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Top 5 Encrypting File System (EFS) in 2024

Elise Williams

2024-04-18 11:56:27 • Filed to: Password Protect PDF • Proven solutions

Keeping your data safe is as simple as keeping sensitive information encrypted so that you are the only one who can access it. File Encryption tools or encrypting file system (EFS) can go a long way in helping you very quickly and very easily encrypt sensitive information. In this article, we are going to be looking at the top 5 encrypting file systems you can use for this purpose.

Top 5 Encrypting File Systems

1. VeraCrypt

This is a free encryption tool that supports Windows, Mac and Linux OS. One of its most enduring advantages is that it supports the creation of hidden volumes within other volumes to create additional layers of encryption. It is an open source tool that is under constant development which means contact updates that keep the encryption tool working perfectly.

Pros:

It is completely free to use
Available for Mac, Windows and Linux OS
It is constantly updated to ensure it works perfectly

Cons:

It may be difficult to use especially for beginners

2. AxCrypt

AxCrypt is another open source encryption tool that can come in handy when you want to protect your data. It is very easy to use and very efficient. It is available only for Windows although it doesn't integrate perfectly with the Windows shell to make it very easy to use.

Pros:

It is very easy to use
It can be used to edit encrypted files
It allows for secure file deletion
It allows for secure online password storage

Cons:

It can be risky for those who don't use local security for the PC
It doesn't support Mac or Linux

3. CertainSafe Digital Safety Deposit Box

This is the ideal tool to choose when storing files in the cloud. You can get the cloud file protection that only CertainSafe Digital Safety Deposit Box can offer for free for a trial period of 30 days which includes 5GB of storage space. After the trial period, you'll have to pay $12 a month to continue using the service.

Pros:

It makes the breach of data stored in the cloud impossible
It can authenticate user server
Allows for secure file sharing
It can also retain past versions of files

Cons:

It is expensive when compared to other encryption tools
Forgetting the password would mean that you lose access to all the files

4. BitLocker

You may already know about BitLocker, the in-Built Windows Vista and Windows 7/8 encryption tool that is useful for whole disk protection. One of its best advantages is that it supports numerous authentication mechanisms like passwords, PINs, USB key and the Trusted Platform Module.

Pros:

It integrates perfectly with the Windows system
It is easily accessible and very easy to use
Provides a strong and not very easy to crack encryption

Cons:

The Trusted Platform Module may not be as secure
It has been criticized as unsafe in the past

5. Folder Lock

This tool offers a great way to lock access of files for easy and quick protection. It can also be used to encrypt these lockers to add an additional layer of security. Despite its advanced features, it is very easy to use.

Pros:

It offers secure online backups
It can be used to encrypt both files and folders
It has file shredding features

Cons:

It is expensive
Some additional features may require a separate subscription

The Best PDF File Encrypting Tool

If you are looking for the best way to protect PDF files, you should consider using Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor. It has premier document security features that include the ability to add a password, redact some of the content and even secure the file with a digital signature.

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To encrypt a PDF document, download and install the program on your computer and then follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Add Password to Document

Drag and drop the PDF file into the program's main window to open it. Once the document is open, click on "Protect" and then check "Require a Password to open the document". Enter the password and then click "OK".

Step 2: Redact Sensitive Information

To mark the text you would like to redact, you need click on "Protect" and then click on the "Redact items to be redacted" icon directly. You should then select the texts you want to redact and finally, click on "Apply redaction".

Step 3: Add a Digital Signature

To add a signature to the document, click on "Protect > Sign Document" and in the dialogue box that appears, select the ID you would like to use and click "Sign".