Government security, hacking and eavesdropping are hazards that issue net customers around the world. The personal privacy of our individual info is at risk whenever we see a site or make use of an on the internet solution, yet there are tools that can aid us to secure it. Increasing the protection of your on-line information is particularly essential when it pertains to cloud storage space services. Maintaining your data in the cloud uses numerous advantages, yet it could also leave your information vulnerable to eavesdropping and strikes, if you do not take the right actions. Boxycryptor is a software especially made to secure your information, prior to it gets to the cloud. It deals with all major cloud storage solutions as well as facilitates file managing tasks.
PCloud is the most secure encrypted cloud storage, where you can store your personal files or backup your PC or share your business documents with your team! The Boxcryptor account is your key to accessing the encrypted file. If you lose the password, you cannot recover any file that you have encrypted. Once this is done, you are ready to encrypt files using Boxcryptor. Encrypting files using Boxcryptor. As we said earlier, Boxcryptor has been designed for protecting cloud storage content.
How Does Boxcryptor Work?
Boxycryptor is an added tool for cloud storage space users that intend to boost the safety of the data they save online. It is offered for major platforms like Windows, Mac, Android and iphone. While Boxycryptor doesn’t supply cloud storage space, it incorporates with the service of your option. They sustain a large option of providers including Dropbox, SpiderOak, pCloud, SugarSync, Google Drive, OneDrive, Box as well as more. Once the software program is running in your computer system or mobile phone, it spots the cloud storage space services that remain in use and establishes a digital drive on your device.The interface is very straightforward and all the functions available are provided on the left of the display
In the Boxcryptor folder, you will find sub-folders for all the cloud storage solutions found. When you double click a cloud storage space solution, the data stored on that particular service will be shown in the home window. You could manage documents directly from Boxycryptor as the information added to the virtual drive is immediately copied to the cloud storage service. When you right click any type of data, you will certainly see the Boxycryptor menu as well as will have the option to secure it, or to pick an additional job from the listing. After a data is encrypted, the cloud storage space application will certainly spot the change and also sync as necessary. If you secure a folder in the Boxycryptor online drive, any brand-new documents that you include in that folder is instantly secured and synced.
Boxycryptor remembers that there are instances where you might have to share an encrypted paper, which is why it provides you the opportunity of sharing documents with specific customers and also groups. This feature can be accessed from the menu, right-clicking the file that you intend to share. To share files with a details user, you need the e-mail address of that individual. The business and company intends permit you to share information with several customers regularly, you could establish a team using the email addresses of all the participants. You could appoint a name to the team, include the email addresses of all the individuals and afterwards you will certainly have the ability to access the sharing attribute.
When a data is shared, all the participants of the team obtain e-mails letting them recognize that data has actually been shared on the cloud storage space carrier chosen. This a practical service for protected web content cooperation and Boxycryptor likewise offers business options that permit account managers to handle consents. The top tier plan is called Business plan and with this type of account, services can prevent issues that could occur when an employee secures vital job information as well as forgets the password or leaves the company.
A business account features a special Business Master Key, which allows administrators to decrypt private secrets to access the documents. It is also feasible to assign a brand-new password as well as to encrypt the files again. Administrators can see the activity of individuals as well as teams and tailor the settings to make it possible for policies that safeguard the honesty of the encrypted information. They could set login restrictions based upon place or IP, specify minimum password length or choose encryption authorizations.
What Encryption Does Boxcryptor Use?
Pcloud Boxcryptor
Boxycryptor uses AES-256 and also RSA-4096 security to protect your data. This offers a high degree of safety as these requirements are known for their strength, and also are also utilized by government companies to shield sensitive info. Furthermore, it needs to be highlighted that Boxycryptor is a zero-knowledge remedy since the service is created to guarantee that only you could access the information, using your password. The info is saved in encrypted kind as well as Boxycryptor does not have access to the passwords, password tricks as well as documents keys utilized for documents encryption.
All the secrets needed for file encryption as well as decryption relate to the password trick, which never ever leaves your gadget. If you neglect your password, they will certainly not have the ability to help you to recuperate it. See to it that the password is secure, however that you can remember it conveniently, or else you would shed access to your encrypted data. Customer keys, group secrets and company keys are encrypted and kept on the Boxcryptor Secret Web server. Just public secrets are saved in plain text.
Boxcryptor additionally supplies a choice that covers you in case the solution deals with disturbance or close down totally. While the secrets are stored on their web servers and protected with high protection, you additionally have the opportunity of downloading them to a neighborhood crucial data. You can use this vital data together with a local account that does not have to be attached to a web server. You will certainly have the ability to encrypt as well as decrypt your data, whatever happens and also whenever you required. This is a fantastic service that offers peace of mind to any type of user concerned regarding worst instance circumstances and it shows Boxcryptor’s strong commitment to help you to secure your cloud-based information in a convenient as well as reliable manner.
What Plans Does Boxcryptor Offer?
Boxycryptor provides 3 plans: Unlimited Personal, Unlimited Organisation and the Company Plan. The Unlimited Personal plan sets you back $48 per year as well as it allows you utilize the software on as several cloud services as well as tools as you want. It additionally supplies filename file encryption and also committed email assistance.
The Unlimited Business plan likewise supports limitless variety of cloud providers as well as gadgets, and it includes functions like group administration and also cooperation. The price per year is $992 and also users of this plan can anticipate high concern customer assistance.
The Company Package consists of all the group monitoring attributes of the previous strategy and it likewise supplies Master Key, Energetic Directory assistance, plans customization, user management, password reset, two-factor verification and also even more. This alternative is readily available for $8 each user, per month.
There is also a free remedy that supports approximately 2 computers or cellphones as well as only one cloud storage solution. It is a fundamental variation of the service that Boxycryptor uses, yet it can be a great way to test the service and become acquainted with it before acquiring a plan.
Final Thoughts
Boxycryptor uses an innovative security option that allows you to improve the protection of the cloud storage solutions that you are presently making use of. The software is easy to use and the group as well as firm attributes will permit companies to protect as well as manage their data properly.
Unlike the old days, cloud services have become the go-to space for quick and easy file storage.
It does not matter if it’s a photograph or a spreadsheet, you can upload them all.
But, what if it’s more confidential than that? Well, that is where the problem comes.
The hard truth about cloud storage
There is no denial that cloud storage services are awesome, and most cloud storage services claim they “take every precaution” to keep your data secure. Services like Google Drive and Dropbox offer super-cool security features as well. But, there is one thing.
Not many of the popular cloud storage services offer robust file encryption. It means the files are stored in the real form — for quick access, of course. Now, this ain’t a problem if you are uploading some random photographs. But, it’s the real issue when you’re uploading some confidential documents.
In other words, you need an extra layer of security. We are talking about a layer that protects all your data even if someone has access to the cloud services. Like, they may access your Google Drive or Dropbox folder but they cannot open the important files. Awesome, huh?
Well, thank encryption software for that.
What is file encryption software?
Encryption is, so far, the best way you can keep all your digital assets safe. File encryption is the process of converting data from readable form to a type of encoded form. A decryption key is created during the process. Now, open the encoded file and read the content, anyone would need the decryption key. As it happens, file encryption is one of the most effective ways to enhance file security.
Once you have encrypted a file, you cannot access the file without the decryption key. Sounds cool, right?
So, a File Encryption Software is a specially designed tool that you can use to encrypt your data yourself before sending it to the cloud, ensuring that only you can decrypt your files. It does not matter which type of file you have — be it documents, media files, software keys or anything. In a single click, you’d be able to encrypt the content and get the decryption key.
Here we’ve put together this list of such encryption apps for your perusal. And, keep in mind, if you ever lose your private encryption key, that data is lost to you forever.
What makes the good encryption tools?
As it happens, there is a wide variety of file encryption tools in the market. We wanted to bring you the list of the best. So, our selection was based on the following aspects.
- Usability: Trust me, you don’t want encryption tools that are command-line-based. So, we’ve chosen encryption tools that offer an intuitive Graphical User Interface. You should be able to encrypt all the files in a jiffy.
- Integration: Of course, we are trying to protect the data you have stored in cloud. So, the encryption tool must integrate well with cloud storage services. This could be done at the system level or at the web-interface level.
- Security: We wanted to pick an encryption tool that offers the best form of encryption. We pick the AES as the standard algorithm, as it’s considered unbreakable and trusted by US Government itself. Of course, additional features are welcome.
- Compatibility: Not everyone uses Google Drive or Dropbox, right? So, the encryption software should also be compatible with other cloud storage services like Amazon Cloud and others.
We have made our top picks and runners-up keeping these aspects in mind. We hope the tools help.
Best pick — Boxcryptor
Boxcryptor is one of the most popular file encryption tool that is optimized for cloud storage services. It will allow you to encrypt the files you upload to popular services like Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive and more. But, Boxcryptor has more to offer than this simple function. That is why we chose this freemium tool as our best pick.
What is Boxcryptor?
Boxcryptor is a cloud security software that is made in Germany. Regardless of what you are uploading, this tool can encrypt them all. This brings a brand-new level of security to the files you have stored in the cloud. Available for both personal and commercial use, Boxcryptor offers unique features for both plans. It’s also great that you can get a free-to-use plan if you want Boxcryptor for personal security needs.
Getting started with Boxcryptor
Boxcryptor is surely the easiest to set up encryption tool for cloud storage. The apps are available for macOS, Windows, Android and iOS. It means you can access the encrypted files from all these four platforms. Right now, however, we will check out the macOS app.
In order to get started, you have to download Boxcryptor for macOS and install it on your Mac. This process takes just a few seconds and you can see the pop-up screen soon. You will have to grant admin privileges to the tool during the installation process.
The next step wants you to create a Boxcryptor account. You need to be a bit careful here. The Boxcryptor account is your key to accessing the encrypted file. If you lose the password, you cannot recover any file that you have encrypted.
Once this is done, you are ready to encrypt files using Boxcryptor.
Encrypting files using Boxcryptor
As we said earlier, Boxcryptor has been designed for protecting cloud storage content. To get started, you’ll have to go to Preferences Locations and connect your Cloud Storage accounts. In this case, we’ve already connected our Dropbox account. Once connected, a Dropbox account would appear inside the Boxcryptor drive.
Now, things are simple.
Encrypting individual files
Your Dropbox folder inside Boxcryptor looks like a normal Finder window. The only difference is that it will be synced with the Dropbox folder. Now, if you want to encrypt files inside the folder, you can Right Click Boxcryptor Encrypt. This will almost instantly encrypt the selected file. And, the next time Dropbox syncs with your device, everything is good to go.
Creating an encrypted folder
When you have so many files, encrypting all of them one by one can be a tiresome task. Understanding this issue, Boxcryptor lets you create an Encrypted folder as well.
To do that, you have to choose New Folder from the context menu. When Boxcryptor asks you whether you want to encrypt the folder, say Yes. That’s how you create an encrypted folder.
Everything you add to the Encrypted folder will be automatically encrypted. Once again, this is a great time-saver indeed.
As you have seen, Boxcryptor works great in either case. It does not matter how many files you want to encrypt — be it 10 or 1,000 —, Boxcryptor would do the job very well.
Pcloud With Boxcryptor
Integration
There are two types of integration we’d like to talk about — with the system and the cloud service.
Boxcryptor integrates quite effectively with the macOS system. As you can see above, encryption control is available via context menu. If you have already installed Dropbox on your Mac and enabled auto-sync, you’d not even know the hassle of encryption. You add something to the folder, it’s synced instantly.
In the other level of integration as well, Boxcryptor is great. Setting up your cloud storage accounts looks like a piece of cake indeed. If you have already installed the cloud storage app on your Mac, Boxcryptor will go ahead and detect the drive. That’s some kind of integration, if you ask us.
Compatibility
Compatibility is the strong point of Boxcryptor. To begin with, Boxcryptor supports 30+ cloud storage service providers. The list includes popular service providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive but also business-line products like Amazon S3, Cloudme, Amazon Cloud Drive, SharePoint Online etc. What’s more, you can use Boxcryptor to encrypt local drives as well.
The setup process may vary according to the service, though. For instance, if you want to set up iCloud, you will have to consider which devices you will be using. That is, if you want to access the files from iOS devices, there is an option. However, if you need access from PC, there’s something else. Fortunately, Boxcryptor is offering illustrative guides for all these tasks.
Altogether, the compatibility point is strong enough.
Security
Of course, you should know about security while picking an encryption tool. And, Boxcryptor brings the best of both worlds.
Boxcryptor uses a combination of AES-256 and RSA. The encryption process works in a way that a single key is generated when an encrypted file is created. It should be noted that AES-256 is the encryption algorithm used by NSA for storing confidential documents. So, whatever you encrypt using Boxcryptor is as secure as NSA files!
As it can be seen, there is no compromise when it comes to encryption tech.
Additional features
Apart from file encryption and management, Boxcryptor offers some additional features as well. Some are:
- You can share encrypted files with other Boxcryptor users. While doing this, you have more control over how encryption keys are managed and the overall scenario of security.
- Boxcryptor is offering Zero-Knowledge Encryption. It means the people behind Boxcryptor have no way to know what you have encrypted.
- Boxcryptor also allows some level of customization of the User Interface and other features. You can, for instance, set up a passcode or PIN for the program settings.
What we didn’t like much
Boxcryptor is indeed the best encryption tool out there, but it isn’t perfect. There are a few things that we’d have loved to see.
First of all, Boxcryptor does not have a password reset option. Well, the company says the feature is added to enhance the security layer. That is, Boxcryptor itself does not have access to your encryptions. However, the lack of password reset can be a nightmare sometime.
We also thought Boxcryptor could have added an advanced Preferences pane. The current one does the job but it won’t hurt to have much more control. We also came across a few troubles while going through the existing settings.
Apart from these, Boxcryptor just rocks.
Availability & pricing
Boxcryptor apps are available for macOS, Windows, iOS and Android. All these work based on the Boxcryptor you have created. Once signed in, you can access open and work on encrypted files. As we said in the very beginning, you must not forget the password.
As far as pricing goes, Boxcryptor offers a completely free plan for personal use. The restriction here is that you can connect only one cloud storage service. If you want unlimited account support, you can pay $48 per year. There is also a Business plan with extra features, costing you $96 per year.
In case you are interested, you can check out Boxcryptor plans for Teams as well.
Our verdict
Considering all these features, the simple UI and free availability, Boxcryptor is definitely the best encryption tool out there. It’s really optimized for almost every cloud storage service out there, which is great. At the end of the day, we’d recommend Boxcryptor to everyone.
The alternatives
So, Boxcryptor is definitely the best pick, but it’s not the only player in the game-field. Here are a few of the best encryption tools you can choose from. As you may have guessed, some of these are made for dedicated purposes. And, they may not offer enough features in all departments. Still, worth a shot.
Cryptomator is what we would call the best from open source. It’s a completely free — well, you can pay an amount if you want — tool to encrypt data on your Mac, Windows, Linux, Android and iOS devices. When it is compared to other tools, the process is way too transparent. However, once again, we miss the perks of cloud storage integration.
Setting up Cryptomator is like a piece of cake, thanks to the intuitive User Interface. Once you are done, you can create Vaults, which will function as encrypted drives. Everything you drag and drop to these drives will be instantly encrypted — offering the best results. It’s using AES Encryption for the top-level security and it offers on-the-fly encryption tech as well.
You can create as many vaults as you want and save them anywhere in your Mac. When you are done, the software will show you enough information to streamline the process. For instance, it even shows you the amount of files you have encrypted and decrypted. At the end of the day, these features add a lot to overall usability of Cryptomator.
We’d recommend Cryptomator if you are looking for something free and open source. Completely reliable from all perspective, you can’t possibly go wrong with this.
nCrypted Cloud is another great encryption tool to keep your cloud storage secure. Compared to Boxcryptor, the UI is not really intuitive either. We understand it’s an enterprise-focused tool, but they could have simplified the UI. If you are ready to ignore the tough UI, you’d have no trouble with nCrypted Cloud.
Apps of nCrypted Cloud are available for Android, iOS, macOS and Windows. Once logged in, all the devices will be in sync. Everything else works almost like Boxcryptor. For instance, you can right click and encrypt or decrypt the file. You can also create encrypted folders, which will add privacy to any file/folder that is added inside.
Because it’s an enterprise-oriented solution, nCrypted Cloud offers a few team-based features. For instance, you can share the encrypted files with a number of users. Even after sharing, it lets you retain proper control over permissions. It’s making use of 256-AES for encryption algorithm and the single sign-on tech makes lots of things easier.
As far as the pricing goes, nCrypted Cloud is completely free for non-commercial use. It does not restrict the number of cloud storage services you can connect.
Encrypto is a completely free-to-use file encryption tool available for macOS and Windows. However, it has not been optimized for cloud services. You will have to manually upload/send the encrypted file once the process is complete. But, as far as that process goes, Encrypto is the best in the field, offering an intuitive UI on top of everything.
Using Encrypto is simple enough. Once you have launched the program, you can drag and drop the files to be converted. Soon enough, Encrypto will ask you to provide a password and hint. This password is necessary to decrypt the file and open the content. And you guessed it, the other person would have to install Encrypto on their device to open the file.
Despite the minimal footprint, Encrypto is really fast when it comes to file encryption. We should also talk of its impressive UI. Amidst the whole load of work, encrypting and decrypting files using Encrypto would be a good thing. It also integrates well with Hider 2, an application from Macpaw to hide files in your Mac. So, it’s a win-win.
Encrypto is completely free to use and is available for both macOS and Windows. If you don’t want cloud-storage optimization, it’s a great choice.
First things first, Sookasa isn’t a customer-oriented cloud security team. Instead, they aim to offer enterprise-level security for organizations. Even with that fact aside, we can use the file encryption tool from Sookasa to do almost everything. The way Sookasa works is similar to that of some of the other tools we have listed above.
The differences are, however, present when it comes to features. Almost all the features of Sookasa will help you employ organization-level cloud security. It uses top-notch security algorithms, unique ways for storing decryption keys and dedicated encryption tech for popular cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox and an innumerable other.
You should also note that Sookasa is not going to be that easy to set up. That is essentially because the tool is made for enterprise needs. Even then, you can give the consumer version a try. Or, if you are on the middle ground, Sookasa will be the best choice indeed. After all, when you have something so important to secure, you wouldn’t want to miss on-device security and data-key separation.
The Pro version of Sookasa start at $10 per month. There is also a custom-made Enterprise version that you may want to check out. Its end-user apps are available for macOS and Windows.
The bottom line
Remember, the cloud might look safe, but your own security and privacy really depend on you the most. It is time to take responsibility and start securing your stuff properly. With tools like Boxcryptor offering top features even in the free version, there are no more excuses not to.