If you're on the move regularly or your hard drive is accessible by third parties, it's always vulnerable to attack.

One way to prevent possible compromises of your security is by encrypting data. TrueCrypt aims to do this by allowing you to encrypt data "on-the-fly". This means that data is automatically encrypted or decrypted immediately before they are loaded or saved without any input required from you. Nothing can be encrypted or decrypted without using the correct password or encryption keys. This encryption extends to entire file systems such as file names, folder names, file contents, free disk space etc. The good thing about this particular program is that it doesn't get in the way of you dragging and dropping files. Some encryption programmes that work on-the-fly prevent you from doing so easily or add a delay to the transfer but that's not the case with TrueCrypt. The other good thing is that TrueCrypt never saves any decrypted data to a disk – it only stores them temporarily in your RAM which is far more secure because when you restart Windows or turn off your computer, the volume will be dismounted and files stored in it will be inaccessible and still encrypted. The interface is a bit bland but at least it's simple enough to follow and not full of complicated encryption jargon.

A very solid encryption tool although the fact that it's open source means that it's vulnerable to modification which could compromise encryptions.

Download TrueCrypt 6.0a in Softonic

If you're worried about the safety of your documents you should start using some encryption method to protect them.

PixelCryptor is probably one of the best options for your first steps into encryption. It enables you to protect your private documents by combining them into a package that is then encrypted with any photo of your choice.

The pixel data contained in this photo is what the program uses to protect your documents, by creating almost endless, hacker-proof combinations. And whenever you want to decrypt your documents, simply open the package with your documents and select the picture you used to encrypt it.

PixelCryptor may not offer as many security options and encryption methods as other tools, but it's very easy to use and probably the best choice for encryption newbies. On the downside, anyone who you're sending encrypted data too will need to have it installed.

PixelCryptor is a fairly basic encryption tool, mainly addressed at novice users, which uses images to encrypt confidential data.

Download PixelCryptor 1.2 in Softonic

Are you worried about privacy in your email communications? If so, you can trust your
messages to eCipher from now on.

This tool secures the contents of your email messages by protecting them with two of the
most powerful encrypting algorithms available today, 256-bit AES and 2048-bit RSA. As
complicated as it sounds, the good thing about eCipher is that it's very easy to use.

The program features a launcher-style small interface from which you can access the
settings menu, open an encrypted file that's been sent to you, manage your contacts
and, of course, compose and send encrypted e-mails. Bear in mind though that your
recipient must also have eCipher installed on their computer in order to open your
messages.

Unlike other encryption tools, eCipher is not directly embedded into your email's interface
– which would have probably been easier – but works as an independent email tool that
uses your email server settings to send messages. eCipher is currently compatible with a
wide variety of email clients and webmail platforms, including Outlook, Thunderbird and
Gmail.

With eCipher you can easily send and received encrypted email messages, no matter
which email platform you use.

Download eCipher 1.6 in Softonic

Protects your files from prying eyes with the most secure encryption technology available today. Your personal information, financial data and indeed any file on your computer can be at risk.

Be safe, the encryption used by File Waster has no known successful attacks against it - so you can feel at ease knowing your data is truely protected. And when you need to - don't just erase your sensitive files, wipe them using the most secure wiping methods in the industry. In its most secure mode, no known methods whether software or hardware will recover your information.

Download File Waster 6.7.1 in Softonic

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.

Download EncryptOnClick 1.3.1.3 in Softonic

Omziff is a straightforward encryption utility that uses various cryptographic algorithms to encrypt and decrypt textual files. These algorithms include: Blowfish, Cast128, Gost, IDEA, Misty1, Rijndael, and Twofish. It also generates random passwords, and offers simple file shredding. It is freeware, comes in a standalone executable file with no dependencies.

Download Omziff 3.1 in Softonic

Crypt4Free (freeware) is file encryption software with the ability to encrypt files and text messages. The application contains support for ZIP files and ability to securely delete sensitive files, as well as a skinnable user-friendly interface.

Features of the app:

• Easy-to-use
• Skin support (one free skin in standard downloadable package)
• Encrypts every kind of file on every kind of medium, whether floppy disk, removable hard drive, zip drive, tape drive or other
• Full .ZIP support - Crypt4Free can browse for existing .zip archives, extract its contents and even create new .zip archives
• Built-in files compression to reduce size in transmission
• Ability to send encrypted files and messages via the internet
• Ability to encrypt email text (or any other text message) to send it securely via e-mail, chat, or instant messengers like ICQ, AOL Messenger, Microsoft Messenger etc. The recipent must enter the password to read this message
• No "back door" in the software - No access possible under any circumstances. If you do not remember the password you cannot access the encrypted contents. There is no special procedure, secret code, or hidden entry method to fall back on
• Built-in file shredder - i.e. wiping the contents of the original pre-encrypted file

Download Crypt4Free 4.7.6 in Softonic

PalCrypt is an easy to use encrypter which ensures that your files are protected against unauthorised access by password.

You have two choices to protect files. Simply right-click on any file and press "Encrypt with PalCrypt 2.1.1.9" to encrypt it from Windows Explorer. Alternatively you can run the PalCrypt Quick Start program and encrypt/decrypt any file from there. The developers claim that it has been developed to resist even the fiercest attacks. The program has, according to them, been developed with "special techniques" to avoid brute-force attacks and automated attempts to retrieve a password. However, they warn users that the IDEA 128-bit key encryption is so strong that they can't help users that have lost or misplaced passwords. The best thing about this program is it's accessibility - it's completely integrated into Windows shell so it's always on hand whatever you are doing.

An easy and simple to use file encrypter although there's no recovery tool for if you lose your passwords so be careful!

Download PalCrypt 2.1.1.9 in Softonic

The credentials of Flash Crypt are certainly pretty impressive with the developers promising it allows you to "lock any folder on your computer with a couple of mouse clicks with military-grade 256-bit AES algorithm guaranteeing the highest level of data protection."

While there must be a touch of sales talk in there, it's certainly a very secure program. There seems to be very recorded cases of the program being cracked and it feels like a very solid and secure package from the start. If you're not convinced, then checkout the opinion of the US government who say that the encryption method used by Flash Crypt "is sufficient to protect classified information up to TOP SECRET level."

Whatever the strength of the encryption, it's certainly very easy to use which is one of the most important things. It's also ideal for those on the move because you can copy encrypted folders to another disk, flash drive, CD-ROM or by email - without having the program installed on any of the these external mediums - and the data will remain protected. And if you're worried about password loss, FlashCrypt has a special option that lets you save the encrypted password along with the protected data. The developers assure that the asymmetric cryptography used means that not even they are able to crack it, once it's applied.

An extremely powerful product that, if lives up to the hype, is suitable for most sensitive kind of data.

Download FlashCrypt 1.0 beta in Softonic

AxCrypt is free and easy to use open source strong file encryption for Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2K/XP, integrated with Windows Explorer. Encrypt, compress, decrypt, wipe, view and edit with a few mouse clicks. Cryptographic primitives are AES-128 and SHA-1. For programmers and system administrators, there is also a command line interface callable from batch files, scripts and other programming languages.

Download AxCrypt 1.6.4 in Softonic

BCArchive is a compressing and archiving tool that has been especially designed for all those security paranoids out there. It enables to create archives and keep them away from prying eyes with encryption and password protection.

The program is very easy to use. In fact, you don't need to open it: simply right click on the files you want to archive and select the appropriate option in the context menu. Plus, the program enables you to select the kind of encryption method you want to use. The whole procedure is simple and fast. Just remember to use strong passwords, because if you keep on using your own name as your universal password, programs like BCArchive are simply useless.

My only complaint about this app is that self-extracting files don't seem to work. After creating one, I tried to open it on another PC without having BCArchive installed and all I got was an error message.

A great tool to protect private data in compressed encrypted archives.

Download BCArchive 1.08.6 in Softonic

Many people share their computer at work or at home and thus have documents or files that they don't want anyone to see. Steganos Safe One is basically a simpler version of Steganos Safe to create encrypted virtual disks to store any document.

Although it is not in Spanish, it's easy to use and has a highly graphical interface. At the same time, it provides multiple configuration options. You can increase or decrease the size of the virtual disk, save it to an iPod or a USB memory and activate it manually. Amongst the other options are the possibility to use a password or a matrix of images or symbols. In the first case, Steganos Safe One can show the security level of the selected password.

Being a scaled down version of a commercial program has limitations with regard to his older brother, as the discs do not exceed 1GB but this is still a great program.

Download Steganos Safe One 10.0 in Softonic

There are all sorts of scallywags out there that, given half a chance, would love to snoop on the files on your computer and the emails you send and receive. Luckily though, it's pretty easy to protect yourself, especially if you use cGeep. The app encrypts personal information quickly from the file menu of Windows Explorer using a list of passwords that you enters into the database program.

It has two main functions: to encrypt and decrypt files and emails. Compatibility with Outlook and many other clients, cGeep can send encrypted messages with a single click and receive correspondence equally safely. The utility makes things ultra safe by using a double password system, implementing both a public and private key.

Encrypting files and emails in cGeep can be done with a single click, making this one of the easiest security tools you'll find.

Download cGeep Free 3.0.4a in Softonic

Sadly, data theft is an incresingly common crime these days and there are plenty of digital bandits who would be only to willing to pilfer your files for juicy information. Aside from learning the finer points of cryptography yourself, you could install Paragon Encrypted Disk to create 'images' in which data is encoded.

These images can be either 'mounted' or 'unmounted'. When a disk is mounted, it means it is active and you can use it like any other local disk, copying files and folders, and creating and editing new files. The difference is that the disk is totally encrypted with powerful algorithms, which are completly transparent, leaving you free to get on with your work without having to worry about the data being unsecured.

When you unmount a disk it means its contents are completly unaccessible anymore. You can then write this container file to any compact media such as a CD, DVD or USB stick and always carry the encrypted disk with you without fear of someone getting hold of your data if you lose it. Thanks to a series of wizards, the program is simple to operate and performs the necessary encryption pretty quickly.

Download Paragon Encrypted Disk SE 3 in Softonic

Applying hash functions to a file has long been a popular way to ensure the integrity of data and this little app is designed to help you process these functions with ease. The concept of hash functions can be a little daunting to newcomers, but basically it's a mathematical process that generates a key, or a summary of a file and this data is sent with the file whenever it is transferred. Then, when it's received at the other end, the hash key is checked against the file and if it corresponds then you know the file is intact.

HashX is great if you need to send large amounts of critical data on a regular basis. The program lets you apply a number of different hash functions to a file without blinding you with too much science. It includes a total of nine hash algorithms and options for selecting the type of characters you want. Performing hash functions will take a little getting used to a first, but ultimately HashX is a good tool for maintaining the integrity of your data.

Download HashX 1.0.1.2 in Softonic

If you're worried about the safety of your private, then AbsolutePrivacy may be a good solution for you. Behind a rather simple design you have a wide range of apps that enable you to manage your personal and professional life while taking security very seriously.

This program works as a personal information manager, featuring tools like a calendar, a memo app, a contacts manager, a diary and a tool to control your personal budget. The difference with other PIMs is that all the data you enter will be encrypted and protected.

The program's interface is quite plain, but at the same time this makes the program easy to use. No knowledge about encryption needed!

Download AbsolutePrivacy 2.3.0 in Softonic

Right-click a text file from the Windows Explorer, select 'Mince-Encrypt', type a password and your file will be secure from unwanted prying eyes. Double-click to decrypt.

Features:

• Easy to use text encryption
• Clever password protection
• Works with its own file type
• Uses full proof 24 bits unique key data
• Allows you to e-mail its encrypted files
• Operates from the Windows Explorer context menu

Download Mince 1.0.3 in Softonic

Androsa FileProtector is a professional and freeware software that protects any type of file encrypting completely the content with the most advanced systems of cryptography.

Androsa FileProtector allows to put to the sure sensitive file or personal file that do not have to be used/viewed from people not authorized that they have logging to the pc and/or to the files.

With Androsa FileProtector is possible, for instance, protect a file video that could be viewed by people not authorized that they use the computer, in fact once protected with Androsa FileProtector, only who will own the password used for protecting the file video can view it!

This is what Androsa FileProtector has to offer:

• Possibility to protect any type of file
• Compression of files before protection, thus reducing file size
• Integration with Windows context menu
• Simple and functional user interface
• Advanced cryptography algorithms: AES 128/192/256 bits, TripleDES 192 bits, DES 64 bits
• Cryptography with password up to 256 bit (32 characters)
• Statistics of protection in real time.
• Support for Drag & Drop
• Management through system tray
• Automatic update system
• Protection against weak passwords
• Ability to pause/resume protection
• Complete Help system

Download Androsa FileProtector 1.1 in Softonic

Chaos Mash is a free encryption utility for Windows that lets you scramble any type of data. You can use it to encrypt any sort of file on your computer, so whenever you need data to be confidential you simply “mash” it. The app will output any file of your choosing into encrypted data.

Chaos Mash does not require installation, simply copy it to the hard drive or USB device to run. Choose from 45 types of encryption methods and use these methods with keys you create to keep your data safe.

Download Chaos Mash 2.5.001 in Softonic

CompuSec PC Security Suite is a security application that uses pre-boot authentication and full hard disk encryption plus encryption of floppy disks and other removable media. The pre-boot access control requires you to enter your UserID and password before the system will boot up. There are two encryption methods available, one that will keep your data encrypted prior to boot, and one that will encrypt data on-the fly.

Features of the suite include:

• Pre-boot access control

• Hard disk encryption using fast AES algorithm and in hibernation mode

• Encryption for CD / DVD for secure publishing and sharing of CD data

• Encryption for diskettes and removable media devices such as ZIP drives, USB thumb drives or Memory sticks

• Encryption of individual files or data transmitted via email and FTP

• Encryption of server files and subdirectories

• Single-sign-on at Windows

• Identity management for password encryption, policy database query, and support for BioClick for secure transactions based on fingerprint recognition

• Local and Central Administration

• [ClosedTalk] for secure VoIP communication

Download CompuSec PC Security Suite 4.23 in Softonic