file – just double-click it. To decrypt, right-click and select ‘AxCrypt | Decrypt’ instead. No configuration is necessary. Run the installer, and AxCrypt is ready to use.
“The following are features that really set it apart from all other file encryption tools, commercial as well as free:
• Double-click to edit/view with any application, with automatic re-encryption when done.
• Extensive command-line interface for scripting and programming.
• 6 languages in one executable distribution.
• Absolutely no user configuration necessary or possible before use.
• Free and Open Source under GNU GPL.
“The AxCrypt installer may include an optional offer for additional software via the OpenCandy network. You may decline by hitting the ‘Cancel’ buttton at the appropriate time.”
Anchor Link BestCrypt
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-25
Version: 8.25.2.2 – Released: 2013-04-25 Windows: All
File Size: 18.9 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“BestCrypt creates and supports encrypted virtual disks, which are visible as regular disks with corresponding drive letters (for example, D:, K:, Z:, i.e. with any drive letter that is not used by another system device). The data stored on a BestCrypt disk is stored in the container file. A container is a file, so it is possible to backup a container, move or copy it to other disk (CD-ROM or network, for instance) and continue to access your encrypted data using BestCrypt. Any free drive letter in the system may be used to mount and to open an encrypted file-container for access. When the virtual disk is opened, you can read and write data as if it were a conventional removable disk.”
Anchor Link Cryptainer LE
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-07-11
Version: 10.0.0 – Released: 2012-07-09 Windows: All
File Size: 7.3 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Cryptainer LE is a freeware utility from Cypherix. It is a 128-bit disk encryption software that is a ‘miniature’ version of Cryptainer PE and Cryptainer. It creates encrypted containers (vaults) of upto 25 MB each to store any type of data. You can encrypt files and folders by simply dragging and dropping them into this vault. Additionally, it lets you create secure e-mail files that you can send to anyone.
“Cryptainer LE includes a ‘Mobile’ feature, which allows it to encrypt all media (including, USB, CD ROM, etc). It works on all 32 bit as well as 64 bit versions of Windows. The Best Part – this award winning encryption package is totally free and never expires.”
Anchor Link CryptIt
License: Shareware Last Reviewed: 2011-04-24
Version: 1.4 – Released: 2008-02-11 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista
File Size: 45 KB
“Most file encryptors use methods that rely on the time taken in guessing the key number. Providing the key length is 128 bits or greater this method works well… for now. CryptIt uses a variant of Vernam encryption that can have keys the same size as the file to be encrypted. Thus, if you are encrypting a 5MB file, then you can have a 40 Million bit key! This is virtually unbreakable by any computer, especially when you consider that the file must also be checked with each combination to see if it is decrypted. Furthermore, the key file can be anything – a program, a swap file, an image of your cat or even a music file.
“CryptIt also has a ability to use removable media (USB keys, CDs, floppies) as a key, further increasing the security and convenience of the method. If your needs are more simpler then you can also use a word (string), but the advantages of the Vernam method are lost then. Descriptions can be stored within the encrypted file, as well as the file name of the code. This enables the file to be, for example, EMailed to another person who has the same collection of codes as you, while not sending the actual code. Command line operation is also supported.”
Anchor Link Cryptographic Encryptor
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2013-04-02
Version: 2.1.3.495 – Released: 2013-04-01 Windows: XP, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 2.6 MB Both 32- and 64-bit versions
Portable versions available on-site
“VSEncryptor is an easy to use file and text encryption program. You can encrypt any file or text you choose. To access the file (or text) again, you would need access to the password that was used while encrypting.
“VSEncryptor is a serious solution, but at the same time is easy to use and does not require any technical background — just select any file (or type text) and choose ‘Encrypt’ — or simply drag the file to the proper editor box. VSEncryptor supports a variety of encryption algorithms, including AES-128, AES-192, AES-256, RC2, RC4, DES and Triple DES.”
Anchor Link Cryptography Products
Information Only Last Reviewed: 2009-07-14
Author: Bruce Schneier
“The problem with bad security is that it looks just like good security. You can’t tell the difference by looking at the finished product. Both make the same security claims; both have the same functionality. Both might even use the same algorithms: triple-DES, 1024-bit RSA, etc. Both might use the same protocols, implement the same standards, and have been endorsed by the same industry groups. Yet one is secure and the other is insecure.
“The term we use for bad cryptography products is ‘snake oil,’ which was the turn-of-the-century American term for quack medicine. It brings to mind traveling medicine shows, and hawkers selling their special magic elixir that would cure any ailment you could imagine. Elsewhere I’ve talked about building strong security products, using tried-and-true mathematics, and generally being conservative. Here I want to talk about some of the common snake-oil warning signs, and how you can pre-judge products from their advertising claims. These warning signs are not foolproof, but they’re pretty good.”
Anchor Link Cypherix LE
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-12-24
Version: 10.0.0 – Released: 2012-12-24 Windows: 9x, ME, 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7, 8
File Size: 8.21 MB Both 32- and 64-bit compatible
“Cypherix LE is a powerful, yet easy to use encryption software designed to create an encrypted virtual drive, to provide password protection and hide any file or folder ensuring file encryption, automatically. The utility provides powerful encryption features, thus ensuring exclusive access to your data.
“Cypherix LE uses a 128-bit implementation of the powerful Blowfish algorithm while the registered versions Cypherix ME, Cypherix PE and Cypherix 8.1 offer a choice between a 448-bit implementation of Blowfish and a 256-bit implementation of AES (Rijndael).
“Cypherix LE creates a volume (vault) that can only be accessed with a password. This volume stores files in the encrypted form. Once mounted, the Cypherix drive is like any other drive you normally work with. It functions like any other drive (C: or D:) on your computer. Just drag and drop any file into the Cypherix Vault. It is automatically encrypted. It’s that simple! Cypherix LE vaults can only be viewed, accessed, browsed or modified by the user who has the key to open it. At other times, the files are invisible!”
Anchor Link EncryptOnClick
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-06-23
Version: 1.4.1.2 – Released: 2012-05-20 Windows: All
File Size: 1.5 MB
“EncryptOnClick is a program that lets you securely encrypt and decrypt files. EncryptOnClick is like hiring your own highly experienced data security guard who ensures the files you want to keep safe and out of view from others stay that way. The program is very simple to use and features military grade 256-bit AES encryption.”
Anchor Link MEO Data Encryption
License: Freeware Last Reviewed: 2012-03-19
Version: 2.02 – Released: 2010-08-20 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 2008, 7
File Size: 328 KB
“MEO is free file encryption software for Mac or Windows which enables you to encrypt or decrypt files of any type, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PDF documents. MEO allows you to protect your sensitive data against un-authorized viewers by utilizing the latest data encryption technologies. Keep your documents safe and secure with this free data encryption software. Features include:
» Easily encrypt data from a single click of a button
» Decrypt files that have been encrypted using MEO
» Create self-extracting encrypted files that are accessible from any computer. All you need is the password.
» Encrypt or Decrypt entire folders of data
» Windows Explorer pop-up menu integration
» MEO will automatically log all operations to a file
» Simple and intuitive interface”
Anchor Link TrueCrypt
License: GNU GPL – Open Source Last Reviewed: 2010-09-06
Version: 7.0a – Released: 2010-09-06 Windows: 2000, XP, 2003, Vista, 7
File Size: 3.3 MB Portable
“On-the-fly encryption software which can create virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk. Features:
♦ It can create a virtual encrypted disk within a file and mount it as a real disk.
♦ It can encrypt an entire hard disk partition or a device, such as USB memory stick, floppy disk, etc.
♦ It is the only free open-source OTFE software for Windows XP that provides plausible deniability.
♦ Encryption algorithms: AES (256-bit key), Blowfish (448-bit key), CAST5, Triple DES.
♦ Based on Encryption for the Masses (E4M) 2.02a.”