Encryption in the cloud

Privacy and security control over one's own files and their transfers is one of the most important matters in the digitalized times we increasingly live in. In this regard, it is now appropriate to make a comparison of different encryption programs that will provide you with the necessary data security in your private and work life.

First of all, it must be made clear that such software specializes in certain types of work. Some programs specialize in encrypting files that are available online, and therefore should be readable by others, if necessary. Other programs specialize in local encryption, which should make the files readable only locally.



Herewith, then, to the most secure and most used encryption programs that currently exist for consumers:

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Encryption in the cloud:

Boxcryptor

Boxcryptor is a german company that has become known worldwide for its decryption program. Since their program is already integrated with several cloud providers (including leitzcloud), the program is very user-friendly, both on the computer and mobile.

Advantages:

High security standards for data encryption

Compatible with all operating systems

Cryptomator

Cryptomator also stands out with its excellent security standards, good prices and ease of use. In addition, Cryptomator is open-source, unlike Boxcryptor. On the other hand, the cloud integration is not as diverse as Boxcryptor, which also affects the number of features available, such as direct sharing via the program. Nevertheless, this program can only be recommended.

Advantages:

User-friendly

Active community

Open Source

Disadvantages:

Missing fundamental functions

App is sold separtately

Encrypto

Encrypto's focus is on sending and sharing encrypted files, but it also works for encrypting local data and cloud storage. Simply drag and drop any file into the application window, set a password, and add an optional password hint that only you and the recipient would know the answer to. The file is then encrypted and can be saved to your computer and/or sent via email, Dropbox, or even a USB flash drive. Both the sender and the recipient must have Encrypto installed for the file exchange to work.

Advantages:

Very user friendly

Direct data exchange possible

Of course, there are many more programs, too many to mention. If someone doesn't trust this approach, or the providers, they can also encrypt local files before putting them on the cloud, which in turn can cause problems when sharing readable files. Even if the files remain in your own drive, NAS, or server, it is recommended to encrypt the local files.

Encryption on the computer itself:

Here, too, there are countless programs and providers, all of which have their advantages and disadvantages. However, it should be noted that Microsoft and Apple offer their own encryption software on their Windows and Macintosh operating systems. These simplify the handling and have, in the case of Microsoft again optional safeguards if you encrypt your hard drive and forget your password. In general, the following rule applies: If you encrypt your hard disk, secure it with a strong password.

VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt was designed for the encryption of local files. So if you want to share files and expect simple decrypting functions, you are wrong here. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the best encryption programs for local hard disks. Apart from Microsoft's BitLocker and Apple's FileVault.

Advantages:

Several algorithms for option

Open Source

Hard disk and operating system encryption

Disadvantages:

Not for beginners, affinity for technology is recommended

Few support options

DiskCryptor

VeraCrypt was designed for the encryption of local files. So if you want to share files and expect simple decrypting functions, you are wrong here. Nevertheless, it is considered one of the best encryption programs for local hard disks. Apart from Microsoft's BitLocker and Apple's FileVault.

Advantages:

Custom shortcuts can be used to quickly mount and eject drives

Can automatically unmount the volume when logging off

Supports pausing an encryption to restart the drive or transfer it to another computer

Disadvantages:

No update since 2014

Not very many help files/documentation

Windows BitLocker

BitLocker is a security function from Microsoft, which encrypts system drives, hard disks or removable media. Certain Windows operating systems even have BitLocker already integrated.

Advantages:

Setup and configuration is relatively simple

Virtually no impact on reading performance and little impact on writing performance compared to others

Closed source

Disadvantages:

Dualboot not possible

However, the encryption software itself is not 100% secure. It is not uncommon to find vulnerabilities in the user. Passwords and their lack of secrecy are often a security vulnerability. Hereof we recommend reading our blog post about secure passwords.