8 encryption tools for passwords, files, and cloud data

数码荔枝编辑部

发布于 2026-10-26

This article was first published on 2019/5/13 on the LIZHI.SHOP blog (lizhi.io, now offline), and is now republished with appropriate adjustments.

We are living on the eve of a cashless society, and losing a computer or phone may hurt more than losing a wallet. If the data on your device is stolen or damaged, it is no different from actually losing the device itself.

Computers often contain important and private data. Leaks of personal information or work files can create security risks, while hackers can extend their reach into your devices from any corner.

Therefore, you need to use some data encryption tools to improve your sense of security. The following eight software tools cover password management, file encryption, PDF protection, cloud drive encryption, and local data hiding.

1Password: Password Management

This award-winning security software calls itself the "most secure password manager." It helps you keep all your passwords and sensitive information together, then encourages you to forget them all and use only one master password as the entry point.

In addition, 1Password monitors network password breach incidents and other issues. It helps you check which passwords are too common, which have been compromised, and which are reused. It also lets you know which sites lack two-factor authentication or are using insecure http connections.

EssentialPIM Pro: Information Management

Although EssentialPIM Pro appears to be a comprehensive personal information management tool, it is actually a locked database. If someone else does not know the password set by the owner, they will see nothing but a blank page after opening the software.

This is also why EssentialPIM Pro can store passwords and synchronize email in addition to scheduling appointments for users, simply because it is secure enough.

¥315.00

Boxcryptor: Cloud Drive Encryption

As we gradually say goodbye to the days of never leaving without a USB drive and embrace the cloud era, many people still have to worry about the security of cloud services. After all, many cloud storage services are based overseas, and who knows when an "unexpected situation" might occur?

Let’s put a lock on your cloud data. Boxcryptor can encrypt more than 20 cloud services, including Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive, and Nutstore.

You only need to download the client for the cloud service and save the files locally. Boxcryptor will automatically recognize the local cloud service and the saved files, then encrypt and upload them to the corresponding cloud service.

Boxcryptor does not complicate your daily workflow. After encrypting a file with it, no one other than you and the trusted hardware can read the file, including the cloud service provider.

SpyShelter Firewall: Keystroke Encryption

You may not believe it, but your password may have been compromised because you personally typed it into the hands of scammers.

Some malicious software patiently lurks inside your computer, recording your typing patterns day and night. After obtaining the sequence of keys used for your password, they take your information and run away.

SpyShelter mainly uses two methods to deal with this problem. First, it encrypts keystrokes for the programs you specify. Even if a malicious program secretly records your keystrokes after encryption, it will only obtain meaningless characters.

The other method is to detect and identify spies in the system. SpyShelter can also protect your webcam and microphone, and it has virus scanning and firewall features.

PDF Protector: PDF Encryption

Many business documents and academic papers are saved in PDF format. Quickly adding a password to them can prevent important information from leaking.

¥39.00

Gilisoft File Lock Pro: File Encryption

When a friend sends you a program from an unknown source, you cannot tell whether their account has been hacked. Under the read/write monitoring of Gilisoft File Lock Pro, you can run it with confidence, and all operations involving file access are clearly recorded.

Gilisoft File Lock Pro can also help you hide, lock, encrypt, and securely erase files. Through read/write monitoring and security logs, it also helps you keep track of unusual file activity.

If there are "sensitive files" on your computer that you do not want friends borrowing your computer to see, all you need to do is add the file path in Gilisoft File Lock Pro to hide it. It will then disappear from File Explorer.

Hider 2: Local Data Encryption

Hider is a vault similar to 1Password, but it focuses more on protecting file security. Like 1Password, Hider uses AES 256-bit encryption technology that meets the U.S. Department of Defense standard. It also only requires one master password as the entry point, making it convenient and hassle-free.

Hider’s most user-friendly feature is that after an encrypted file dragged into the vault changes location, you can still hide or show the file normally in Hider. This is because Hider also records the locations of all protected files in real time.

ZIP Pro 2: Archive Compression and Encryption

When I was young and bought ebooks online, second-hand sellers would send me an archive first, then send the archive password after payment was completed. I found it quite novel at the time.

But after learning about software such as ZIP Pro 2, I discovered that adding a password to an archive is not a technical feat.

ZIP Pro 2 includes file compression, extraction, sharing, 256-bit encryption, and other features. It can open and process files in more than 30 different formats, and it lets you quickly process the corresponding files and access data in cloud drives.

If you are looking for genuine software from a clear source with a verifiable license, you can visit the LIZHI.SHOP software store to learn about the tools that are right for you.

Whether you need password management, file encryption, or everyday data organization, choose based on your system platform, feature requirements, and usage habits.