By Gina Barrow, Last updated: April 24, 2020

17 in 1 utilities for your Mac (cleaning, encryption, performance, privacy, security, recovery, backup tools and more) Great anti-theft feature (Track My Mac) Real-time safe browsing. Great customer support. MacKeeper is one of the most popular and yet controversial utility products for Mac users. Encrypt your Data and Protect it from Hackers with the Best Encryption Software. Free Trial Available. 14+ Best Referral Software for Windows, Mac, Android. Answer (1 of 3): Far more robust, I think, is to encrypt the files and then transfer the encrypted versions to the USB stick. Doing things that way means there is absolutely no chance of someone cracking into the USB stick (think NSA, with all their tools). VeraCrypt is a free open source Encryption software that is supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux. VeraCrypt is developed by IDRIX. Using VeraCrypt you can Encrypt an entire partition or storage device, it can be a hard drive partition or USB flash drive. It uses hardware acceleration to speed up the process 4-8 times faster.

Encryption is the safest and best way to protect data as it encodes a certain file or information in such a way that only authorized users or those with passwords can access. Information including bank details, sensitive personal records should be encrypted to avoid data theft.

Computer operating systems have built-in encryption features but these provide easy to medium form of security and still prone to expert hackers. You need to invest in encryption software if it is a requirement for your type of usage. Here are the top 5 best encryption software for Macin 2020. Check out which one works for your needs.

Part 1. Why Need to Encrypt Mac Files?

All vital files stored inside a computer including Mac need to be encrypted for security purposes. If you happen to hear, watch, and read the news, there are reported cases of stolen identities and bank information due to unsecured files saved inside people’s stolen laptops and computers.

To avoid such hassle, you can rely on encryption software for Mac but the main concern here is what the best software to use is.

Part 2. Apple’s Encryption Software for Mac for free

If you are concerned about data privacy and your Mac contains sensitive information that must be kept personal, then you should use encryption. Apple has its own encryption software that users can utilize for free. There are actually different ways on how to encrypt files on Mac.

Encryption via Disk Utility

1. Use the spotlight search and type in Disk Utility. You can also go to Utilities under Applications.
2. Go to File on the topmost tools and hover to New Image then click on Image from Folder
3. Select the folder you wish to encrypt from the newly popped-up window
4. Rename the file you want to encrypt and go to the bottom part where you can set the encryption settings
5. You can choose between the 128 and the 256-bit. (The higher the encryption the better but it takes slower time to complete request)
6. Once you have selected your encryption method, you need to provide and verify your password. (Note: Remember your password because it will never grant you access to the given folder until the correct password is supplied). Click Choose.
7. For the Image format, you can choose compressed.
8. Wait until the encryption is completed.

This type of encryption affects the folder and its file contents so anytime you wish to open the folder and the files inside, you need to provide the password.

9. You can now see a new Archive folder on the desktop which was the same file you encrypted
10. You can delete the old folder to remove any access to it

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Use FileVault

FileVault is full-disk encryption that uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key to preventing unauthorized access to your personal information on the startup disk. Basically, you won’t be able to go through Mac unless you provide the password.

The FileVault2 is available in OS X Lion and later versions. All you need to take advantage of this feature is to turn on FileVault in your Mac. Here’s how:

1. Go to Security & Privacy under System Preferences
2. Click the FileVault tab and click on the lock icon
3. Enter the administration username and password
4. Turn on FileVault

If you are using multiple users on Mac, you can enable each user and type in their assigned password.

Print to PDF

Another file encryption method in Mac is the Print to PDF wherein you can do the security lock on the print window itself after creating or editing certain file/s.

1. Go to Print
2. Choose PDF
3. Click Save as PDF
4. Before saving it, go to Security Options
5. Check the box for your desired password security measures
6. Don’t forget to verify the password and click Save

Part 3. The Best Encryption Software for Mac in 2020

In the sea of many software and applications, there seems to be plenty of programs dedicated to single-use or single-function. They are good because they focus on one solution, however, they also cost more expensive.

If you browse thoroughly, you will discover that there are a few applications that offer sets of operations and toolkits specially designed for Mac. FoneDog PowerMyMac - Cleaner provides comprehensive modules dedicated to Mac OS. It has three powerful modules: Toolkit, Status, and Cleaner.

Inside FoneDogPowerMyMac-Cleaner Toolkit, there is a robust function called Hide and Encrypt Files. This feature allows you to create a password-protected folder and store sensitive files in it by drag and drop. It lets you turn on and off in case you may not use the feature.

• User-friendly
• Free download version
• Auto-lock setup
• Uses the safest encryption system

How cool is that? This program has made an easier way to protect you from possible data theft.

Part 4. Other Mac Encryption Tools

Apart from FoneDog PowerMyMac-Cleaner, there is other top performing software that also provides convenience and security.

Hider 2

Hider2 has the ability to hide and encrypt data on your Mac securely including notes, documents, photos, etc. One of its positive scores is the user-friendly interface which suits beginner to average users.

• Provides auto-lock feature when the user is inactive or idled
• Uses AES-256 encryption for the safest system

Cisdem AppCrypt

Cisdem AppCrypt offers both website and app encryption system that locks you apps and accessed websites with passwords. It creates a blacklist for suspicious access and whitelist for trusted users. However, it does not have the file encryption ability that sets passwords for the desired file and folders.

• Keeps a list of login attempts to let you know who opens your apps
• User-friendly

GNU Privacy Guard

GNU Privacy Guard is hybrid Mac encryption software that uses a combination of standard symmetric-key cryptography and public-key cryptography. It mainly features a versatile key management system to protect your personal privacy and the privacy of the people you are communicating with.

• Versatile (has Windows and Mac versions)
• Free Software

However, since it provides you with a private key for safekeeping, you might end up having a hard time figuring out how to decode it once the keys are lost.

Concealer

Concealer is another trusted name in terms of hiding files and encryption. It provides an automatic password assistant that generates “strong” passwords. One of its main advantages is providing and organizing folders by having default templates for various accounts such as bank accounts, email, software registration, and more.

• Customizable auto-lock system
• Easy to use with drag and drop features
• Uses the master password and assigns separate or individual passwords to each file inside

Part 5. Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Encryption Software for Mac

I know you may have gotten confused on which program to use or will work best for you after reading through the different software you can choose from. There is plenty of encryption software for Mac; however, bear in mind that you need to consider quality and multi-function when it comes to having a “good buy”.

You need a program that provides an all-in-one solution that you can rely on when things go rough on your device. I recommend using FoneDog PowerMyMac for the following factors:

1. Security– It the important concern above all. You have to be keen about how these programs work to secure your files and your Mac overall.
2. Encryption– Based on the above-mentioned encryption data, there are different types of password-protection format. Choose the one that provides the safest and considers your files their topmost priority.
3. Encryption Speed- Consider a program that can encrypt even your large files at the shortest period of time. We know that large files take a while to be fully encrypted so you need software that can minimize the time constraints.
4. Software License- Although free programs are good such as the GNU Privacy Guard, an open source software, you need to consider that free software is not entirely best for your needs since everyone can download it. The same thing goes for paid programs; you have to be extra cautious on how much it costs and its corresponding features. To be sure, you can take advantage of their free-trial versions first so you can determine if it works for you or not.

Best Encryption Software For Windows 10

Part 6. Conclusions

We care so much about data privacy and we understand how crucial it is to be well-protected. You cannot simply store important files in your Mac especially when you have multiple users or you plan to sell it later on.

We know how much you want to protect your files from prying eyes and suspicious people that is why we have compiled and researched the different programs that can help you secure them. The encryption software for Mac we listed has their own Pros and Cons where you can assess according to their features.

Simply choose a program that will password-protect your files, optimize your system, and provide you with complete troubleshooting toolkit. Do you have any other concerns regarding encryption software for Mac? Please write your concerns in the comments below!

This list consists of Alternatives to BitLocker software which works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. They have similar features, easy to use and most importantly is free. Well, the Bitlocker, Microsoft’s in-house encryption tool, is quite popular. It is an effective tool that mainly provides full disk encryption by using the AES encryption algorithm. Unfortunately, Microsoft does not provide BitLocker to its Home users. The Bitlocker is available only in Pro version and above of Windows 10.

To our relief, there are other alternatives to BitLocker that can be used for disk encryptions. Let us go through some of the alternates available in the market for disk protection.

VeraCrypt

First of all, VeraCrypt is free. If you looking for a good alternative to BitLocker for free, VeraCrypt might be your savior.

• It offers a wide range of features including full-disk or partial encryption, creation of encrypted virtual disk, etc. Some advanced features of the tool also allow the user hidden OS encryption. In a nutshell, the software offers encryption of whole disks, partitions, files, removable media, and logical volumes.
• When it comes to encryption algorithms, the software supports the popular AES one. It also uses some strong algorithm like Camellia and Twofish. SHA-256 and RIPEMD-160 are the options for hash algorithms.

Type: Open-Source

System Support: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, FreeBSD

Windows Device Encryption

Windows 10 Home version does not provide BitLocker does not mean that it does not provide protection.

• Some of them do support device encryption. To enable that, you need to activate TPM and UEFI and the PC should support active-standby mode.
• Now, you might be unsure whether your machine supports these features or not. In that case, you can try to just enable the encryption mode. Go to Settings -> Update and Security. If your device supports encryption, you will find the option in the bottom of the left pane. Select the option and click on the Turn on button. Your system is encrypted now.

You can turn on device encryption on Windows 10, learn how to do it here.

DiskCryptor

DiskCryptor can be another good alternative to BitLocker. It is user-friendly and easy to use. It is lightweight and doesn’t impact on system performance. Free mickey mouse cartoons online.

• It provides full disk encryption, encryption to partitions and software RAID as well.
• The software uses various encryption algorithms like AES, Twofish, Serpent, AES-Twofish, etc.
• It gives the user an opportunity to choose the encryption algorithm, mount and unmount option. The progress of the encryption process is shown under the “Action” tab so that the user can track the process.

System Support: Windows 10

GNU Privacy Guard

GNU Privacy Guard is open-source encryption software that uses the command-line interface. This software works on both Windows 10 and OS X.

This software uses a wide range of encryption algorithm including:

• symmetrical key algorithms (Blowfish, AES, IDEA, etc)
  
• public-key cryptography (RSA EIGamal, DSA)
  
• cryptographic hash functions (RIPEMD, SHA)
  
• compression (ZIP, ZLIB, BZIP2)

• Like other encryption software, GNU provides full disk protection as well as protection of partitions and individual files.
• There is a specific time after which the GPG key gets expired. But the good news is, this feature can be turned off or set to a different number as per the user’s convenience.
• GNU Privacy Guard is a convenient and great free software that can provide solid protection to the system. The only limitation of this software is the use of the command line. There is no proper GUI to use the software. You need to have knowledge of command line to use GNU Privacy Guard.

Type: Free Software

System Support: Windows, OS X, Debian, ANdroid

AxCrypt

• AxCrypt basically provides file-based encryption. It encrypts each file that requires protection. The free version of the software offers 128-bit encryption while the premium version provides 256-bit encryption.
• You can extract a file that is encrypted with AxCrypt even if your system does not have the software installed. You just require the password and you are good to go.
• Finally, the tool is easy to use and user-friendly.

Type: Free and Paid

Best Encryption Software 2017

System Support Blackberry mep reader software, free download. : Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

Cryptomator

Another open-source encryption tool that is free is Cryptomator. This tool is also compatible with both Windows 10 and Mac OS.

• The tool provides client-side encryption. Additionally, you also get transparent encryption without any backdoors. The tool uses file-based encryption with the help of AES algorithm. Cryptomator ensures the protection of your data on any server or cloud storage.
• Cryptomator encrypts the names of the files and directories as well. The structure of the directories become obscured for anyone other than you.
• Though the tool is a good option for protecting your data, there is a known limitation. Sometimes, users are unable to delete the Cryptomator files. Currently, no solution has been provided for this issue. Developers are working on it.

Type: Free

System Support: Windows 10, 8 and Windows 7 with SP 1

CipherShed

CipherShed is completely free encryption software that provides protection to files as well as drives. This tool comes with a lot of features that TrueCrypt had.

• The tool offers transparent encryption. The encrypted files that get mounted through the software are easy to store anywhere and can be accessed whenever required. The encrypted files are easy to transfer.
• Finally, the encrypted drives can be transferred from Windows to Mac OS and vice versa. If tight on budget, you can give it a try.

Type: Free

AES Crypt

AES Crypt is a good option to protect your important files. This tool uses 256-bit encryption and AES encryption algorithm.

• This software can be used by anyone and everyone. All you need to do is right-click on the file you need to protect and right-click on it. Select the Encrypt option and provide a password. Your file is protected. Same way, you just need to right-click on the encrypted file and provide the correct password to get the original information.
• The best part of the tool is that it does not add any extension to the file name. Sometimes, you may find it a bit slower compared to the other encryption tools. Finally, you need to remember the password you use for encryption as there is no way to restore the password once you forget it.

System Support: Windows 32 and 64 bit, Apple, Android, Linux

Sophos Safeguard

• The most interesting fact about Sophos Safeguard is that it not only uses it own encryption methods but also stores BitLocker and MAC encryption tool in the interface.
• With the help of HTTPS, the software lets the external users connect to the server. Users with the access to the server thus get to see what rea the files they can open.
• The tool offers a feature called key group which allows a certain group of users the access of certain documents.
• Threat detection is strict in this tool. Once a threat is detected, all encryption keys get deleted from the keyring until the threat is processed.

Sophos Safeguard is a strong protection option for your system with all the options to encrypt whole disk and partitions.

Type: Free to Use for 30 days

Jetico BestCrypt Volume Encryption

If you are not hesitant to pay for your computer protection, JeticoBestCrypt Volume Encryption can be a great choice. It is one of the best-paid alternatives to BitLocker.

• It basically takes care of all the areas of Windows data encryption.
• It offers maximum security to your system while supporting various encryption algorithms like AES, Serpent, Twofish.
• JeticoBestCrypt allows its users to see the encrypted states of all mounted, partitioned and full disks from a single screen.
• The best part of the software is that all types of volumes including RAID can be controlled from a single login password with the help of two-factor authentication.
• Pre-boot authentication is also enabled.

Though it comes with a price tag, it provides you the ultimate protection you are looking for.

Free Encryption Software

System Support: Windows, Mac, and Linux

Truecrypt

By now, it is clear that if you are a Home user and don’t intend to upgrade to ‘pro or Enterprise, there is nothing to worry about. There are plenty of good alternatives to BitLocker available in the market. Based on your budget and the kind of encryption you require, you are free to choose from some good and powerful encryption tools available right now.