Data Loss Prevention

The Top 8 File Encryption Solutions

A guide covering the best file encryption solutions on the market, along with a summary and FAQ covering the most important questions.

The Top 8 File Encryption Solutions Include:
  • 1. AxCrypt
  • 2. Boxcryptor For Teams
  • 3. Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption
  • 4. ESET PROTECT
  • 5. Microsoft OneDrive Business
  • 6. NordLocker For Business
  • 7. Sophos Central Device Encryption
  • 8. Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption

File encryption solutions are simple yet effective security services that prevent unauthorized users from being able to understand and make sense of your business files. File encryption solutions effectively transform your files and data into code that only the intended recipient is able to “decipher”. The data is, seemingly, meaningless until it is decrypted. As it is only the intended user who knows how to decrypt the message, you can ensure that no-one else can read it.

In order to achieve this, encryption tools usually uses public key cryptography, a method of encryption and decryption where key pairs are generated. Only the recipient with the key, usually a password, is able to de-encrypt the file. This method ensures that files and data are kept encrypted in transit, in use, and at rest.

Organizations will create tens, hundreds, even thousands of files and documents every single day. These may then be shared via SharePoint, Teams, Slack, email, or another method of communication. Each of these documents may contain sensitive information that, if accessed by the wrong person, could lead to regulatory fines, business intelligence being shared, and loss of customer confidence. It could be that a file or document reveals weaknesses or vulnerabilities within your organizational structure; this could lead to an attacker being in a better position to circumvent your network security and breach your infrastructure.

As threat actors are looking for any opportunity to infiltrate your business and steal your data, safeguarding your sensitive files and data has to be a priority. Making sure your company’s files are encrypted at all times through the use of a robust file encryption solution is one of the simplest and most effective ways to achieve this. This article contains a list of some of the best file encryption solutions on the market, with information about their key features and use-cases.

AxCrypt

AxCrypt offers a comprehensive encryption software designed to protect sensitive data both individually and in a business setting. At the core of AxCrypt’s offering is their advanced file encryption system, which allows users to secure files with 128-bit or 256-bit encryption protocols. This software integrates seamlessly with cloud storage platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive, offering users the ease of automatically securing files stored on these platforms.

AxCrypt facilitates collaboration by enabling the sharing of secured files to other users with secure, unique passwords. The software also includes features for password management and mobile encryption, allowing users to encrypt and decrypt files on their mobile devices at their convenience. For businesses seeking a robust security solution, AxCrypt Business stands out with features such as AES-256 encryption and secure key sharing, fostering a secure environment for sharing files within a team.

AxCrypt’s business subscription help companies to comply with data protection regulations and avoid potential data breaches. The business package also offers dedicated support through an account manager, assisting in seamless license management for the company.

AxCrypt
boxcryptor

Boxcryptor is a robust and flexible encryption solution for enterprise environments. Developed in Germany, it specializes in securing data in the cloud. Boxcryptor operates under the strict privacy regulations enforced in Germany, ensuring high standards of data protection and compliance with the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification. This encryption software integrates seamlessly into existing corporate infrastructures, adding a layer of security to over 30 cloud providers without disrupting established workflows. This makes Boxcryptor a suitable tool for businesses looking to enhance the safety of their cloud storage solutions.

Boxcryptor facilitates end-to-end encryption, meaning that files are encrypted directly on the device before being moved to the chosen storage, thus ensuring that only authenticated users can access the data. Boxcryptor supports Single Sign-On (SSO) and SCIM, simplifying user management and integration into existing systems. For teams utilizing Microsoft 365, Boxcryptor offers additional security within Microsoft Teams, adding encrypted files, messages, and chat functionalities. With Boxcryptor, companies can confidently store sensitive data in the cloud while complying with stringent privacy regulations, such as HIPAA.

boxcryptor
Symantec Logo

Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption is a robust security software designed to safeguard sensitive data on a variety of devices, including mobile workforces, laptops, and removable media. The solution allows organizations to protect vital information from loss or theft by utilizing strong full-disk and removable media encryption. It can be deployed seamlessly to large enterprise environments, blending high scalability with consolidated encryption administration, thereby reducing the operational burden on both administrators and users.

Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption software emphasizes ease of use, offering features like single sign-on support, and multiple recovery options that ensure users can regain access to their data even in cases of no server connection. The solutions extends support for a Bring Your Own Device policy, permitting remote users to utilize personal devices while retaining a high level of data protection.

The software is easy-to-deploy and streamlines management through an integrated admin console, which is supplemented with features like Active Directory synchronization and seamless upgrades. Additionally, it integrates with Symantec Data Loss Prevention solutions, assisting organizations as they monitor and manage the transfer of sensitive content to prevent data leakage and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Symantec Logo
ESET Logo

ESET PROTECT is a comprehensive endpoint security solution, delivering a balanced cloud-based platform with comprehensive encryption capabilities. Customers have the flexibility to manage their security infrastructure via a customizable console, providing a service that is both easy to deploy and use. Recognized for its top-rated malware detection capabilities, the ESET PROTECT platform focuses on offering multilayered protection for various endpoints, business data, and users.

One of the distinguishing feature of ESET PROTECT is its multilayered endpoint protection technology which efficiently protects against ransomware, zero-day threats, and other potential breaches. This robust platform offers a spectrum of security services including modern endpoint protection, server security, full disk encryption, and advanced threat defence. The system also extends protection to cloud applications and email vectors, ensuring a fortified security framework for your business. Central to this ecosystem is the ESET PROTECT console, a unified platform facilitating seamless management of ESET solutions across all operating systems in your network, further complemented by multi-factor authentication as well as vulnerability and patch management capabilities.

ESET Logo
Microsoft logo

Microsoft OneDrive Business is a core component of the Microsoft 365 suite, offering a secure and integrated experience designed to enhance productivity and business operations. This cloud-based platform not only facilitates seamless file storage and sharing, but also fosters teamwork through professional email, calendaring, and group chats in Microsoft Teams. Users can conveniently access and share files from any location, with 1TB of online storage available per user.

OneDrive for Business and SharePoint Online provides data encryption both in-transit and at-rest. When data is transferred either between clients and servers or among data centers, it is protected using SSL/TLS connections with 2048-bit keys, ensuring data remains secure even during geo-replication processes. Furthermore, data at rest is safeguarded through a dual encryption method consisting of Microsoft’s BitLocker disk-level encryption and per-file encryption. The latter technique involves a unique encryption key for each file and update.

This solution is compliant with the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2, employs the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) with 256-bit keys, and stores the encryption keys in a physically separate location from the data, further bolstering the security infrastructure.

Microsoft logo
Nordlocker

NordLocker is a digital file security solution, offering users a file vault to safeguard business data. The platform is designed to function as a shield against cybercriminals, malware, and unwarranted surveillance. It operates on a zero-knowledge architecture, ensuring utmost privacy and control over access to your files. Whether you’re using the web platform or the desktop and mobile apps, NordLocker facilitates seamless synchronization and backup of your files across various devices, making sure your data remains inaccessible to unauthorized users, even when using a shared devices.

NordLocker allows for easy file management through its intuitive drag-and-drop features. You can encrypt any kind of file, irrespective of its size. Files can then be organized in lockers and folders and stored locally or in the cloud based on your preference. NordLocker is compatible with a range of operating systems including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. The solution enables secure file sharing through encrypted links, adding an extra layer of security to your data transfer processes.

Nordlocker
Sophos logo

Sophos Central Device Encryption is a security tool designed to help safeguard devices and data. The solution leverages existing technology platforms such as Windows BitLocker and macOS FileVault to facilitate comprehensive disk encryption for both Windows and macOS devices. This results in a crucial layer of defense against potential data breaches that could arise due to device loss or theft.

The product offers a range of features that make device encryption convenient and manageable. One of the noteworthy features is its intuitive design that allows for easy setup and management, without the necessity for backend server configurations, making it possible to secure devices efficiently. This feature is augmented by a self-service portal that enables users to regain access to their devices without IT intervention, thereby streamlining the process and reducing the workload on IT help desks. The secure file share functionality permits confidential sharing of sensitive files, with password-protected document access.

Sophos Central Device Encryption helps teams to ensure compliance with necessary regulations by providing tools to verify and demonstrate the encryption status of devices in the network. The service is managed through a streamlined, unified console that is integrated into Sophos Central. From here, administrators can manage and configure all Sophos security products, including endpoint protection from a single, comprehensive dashboard.

Sophos logo
Trend Micro Logo

Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption is designed to protect data across various endpoint devices including desktops and laptops. The solution offers a range of features that help in securing data effectively. It can encrypt data at multiple levels such as full disk, file/folder. Removable media can also be encrypted, making unauthorized access to private information harder. The encryption process is automatic and transparent, preventing performance degradation of the devices it is installed on. Trend Micro supports a variety of hardware setups, including self-encrypting drives (from known manufacturers) and accommodates unified extensible firmware interface (UEFI) setups. Remote management tools incorporated in the software enable actions like remote lock, reset, or data wiping in cases of device loss or theft, adding an additional layer of security.

The Trend Micro Endpoint Encryption solution integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructure, offering features such as one-time passwords across all endpoint client applications and allowing for the management of users and groups from multiple active directory domains through a single console. It also offers advanced reporting and auditing capabilities, providing detailed auditing trails and real-time compliance auditing. This feature helps organizations maintain regulatory compliance efficiently.

The software is noted for its ability to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) by simplifying deployment, configuration, and management processes. This results in it being a cost-effective choice for companies looking for comprehensive and effective data security solution.

Trend Micro Logo
The Top 8 File Encryption Solutions