In an era where data security is of utmost importance, file encryption has become a crucial tool for protecting sensitive information. Two popular file – encryption tools are Gilisoft File Lock Pro, which uses AES encryption, and VeraCrypt, an open – source encryption software. Let’s explore how to use them for file encryption and which one might offer more safety.​

Encryption Process in Gilisoft File Lock Pro​

Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a user – friendly software that offers multiple ways to encrypt files.​

1. Encrypt a Copy: This option allows you to encrypt your files into a single .gfl file. To use this method, simply right – click on the file or folder you want to encrypt and select “Encrypt a Copy” from the context menu. The software will then create an encrypted copy of your files, which can be decrypted later using Gilisoft File Lock Pro.​

2. Encrypt to .exe: With this option, you can encrypt files into a single executable (*.exe) file. Right – click on the file or folder, choose “Encrypt to .exe” from the context menu. The advantage of this method is that you can open the encrypted file on any Windows machine, even if the Gilisoft File Lock Pro program is not installed. However, it’s important to note that the security of the .exe file still relies on the strength of the password you set.​

Encryption Process in VeraCrypt​

VeraCrypt is a more complex but highly versatile open – source disk encryption software.​

1. Creating an Encrypted Container: VeraCrypt allows you to create an encrypted container within a file. This container can be treated as a virtual disk. To create one, open VeraCrypt, click on “Create Volume”, and follow the wizard. You can choose the encryption algorithm (such as AES, Serpent, or Twofish), set the size of the volume, and provide a strong password.​

2. Encrypting Partitions or Drives: VeraCrypt can also encrypt entire partitions or storage devices like USB flash drives or hard drives. When encrypting a partition, you need to be careful as it will render the data inaccessible without the correct password. For example, if you want to encrypt an external hard drive, select the drive in VeraCrypt, choose the encryption options, and start the encryption process. This process may take some time depending on the size of the drive and the complexity of the encryption settings.​

Security Comparison​

1. Encryption Algorithms​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Primarily uses AES encryption. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a widely recognized and highly secure encryption algorithm. It has been adopted by governments and organizations worldwide. Gilisoft File Lock Pro likely uses a standard implementation of AES, which provides a high level of protection against brute – force attacks. The 256 – bit key length in AES is extremely difficult to crack, even with powerful computing resources.​

• VeraCrypt: Offers multiple encryption algorithms including AES, Serpent, and Twofish. The ability to choose from different algorithms can be an advantage. For example, if in the future a vulnerability is discovered in AES, users can switch to another algorithm like Serpent, which is also known for its high security. Additionally, VeraCrypt uses a large number of iterations in its key – derivation function (e.g., 500,000 iterations by default for standard containers), which significantly increases the time it would take for an attacker to perform a brute – force attack.​

2. Open – Source vs Proprietary​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Is a proprietary software. While the company likely has a team of security experts working on its development, the inner workings of the software are not publicly available. This can be a concern for some users who prefer to have full transparency about how their data is being encrypted. However, Gilisoft has a reputation for providing a reliable product, and they likely conduct regular security audits to ensure the integrity of their encryption methods.​

• VeraCrypt: Being open – source means that its source code is freely available for anyone to review. This has both advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, a large community of security researchers and developers can review the code for vulnerabilities. In fact, VeraCrypt has been audited multiple times, and any discovered issues have been promptly addressed. However, the open – source nature also means that malicious actors can study the code, but the community’s continuous review and improvement efforts generally offset this risk.​

3. Security Features​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: In addition to basic encryption, it offers features like file and folder hiding, write protection, and password – protected executable creation. These features can add an extra layer of security in certain scenarios. For example, hiding sensitive files can prevent casual discovery, and write protection can prevent unauthorized modification of important data.​

• VeraCrypt: Has some unique security features such as the ability to create hidden volumes. A hidden volume can be used in case of coercion, as it allows you to have a seemingly innocent volume while having a hidden, more sensitive volume within it. This provides a form of plausible deniability. It also supports pre – boot authentication when encrypting the Windows installation partition, which adds an extra layer of security against physical access to the computer.​

4. Ease of Use and Security Risks​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Is relatively easy to use, which can be a security advantage in some ways. Since it’s straightforward to encrypt and decrypt files, users are less likely to make mistakes that could compromise security. For example, the simple right – click options for encryption make the process accessible even to non – technical users.​

• VeraCrypt: While it offers more advanced features, its complexity can be a double – edged sword. For users who are not familiar with disk encryption concepts, setting up VeraCrypt correctly can be challenging. Incorrect configuration, such as choosing a weak password or not understanding how to use the hidden volume feature properly, could potentially lead to security risks. However, for more experienced users, the advanced features can be used to create a highly secure environment.

In addition to Gilisoft File Lock Pro and VeraCrypt, there are many other highly recommended file encryption tools. Each of them has its own unique features in terms of functionality, ease of use, and security, catering to the diverse needs of different user groups.

1. AxCrypt

AxCrypt is a lightweight and user – friendly file encryption tool, especially suitable for individual users and small businesses. It supports encrypting individual files or entire folders. The operation is extremely convenient. With just a simple right – click, users can easily complete the encryption and decryption processes, as effortless as normal file copying and pasting. This tool uses the industry – standard AES – 256 encryption algorithm, providing robust security protection for files and effectively resisting various potential attacks. One of AxCrypt’s significant advantages lies in its cross – platform compatibility. Whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux systems, users can use it seamlessly, greatly enhancing the flexibility of use. Moreover, it integrates perfectly with common cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. When users upload files to the cloud, the files are automatically encrypted, ensuring that even if the cloud service account is unfortunately compromised, hackers can only see encrypted text and cannot obtain any valuable information.

2. BitLocker

BitLocker is a powerful encryption tool integrated into Microsoft Windows operating systems. For enterprise and individual users of Windows, it is undoubtedly a convenient and reliable choice. BitLocker supports encrypting entire disks or partitions, providing solid security protection throughout the entire process of data storage and transmission. Its encryption mechanism is deeply integrated with the Windows system and can be easily enabled during system installation, eliminating the need for users to install additional third – party software. BitLocker also makes full use of the hardware – level protection capabilities of the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip to further enhance the encryption strength. If an enterprise uses Active Directory (AD), it can centrally manage BitLocker encryption policies through AD, significantly improving the efficiency and convenience of internal data security management within the enterprise.

3. NordLocker

NordLocker comes from the well – known NordVPN team, inheriting its strong security features and providing users with spy – level file encryption protection. It uses advanced end – to – end encryption technology, ensuring that during the process of encrypting and transferring files to the cloud, only the file owner has the decryption key. Even employees of NordLocker cannot access the file content, fully safeguarding the privacy and security of user data. NordLocker has a simple and aesthetically pleasing user interface with an excellent interactive experience. Users can quickly complete the encryption process by simply dragging files or folders into the software interface. In terms of file sharing, it supports generating encrypted links, allowing users to flexibly set access permissions for the links, such as setting the access validity period, restricting who can view or edit, etc., greatly enhancing the security and controllability of file sharing. For users with cross – border business or remote team collaboration needs, NordLocker supports multi – language interfaces and has numerous nodes worldwide, enabling low – latency access and ensuring that team members in different regions can efficiently collaborate on encrypted files.

4. Boxcryptor

Boxcryptor focuses on providing secure and reliable encryption solutions for cloud storage users. It supports encrypting files stored on mainstream cloud service platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. It uses zero – knowledge encryption technology, which means that only the user knows the decryption key, and cloud service providers cannot access the plaintext of the files. Boxcryptor has excellent cross – platform performance and can run stably on Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, enabling users to securely access and manage encrypted files across different devices at any time and anywhere. In addition, it is closely integrated with cloud services. When users operate files on cloud drives, it feels as natural as operating unencrypted files. The encryption and decryption processes are completed automatically in the background without causing any interference to the user experience.