08 September 2021

1. Windows Encryption Software
2. Mac File Encryption

Mac users, like any computer owners, should make a habit of backing up the data on their computers. Yet many people don’t bother. According to Backblaze in a 2021 poll conducted in the US, one out of five Americans who own a computer have never performed a backup of their data. That’s 20% of the computer-owning population.

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. Looking for the best full-disk encryption software for your Mac? FileVault 2 is Apple’s answer to Bitlocker, encrypting the startup disk (and any data backups) on any macOS computer. FileVualt 2 uses XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key, which means your data will be highly secured. FileVault is undoubtedly one of the best free encryption software for Mac available for users of Mac OS X Lion (version 10.7) or later. The program is designed to be easy to use and performs on-the-fly encryption and decryption with volumes on Mac devices.

Just 11% of people back up their data once a day or more, which is shocking if you consider how much personal information people tend to store on their devices. This is up from last year, but the message is clear: people aren’t backing up often enough.

The software supports up to 1024-bit AES encryption which is harder to decipher than 256-bit encryption, which most common software that let you encrypt USB drives or disks offer. Besides promising you impenetrable data encryption, EncryptStick’s USB encryption software lets you encrypt a flash drive with an easy-to-use interface. Slack is a useful messaging platform designed for mac-OS. It is one of the best productivity app that helps you to integrate and streamline communication. This business communication app offers cross-team transparency and more natural productivity within a business.

It should go without saying, but it’s incredibly important to back up your valuable files so you can restore them in the event of theft, data corruption or damage to your Mac. But what's the best way to do that and keep your data safe?

We looked at five of the best backup tools for Mac to find out.

The best backup software for Mac

• SuperDuper! for best all-round backups
• Carbon Copy Cloner for bootable recovery
• ChronoSync for ease of use
• Smart Backup for greatest value
• Disk Drill for recovering lost files

SuperDuper!In a world where the slightest mistake can lead to data loss, SuperDuper! is an essential app. It's easy enough for anybody with any level of computer skills to use. You just pick your source and destination drives and watch as it clones them flawlessly. No more lost photos or documents because of accidental deletions or formatting issues.

SuperDuper! includes a Smart Wake feature, which allows you to back up your Mac without turning on the screen. It does this by detecting when backups start and turns off displays so that no changes happen after initial backups are complete.

You can even choose what type of files you want backed up – for example, just music or certain applications.

The best part about it, though, is there are no monthly charges or subscriptions. You can back up and clone drives for free. And you only need to pay if you want to use advanced features like scheduling, Smart Update, sandboxes and scripting.

Pros: Packed full of features

Cons: Basic-looking user interface

Trial: None

Price: $27.95

Download: available here
Carbon Copy Cloner

No stranger to backing up data is Carbon Copy Cloner. The company immediately sets your mind at ease with its motto 'Casually Confront Catastrophe'. Carbon Copy Cloner is a simple cloning tool that backs up your internal hard drive at the bit level.
You can boot off the backup disk or clone and install a new drive with this application, which allows you to choose whichever files and folders you want to back up. This is great if you don’t want to waste too much time with your backups, allowing you to focus instead on the most important information on your Mac.

It features smart updates, backing up only what's changed since last time it checked. You can also schedule your backups and even pause a backup that’s in progress if you need to do something on your Mac while it’s busy.

Pros: Fast backups that can be booted if needed

Cons: There’s no free version available

Trial: Free 30-day trial.

Price: $39.99 for all computers within a household

Download:available here
ChronoSync

Rather than only being a backup tool, ChronoSync includes both backup and synchronization capabilities. It allows you to back up — including bootable backups — to almost any external device or service, including iPads, iPhones, Windows PCs, and some cloud services.

This means any changes that are made to certain files can be backed up as they’re detected. This has the positive effect of freeing up system resources, because your Mac isn’t left backing up files that haven't changed.

You can set up rules, manual exclusions, filters and much more, making this one of the most customizable backup tools available.

There’s also an entry-level version called ChronoSync Express. It doesn’t have the power of its more expensive sibling, but it’s still an excellent option for creating bootable backups.
ChronoSync is still under active development, and it’s been updated over 70 times since 2002. That’s good news, because it means the developer is likely to support the latest updates from Apple.

Pros: Mature product under active development, free updates for life

Cons: Not all users need this many features, pricing might be a little high for home users

Trial: 15-day free trial

Price: $49.99

Download: available here
SmartBackup

SmartBackup is a handy utility for macOS, which will help you sync and back up folders, files or volumes. SmartBackup features different configurations for multiple destinations as well as the ability to exclude some items from being backed up.

The software has built-in automation so it can operate on its own without your input. This feature also ensures safe backups in case of power loss at an unsociable time!

SmartBackup will optionally archive changed or deleted files in time-stamped folders. This feature includes a built-in search panel that'll show you multiple versions of the file, neatly organized into results for easy retrieval by date and time grouping. You can sync between internal and external hard drives, RAIDs (and other similar platforms), Xsan volumes, NAS devices — really anything macOS supports!

On macOS installations using HFS, it has an option to create bootable clones of startup disks as well. So if there’s ever any sort of catastrophe with your system disk's integrity, Smart Backup will come in handy.

The pricing is also very appealing: it’s completely free.

Pros: A good backup tool that costs nothing

Cons: Lacks some advanced features found elsewhere

Trial: Free

Price: Free

Download:available here

Disk Drill is different to the other tools we’ve looked at here. It’s not a backup utility. Instead, it’s a multi-platform recovery tool that gives you the ability to recover lost files, whether they’ve been removed from your system deliberately or accidentally.
Disk Drill is one of the most powerful data recovery tools on the market. The free version lets you scan your Mac or connected devices for deleted files that can be recovered, and then it uses its preview feature to show you which items are recoverable. But if you want them back, you’ll need to purchase a license.

Disk Drill also supports iOS and Android file recovery too, so even your mobile devices can be recovered in the event of an emergency.

Pros: Great for recovering lost files

Cons: This is not a backup tool, it’s for recoveries only

Trial: Free version available, for scanning only

Price: $89 for Pro, $499 for Enterprise

Download: available here

What makes a good Mac backup app?

Looking at some of the best backups for Mac, here’s what we think are the most important features to look out for.

• Full disk cloning. If your backup software can clone your entire system disk to a bootable copy, then it could save your bacon one day.
• Scheduling features. Although you might want to do manual backups as well, scheduled, automatic backups will save you a lot of time and effort.
• Custom backups. Instead of full disk backups, sometimes you want to back up just the files and folders that are most important to you. Having custom backup features will enable you to do this.

The bottom line

The best backup software for macOS depends on your needs. SuperDuper! is great if you need a simple, easy-to-use solution to make an exact copy of your hard drive every time it's plugged in. ChronoSync has the ability to automate backups from multiple sources, so you never have to worry about forgetting to back up again.

Carbon Copy Cloner is a more powerful app with tons of options for scheduling and even making encrypted copies of your hard drive. That’s great if you need something flexible enough to be run on a schedule but still need to customize what you back up. For a free option, SmartBackup has a lot to offer too, so it’s well worth considering.

But if you just want to recover lost files, then Disk Drill could help you – particularly if you’re one of the many people who forget to back up.

Do you know encryption software? With the internet spreading its roots in every aspect of the world, everyone chooses to get their services through it. It has reduced the time-lapse and distance between entities by allowing people to access a lot of things in a jiffy. However, besides these advantages, hackers have also evolved and found new ways to steal data and sensitive information from users.

Now, people think twice before they share anything over the internet. But with the advancement of technology, encryption software was introduced to tackle cyber-attacks and threats. With this encryption software, people can add an extra layer of protection to their data while sending it over the internet.

The best encryption software allows you to encrypt your files without following any complex process. Here in this article, we have listed the top software that will come in handy while encrypting your data. So, without any further, let us dive into the list.

Best Encryption Software

AxCrypt

When we talk about one of the best encryption software, AxCrypt’s name is quite popular. With this file encryption software, you can encrypt your data without any unnecessary hassle. It allows you to save all your data in a secured cloud network which allows you to access them anywhere anytime. You can elevate the file security with both 256-bit and 128-bit encryption. The software support for Windows and Mac OS. Besides this, you can also use AxCrypt on your Android and iOS devices. You also get access to password management tools, so you don’t need to save them anywhere or stress about forgetting them. It is open-source encryption software.

Features

1. The software comes with cloud storage awareness and uploads your documents to the cloud automatically, taking care of the security aspect.
2. With the mobile app, you can access your encrypted files on your smartphone.
3. The software is quite lightweight, so it doesn’t need a lot of space on your device to install it. Besides this, the whole installation process is quite simple.
4. AxCrypt comes with a user-friendly interface, so you get well-versed with all the elements smoothly.
5. If you wish to delete some files permanently, then you can use the in-built shredder of this tool and complete the process efficiently.

Pros

• Multilingual support
• Quick and easy file sharing
• Metadata retention ability

Con: 256-bit encryption is available for premium users only

Windows Encryption Software

Folder Lock

This file encryption software is known to offer bullet-proof data encryption to your sensitive files. The software will help you add extra later protection to your photos, videos, wallet card, audio recording, contacts, and whatnot. Besides this, it comes with tons of security features that will ensure that your files are safe. This folder encryption software offers 2-way encryption with a backup facility. With this, you can create locker backups that are protected with passwords. So, in case your data is lost, you can recover it using your password from your online account.

Features

1. With end-to-end encryption, you get access to on-demand syncing and an automatic backup facility in this best encryption software.
2. You can hide your sensitive files and folders in a jiffy. Once you have locked a folder, it is hidden from the previous location, and you can access it from the interface of the software only.
3. You can even keep your lockers on your USB or hard disk. The software covers your files into executable files, so you don’t need to install the encryption software again and again to access your files.

Pros

• Easy file shredding
• Offers self-decrypting files
• Hide option available

Con: Needs subscription to get access to secure backup option

VeraCrypt

VeraCrypt is recognized as the best free encryption software 2021, owing to the simple yet noteworthy features that make it a perfect option for both small as well as medium-sized businesses. This open-source encryption software promises top-notch protection that helps in securing both files as well as the entire system. With its capability of creating a strong virtual disk that avoids data loss, this free USB encryption software is an excellent hard drive encryption software as well. It comes with an On-The-Fly encryption feature that aids in instant file encryption before final saving. All these outstanding features have made it a well-known encryption software free of cost.

Features

1. This free file encryption software comes with a basic free version that shields data from both brute force attacks as well as cold boot viruses.
2. The advanced and strict encryption level removing all backdoors effectively and leads to no data leaks.
3. Data leaks are easily stopped with the application eliminating the loss of information.
4. Being an open-source program, it supports multiple platforms without facing any hassle.
5. This reliable software keeps getting security enhancements and new improvements time and again.

Pros

Mac File Encryption

• Easy to use
• Free of cost
• Advanced security
• Constant improvements

Cons

• Hard to perform an initial download
• It offers a selective approach

Bitlocker

Being the best file encryption software, Bitlocker is a full disk encryption software that proffers utmost security and optimization. Its 128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption make it a superb choice all around the world. Covering both project files as well as individual files, this tool encapsulates all the data securely in its dual authentication layers. Moreover, it is renowned for safeguarding the data in hard drives and external disks. This Microsoft product is best suited for all modern machines, which was possible only because of its reliable platform module as well as excellent Standby support.

Features

1. This free encryption software for windows is super easy to use and is already available in the Windows OS.
2. It assures no data breach or exfiltration from the hard disk. Thus, all your files from the hard drive are safe since your drive is fully encrypted.
3. The best part is after its activation, it automatically encrypts every time you add new files.
4. It is an onsite software, making it an ultimate pick for running a smooth business.
5. With its extensive Administrative management, this software can run on several Windows versions efficiently.

Pros

• Very intuitive
• Free of cost
• Easy to maintain
• Best enterprise solution

Con: Negligible cloud compatibility features

Last Words to Encryption Software

With this, we have finished with our ultimate options for the best file and folder encryption software in 2021. With our extensive free and paid options, you can easily narrow down to the one option that will aid in securing your sensitive data in the best way.