With more of us keeping sensitive data on our computers than ever before, the need to protect your data from the eyes of unwanted intruders is greater than ever. Of course, there are plenty of applications that allow you to encrypt your private data, but many of them come at a high price. Folder Vault is a relatively cheap alternative that blocks access to files, folders and archives through an interesting interface, which is completely styled around the theme of locking and protection.

Once installed, the program create a default protected folder called Folder Vault, to which any file on your PC can be added. One of the neat features of the software is that it can be run in Stealth mode, to avoid being detected and attacked. There are plenty of cool options locked within the app, such as the ability to auto-shutdown your machine after a designated number of failed password attempts. Handily the program includes a feature whereby once you enter a password, all of the files and folders within your protected folder become unblocked, saving you a lot of time.

I found the program was great for blocking files thanks to its powerful encryption algorithms. However, I was a little disappointed with the Hack Prevention and Automation modes, as these did not seem to work at all when I tried them.

Download Folder Vault 2.0.0.46 in Softonic

Hide, lock and protect your local, network, Floppy and USB drives, and disable the AutoRun feature for them using this fabulously designed software. Functionality and simplicity is put in every corner of the program; intuitively understandable user interface gives you an ability to start using the program right out of the box without learning anything.

All you need to do is to click on the checkboxes located within the group boxes representing individual drives. Another great feature you can use lets you disable the AutoRun feature based on drive types. This means you can disable, for instance, only all USB drives, regardless of the drive letters that can be associated with them. The program lets you protect itself from an unauthorized access by assigning a password that can be requested on each program start..

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We've all been in that horrible scenario where an essential file has seemingly disappeared into thin air - either via accidental deletion or malware which has invaded your system.

First thing's first - this is no substitute for an anti-virus checker but it does offer you extra protection against the worst case scenarios in file deletion. It's mainly aimed at those that want to protect their files from kids or another unauthorised users that may purposely or accidentally delete files. Of course, if you are using Windows, I suggest the best way to do this is is to create an entirely new user profile for each person but if this is not possible, then this is an excellent alternative.

System Protect allows you to pick those files and folders that you want to protect such as important documents, your favorite music, vacation photos, movies etc. It's best used as an extension to your currently existing security suite. to keep your system stable and get automatic deletion alerts - a virus checker may inform you of a virus attack but it won't tell you whether the target is going to be deleted - System Protect will.

If you don't have much faith in your antivirus software or are worried about other users on your PC, then this is an excellent solution.

Download System Protect 1.0.0.83 in Softonic

It often happens that we have to hide files or folders, especially when working on a shared computer. The most effective way to do it is by using a specific program.

Free Hide Folder is a free application that lets you select a list of folders you would like to keep protected. By clicking the Hide button in the main menu, all the selected folders will magically disappear on your computer. In order to have access to them you will have to pass through the program which has a pre-selected password to enter.

It's all very easy to use and actually effective if you have sensitive files to protect, but I have little issues on the usability side. It's not possible in fact to hide a folder just from the right-click menu; you will always have to pass through the Add function of the program. Again, if you want to see a folder that has been previously hidden, a double click on it in the program's window is not enough; you will have to select the right button in the right-click menu of the application.

The program installs icons in the Start menu, letting other users know you are hiding something, so maybe a combination of keys to launch the application would have been more effective. I suppose you can always delete the Start menu link but then you will not have direct access to your folders.

Free Hide Folder is a useful free tool to protect and hide sensitive folders on your computer. Some usability issues may render slightly annoying using it, but they don't affect its efficiency.

Download Free Hide Folder 2.0 in Softonic

The program can be used to restrict read or write access to removable media devices such as CD, DVD, floppy, flash and USB drives. You can also restrict access to partitions of hard disk drives. You are given two choices when you secure your data: you can hide your devices or lock access to them. Access password has to be entered to gain access to the devices back. This software will never endanger your protected data.

If you lose or forget your password, you'll never lose your data stored on the protected media. Moreover, it works much more faster than any other software using cryptooperation mechanisms. The main purpose of the program is to restrict an ability of copying data between removable media and hard disk drives. You can also deny access to the media itself. This program also allows you to avoid many of headaches connected with unauthorized software installations from any removable media and it prevents data leaks through removable media.

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If you're worried about unauthorised access of your files but regularly share a PC, then one of the best ways to protect yourself is by encrypting your folders.

This might be a laborious and time consuming process if you've got lots of data to protect - as encryption can frequently take time - but it doesn't have to be too painful with Kaka Folder Protection. The program is fast and straightforward and once installed, you'll notice a "lockdir.exe" in your folders. Double click on this to run the program and it instantly asks you for a password to encrypt the folder. You can choose to encrypt either the current folder or an alternative folder of your choosing. The program would have been better if it installed itself directly into Windows Explorer shell and required a right click to activate but it's really no big drawback to double-click the .exe.

The developers claim that the program uses strong encryption technology although it doesn't reveal exactly what this is. This may cause some concern for those who are worried about the strength of the encryption. Once encrypted however, the good thing is that the folders are protected against illegal copying, deletion or adding extra files to. The program also adds a padlock symbol to protected folders so that users can immediately see what is protected and what isn't it - which is OK unless you're trying to protect files discreetly.

A simple and easy to use program that doesn't reveal what kind of encryption it uses but should be enough for most home users.

Download Folder Protection 4.8 in Softonic

DeVault protects files and folders in any format or compression ratio. The program does not need to move files and works with your own list of files ordered by category. At the same time, you can perform several operations with the protected files such as synchronize daily scheduling by the hour, record backups, share directories and export details of the database to an XML file.

The program also features built-in compression and backup options that make it ideal for both personal or business use. For busy professionals, encryption and automatic task scheduling is also available. Using this application, you can share multiple files and multiple revisions of the same files with others in a single digital vault. However, it's not clear what encryption methods are being used and so the security may not be 100% reliable.

Ultimately, deVault acts as a safety deposit box in which to store documents that are highly sensitive - it's a good solution for anyone dealing with secret data.

Download deVault 4.5 in Softonic

Protect your PC from abusive use of removable media and enforce whether users are allowed to use removable media or access your local drives.

This software lets you hide, lock and prevent usage of local, network, Floppy and USB drives as well as disable the AutoRun feature for them.

This will let you significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized software installations and cluttering of local disk drives. If you hide and lock all the drive letters you do not normally use, you will prevent any inserted removable media from appearing and being accessible in My Computer.

The AutoRun feature can be disabled for specific drives or drive types. A password protection can be applied to the program to prevent your users form changing the security settings you enforce.

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If you need to protect confidential information on your PC then this nifty solution from those clever people at Google could be your saviour. The simple tool gives you the power to automatically apply a password to any type of file as soon as it is created so that it can only be accessed with this password.

If you forget the password then unfortunately there's no way of retreiving it through FLocker, although the program does leave the original, unprotected version of the file in tact, so you can revert back to this. A safer bet is to store all your passwords in a password management application. It's a shame that this program doesn't boast these capabilities though.

Download FLocker 1.1 in Softonic

USB LOCK AP has a simple, and straightforward interface that has been designed taking careful consideration to its effectiveness, and usability.

USB LOCK AP is the tool of choice if you need to prevent information loss due to the unauthorized use of USB storage removable drives, CD-RWs, or floppy disks, without blocking other USB devices like printers, mouse, cameras, etc...

It is suitable for either Home or business use. Its anti-hack security works as a Windows Service at Local System level allowing the program to effectively run even on computers with no privileges.

USB LOCK AP allows the user to authorize or restrict, at his or her convenience, the use of USB storage removable drives, All CD ROM/CD-RW drives, and Floppy Disk drives, from its simple, password protected interface.

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Folder Lock is a fast file-security software that can password-protect, lock, hide and encrypt any number of files, folders, drives, pictures and documents in seconds. Protected files are hidden, undeletable, inaccessible and highly secure, it hides files from kids, friends and co-workers, and safeguards them from viruses, trojans, worms and spyware, even protects them from networked PCs or cable users and hackers.

Files can also be protected on USB Flash Drives, Memory Sticks, CD-RW, floppies and notebooks. Protection works even if files are taken from one PC to another on a removable disk, without the need to install any software. It locks files in Windows, DOS and even Safe Modes. Additional Options include Stealth Mode, Hacker Attempt Monitoring, Shred files, AutoLock, Auto Shutdown PC, Lock your PC, Erase PC tracks, 256-bit Blowfish Encryption and Context Menu in Explorer.

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As IT technologies are booming we entrust much of our business and private information to MS Office documents. Whenever an MS Office document is created it is complemented with such properties as the author, corporate name, document changes, editing time and other metadata. All this makes the private information available to a third party that may put your company at financial risk and/or an embarrassing situation.

Document Trace Remover is an analytical tool for checking MS Office documents (Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint) and Adobe PDF for unauthorized private information disclosure. The software application inserts information about an initial name, (previous) authors, corporate name(s), number of saves and other built-in & custom properties, which can infringe your privacy. Document Trace Remover shall advise you of this information.

Be professional in your office work and don't allow unauthorized disclosure of your private information.

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Hide or password-protect any file instantly by clicking on it. Advanced File Vault works with all file types including pictures and movies. Once a file is locked or hidden, it is completely encrypted and none of its contents can be viewed. To lock a file or folder, simply right-click on it and select the lock option. Extremely easy to use. Online help is also available. This software offers the following features: lock/encrypt/hide any file with a few clicks; easy-to-use user interface; military-grade encryption.

Download Advanced File Vault 1.06 in Softonic

A quick and easy way to protect sensitive information on your computer from children, employers, and anyone else who uses your computer, including hackers!

This software will hide your sensitive files so that they can't be seen or accessed. Files stay hidden even if you turn on "View Hidden Files". Even links in your recent documents menu won't be able to find your hidden files!

For extra security, use a password to prevent anyone from accessing your files. You can run this software in stealth mode so that no one knows it's there, and hide or show your sensitive files using hotkeys.

There has never been an easier way to keep private files REALLY private.

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File Securer is a powerful tool designed to protect your sensitive folder and personal file. With strong security, File Securer embeds the protect into windows system kernel, both on command mode and window mode, all work professionally.

With exceptional easy of use, File Securer let you be enabled to lock your folder and file any where. The locking and unlocking object function are integrated with system pop menu. It's so easy, selecting object, clicking right button of the mouse, and clicking 'lock' or 'unlock', that's all. If someone want to access your locked object, the system will say "Sir, give me you password please!", and the tools will record all the error password and win-user, then report to you.

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Folder Security Personal allows you to hide and lock folders and files. You can choose to hide them completely or restrict access by making them read-only, preventing modification or deletion by other users or programs. The program can also lock Floppy, CDrom, USB sticks, and other removable drives or make them read-only. It works with drive of all of FAT/FAT32/NTFS formats.

This program can also repair and prevent malicious changes on most options of the Internet Explorer, such as Start Page, Default URL, Window Title, Context Menu, and etc. Additional features include support for special folders (My Documents, Send To etc.), disable/enable the Registry Editor, default drives sharing, and password protected interface. This tool is foolproof, self-protected, and easy-to-use with drag-and-drop operation fully supported. This version comes with more protection options for files and folders, read-only protection for drives, stealth mode, and other major improvements.

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Folder Latch allows you to lock or unlock private information in folders, providing you with an easy and effective way to protect sensitive data. It does not require installation and integrates seamlessly with Windows Explorer, working also from files context menu.

The locking process is fast and easy: select the folder you want to protect and assign a password to it. To unlock, just reverse the steps. Please remember to use the password hint option. Otherwise, if you lose or forget the password, you won't be able to access your protected folders.

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Licence Protector administrates licences and modules, generates Demo and time limited versions, and provides you with software copy protection. Automatic licence generation in Online shops is possible. Encrypted licence file and Secure Activation Keys which can be used only once.

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Admin PC is application designed to configure and personalize Windows looks and feels and restricts access to your computer to protect your privacy. Admin PC user friendly interface allows you to configure hundreds of Windows hidden settings to control appearance, productivity and performance of different Windows components such as Network, Control Panel, Start Menu, Desktop, Accessories, Windows Explorer, Internet Explorer and so on. You can disable your boot keys, DOS windows, Registry editing, hide your desktop icons and individual drives. Windows restrictions can be applied to all users of computer or just to specific users.

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Sometimes do you want a program that can protect your important files not being read by others, not being deleted unexpectedly? If so, EasyFP, a handy tool which encrypt files and protect files, maybe a good choice for you.

Everyone can make the odd mistake when using computers. Some mistakes aren't important, but sometimes mistakes are: our important files are deleted! Occasionally the losses are completely out of your control. Bad applications, vicious viruses and many other reasons can cause files to be wiped unexpectedly. So actually it is difficult for you to say your important files are safe on your computer except when you turn off your computer.

EasyFP is a program which combines file encryption and file protection. By encrypting files with a password, your files can't be read by others. By enabling file protection function, you will never need to worry that your important files will be deleted unexpectedly.

Download EasyFP 2.3 in Softonic