Encrypting or decrypting large volumes of data can slow down system performance. IT professionals can minimize this impact without exposing their devices to any security risks. If you want optimum protection without sacrificing efficiency, encryption software will serve you right.
Encryption tools can prevent unauthorized access to your business's digital information by facilitating data encryption and decryption. Luckily, you can explore a free encryption solution to explore software functionalities without investing upfront.
This article highlights, in alphabetical order, the three top-rated free encryption software products based on verified software reviews. Read more.
While the products mentioned belong to different categories—core encryption, password management, and cybersecurity, the common encryption features across all these tools include data security, file encryption, and secure data storage.
1. Bitwarden
Bitwarden is an open source password management solution that encrypts and/or hashes your data on your local device before sending it for cloud storage. Bitwarden servers store encrypted data only. It is a zero-knowledge encryption tool, which means that only the user has access to the master password key that is used to decrypt vault data.
Bitwarden’s free version offers basic two-factor authentication (2FA). If you need advanced 2FA to log in via multiple methods, such as Duo Security, YubiKey, and FIDO2 Web Authentication, you can invest in the premium version.
Free featuresAES 256 encryption: Protect sensitive data using advanced encryption standard-cipher block chaining (AES-CBC) encryption, offered by the system for vault data. AES-CBC divides data into blocks and encrypts each block with an AES-256 encryption key.
Local data encryption: Ensure data privacy and enhanced security as your device’s stored data is encrypted locally before it is synchronized with Bitwarden’s servers. This ensures that even if your data is intercepted during transmission, it remains inaccessible without the master password.
Two-factor authentication: Add an additional protection layer to your account using the 2FA methods supported by the tool. These include a two-step login via an authenticator app, such as Google Authenticator, and an email for free users.
Customer support options: Email, online help center, and knowledge base.
Who should consider Bitwarden?
IT technicians wanting a free encryption tool to help them securely review and audit the source code can consider Bitwarden. The open source software’s source code is available on GitHub under the GNU Affero General Public License (GNU AGPL) based on the GNU GPL version 3. Hence, encryption users can easily examine the source code, and verify security and encryption implementations.
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Cost to upgrade
Device compatibility
/ Pro tip
Outline your security needs before considering a free encryption platform. Determine the data types (financial records, customers’ information, personal files, etc.) you need to protect. Then, evaluate your data’s sensitivity to prioritize the level of security features and encryption you require from a free tool.
2. Cypherdog Encryption
Cypherdog Encryption is a core encryption platform based on asymmetric encryptionThe software’s free plan offers email encryption for a limited period, i.e. up to 14 days only. After this time frame, the version supports the decryption function only. To access the advanced encryption package, you need to upgrade to the paid plan.
Free featuresMessage encryption and decryption: Encrypt and decrypt email messages, texts, files, and attachments with a single click. While encryption transforms the original message into an unreadable form, decryption reverses the process to restore the original message into a readable form.
End-to-end encryption: Ensure that the data you send or receive is encrypted from the moment it is sent until it is received by the recipient. This ensures the confidentiality of the information being shared.
Email aliases: Add an additional email address that can be used for different purposes, such as receiving emails without creating a separate email account. Email aliases can help filter out spam, protecting your account from phishing attacks. Instead of setting up a new email account, aliases are created within an existing email account and are linked to the primary email address.
Customer support options: Live chat, online FAQs, and knowledge base.
Who should consider Cypherdog?
IT professionals looking to prioritize the security and privacy of data while sharing files can consider Cypherdog. The software allows users, to securely send, manage, and store files in all sizes and formats, using end-to-end encryption. This ensures that no third party, including trusted third parties have access to your files. The tool supports general data protection regulations (GDPR), network and information security (NIS), the digital operational resilience act (DORA), and other implementations and regulations.
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Cost to upgrade
Device compatibility
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3. GoodAccess
GoodAccess is a cybersecurity platform that supports IKEv2IPSec and OpenVPN protocols to establish a secure tunneled interconnection between the user’s device and the desired IT resources. The protocols are designed to use unbroken encryption ciphers and algorithms to keep the communication unreadable for unauthorized users.
In its free version, GoodAccess supports up to 100 users and has basic encryption capabilities. If you need premium features, such as two-factor authentication, split tunneling, and gateway-level access logs, you need to purchase the paid plan.
Free featuresEncrypted internet access: Preserve your privacy on public Wi-Fi networks using the tool’s network-layer encryption capabilities. The software creates a private virtual network of double-encrypted connections to implement access control.
Always-on connectivity: Always stay connected to your secure network, and interconnect heterogeneous systems and applications with end-users, regardless of their location. The software automatically establishes persistent secure connections.
Mobile and desktop client apps: Connect your devices with apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. You can connect to your private business network and access protected systems with a single click from any device.
Customer support options: Chat, email, and knowledge base.
Who should consider GoodAccess?
Cybersecurity experts looking for a solution that offers encryption, along with cybersecurity features to securely access digital resources anytime, anywhere can consider GoodAccess. The software offers various features, such as a dedicated VPN gateway, threat blocker, and public Wi-Fi protection to secure access for work-from-anywhere businesses.
Trial/Free Version
- Free Trial
- Free Version
Cost to upgrade
Device compatibility
/ Pro tip
Consider an encryption platform that provides cross-platform compatibility, and support for multiple devices, including Windows, Linux, iOS, macOS, and Android. This way you won’t face any compatibility issues while using the software across different operating systems.
What is the cost to upgrade from free encryption software to a paid one?
An encryption solution upgrade can be as low as less than $1 per month or increase up to $98+ per month, depending on various factors—features, licensing structure, deployment models, key management capabilities, and more. Most encryption software typically includes the following subscription plans:
Free trial: No-cost trial plans ranging between 14-30 days, giving users access to either all or limited features of the software. These are ideal for businesses that wish to try out a tool before purchasing it.
Free version: Free software plans offer basic features and limited premium feature access. This is ideal for small businesses or individuals with a limited budget.
Entry-level: Starts at less than $1 per month and offers limited features. This is a good option for small businesses or teams with basic features, such as data security and access controls.
Mid-tier: Ranges from $3 to $16 per month and offers features, such as unlimited devices, emergency access, 24/7 customer support, and more. These are ideal for businesses that have outgrown basic needs but don’t require the full range of functionality offered by high-end tools.
High-end: Advanced plans cost up to or more than $98 per month and offer features, such as advanced protection, administrative controls, remote lock, and role-based account control. These are ideal for large enterprises with complex encryption requirements.
Hidden costs associated with encryption software
Besides the software license itself, there may be additional costs associated with encryption software, including integration, scalability, compliance, renewals, training, and upgrades, which small businesses should budget for when considering a new tool.
Frequently asked questions when selecting free encryption software
Here are some questions to ask encryption software providers before making a final purchase:
What are the limitations of the free tool?
Besides having selective features, free encryption software may offer limited documentation, tutorials, or training resources. Likewise, it may not be well optimized to handle demanding encryption tasks. Understanding these limitations will help you make an informed decision about whether the encryption system will meet your specific needs or not.
Does the tool offer password management features?
A free encryption system may include password management features to help users store and manage their encryption keys, passwords, and other sensitive credentials. These features may include secure storage, master password, password generation, and secure password sharing.
Does the system offer text and email encryption?
Free encryption tools may also include features, such as secure messaging and encryption protocols to encrypt text messages, emails, or other forms of communication. Ask your vendor about the availability of such features to ensure the protection of sensitive information during transmission.