I’ve compiled a list of (mostly free) encryption tools and services that can help you protect your sensitive information. From disk encryption to email encryption, instant messaging encryption, and more, I’ve researched the different types and categories of encryption tools available to make it easy for you to find the right one for your needs.
Contents
Please keep in mind that some of the tools mentioned below may be discontinued or no longer under active development. It is important to research and evaluate the security and reliability of any encryption tool or service before using it to protect sensitive data.
Disk encryption
Encryption is a powerful tool for keeping your data safe and secure. One of the best ways to protect your data is through disk encryption tools. These tools encrypt entire storage devices, such as hard drives or USB drives, making it difficult for unauthorized users to access the data stored on them. This means that even if someone gets a hold of your device, they won’t be able to access the data stored on it without the encryption key.
In addition to keeping your data safe from unauthorized access, disk encryption tools can also protect your data in the event that your device is lost or stolen. With disk encryption, you can be sure that your data will remain safe and secure, even if your device falls into the wrong hands. Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or just someone who wants to keep their data safe, disk encryption tools are a great way to protect your sensitive information.
Examples: VeraCrypt, BitLocker (built-in to Windows), dm-crypt (built-in to Linux), TrueCrypt, DiskCryptor, LUKS (Linux Unified Key Setup), FileVault (built-in to macOS), CipherShed, GnuPG, Boxcryptor.
File encryption
File encryption allows you to secure files containing sensitive information such as financial records, personal documents and more. Whether you’re a business professional, a student, or just someone who wants to keep their files safe, file encryption tools are a great way to protect your sensitive information. Additionally, these tools can also protect the files you store in cloud services or shared networks.
Examples: AxCrypt, Encrypto, GNU Privacy Guard (GPG), 7-Zip (with AES-256 encryption), WinRAR (with AES-256 encryption), WinZip (with AES-256 encryption), VeraCrypt (also offers disk encryption), Microsoft Office (with built-in encryption for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat (with built-in encryption for PDF files), RoboForm (password manager with built-in file encryption).
Email encryption
Email communication is an essential part of modern life, but it also poses a security risk. The content of emails and attachments can be sensitive, and it’s important to make sure that it remains private. One way to ensure the privacy of your email communication is by using email encryption tools. These tools encrypt email messages, attachments, and can also encrypt the subject line to protect the privacy of the email communication. This means that even if someone intercepts your email, they won’t be able to read its contents without the encryption key.
In addition to keeping your emails private, email encryption tools can also protect your communication in case your email account gets compromised. By encrypting the subject line, you can also protect the privacy of the topic of the email. Email encryption tools are especially useful for businesses and organizations that need to keep sensitive information private, and for individuals who want to protect their personal communication.
Examples: ProtonMail, StartMail, Hushmail, Tutanota, Mailfence, Posteo, Runbox, FastMail, Mailbox.org, Kolab Now.
Encrypted instant messaging
Instant messaging is a convenient way to communicate with friends and colleagues, but it’s important to keep these conversations private. One way to ensure the privacy of your instant messaging conversations is by using instant messaging encryption tools. These tools encrypt instant messaging conversations, keeping them private and secure. This means that even if someone intercepts your instant messaging communication, they won’t be able to read its contents without the encryption key.
In addition to keeping your instant messaging conversations private, instant messaging encryption tools can also protect your communication in case your device gets stolen or lost. These tools can also protect your conversations when you are using public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks. Instant messaging encryption tools are especially useful for individuals and organizations that want to keep their communication private, and for people who are concerned about their online privacy.
Examples: Telegram, Signal, WhatsApp, iMessage (built-in to iOS and macOS), Viber, Dust, Wickr, KakaoTalk, Line, Dust (formerly Cyber Dust).
Network encryption
When you transmit data over a network, it’s important to ensure that it remains private and secure. One way to achieve this is by using network encryption tools. These tools encrypt data as it is transmitted over a network, protecting it from interception or tampering. This means that even if someone intercepts your network communication, they won’t be able to read its contents without the encryption key.
In addition to keeping your network communication private, network encryption tools can also protect your data in case your device gets stolen or lost. Network encryption tools are especially useful for businesses and organizations that need to keep sensitive information private, and for individuals who want to protect their personal communication. Examples of network encryption tools include Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) and Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Shell (SSH). These tools can encrypt the data as it travels through the network and make sure that it’s safe and secure.
Examples: OpenVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, TunnelBear, Surfshark, ProtonVPN, VyprVPN.
Photo by Mikhail Nilov