Here is a summary of the core differences between Gilisoft USB Encryption (a dedicated USB drive encryption tool) and Gilisoft   File Lock Pro (a comprehensive file security tool) in terms of user groups, features, and application scenarios:

I. Differences in User Groups

Typical Users of USB Encryption

• Enterprise IT Departments / Data Security Managers: Need centralized control over USB drives, such as separating confidential and public areas (e.g., technical documents vs. public materials in internal corporate collaboration), and can accept administrator permission requirements.
• Research Institutions / Military-Industrial Units: Have extremely high demands for USB encryption strength, requiring resistance to brute-force attacks and physical tampering, such as using AES-256 algorithms for underlying partition modification.
• Fixed Partners / Supply Chain Stakeholders: Transfer data between controlled devices (e.g., design institutes exchanging drawings with construction parties) where both sides can coordinate to provide administrator permissions.

Typical Users of Gilisoft File Lock Pro

• Individual Users / Freelancers: Need to protect both local private files (e.g., photos, diaries) and work materials on USB drives, and prefer a single tool to cover all scenarios.
• Business Professionals Frequent Sending Files: Need to generate standalone encrypted EXE files (decryptable without software installation), such as lawyers sending contracts or designers delivering work.
• Users of Public Devices: Often need to access USB drives in environments without administrator permissions, such as internet cafes or school computer labs—for example, students submitting assignments or job seekers presenting resumes.

II. Core Differences in Features

Core Features of USB Encryption

• Full USB Encryption & Partition Isolation: Divides the USB drive into a “secure zone” (password-required access) and a “public zone” (direct read/write). For instance, enterprises can store technical solutions in the secure zone and meeting minutes in the public zone.
• High-Strength Underlying Encryption: Achieves physical-level protection by modifying the USB drive’s partition table. Encrypted files cannot be recovered by ordinary tools, making it suitable for storing core data.
• Limitations in Cross-Device Compatibility: Requires administrator permissions to install drivers when first used on another person’s computer, and encryption speed may be slow (e.g., 50% performance drop during large file transfers).

Core Features of Gilisoft File Lock Pro

• Multi-Scenario File Protection:
  • Local File Encryption: Supports hiding files/folders (invisible even in safe mode) and setting read-only permissions (preventing modification or deletion).
  • Flexible USB Encryption: Allows encrypting only specific folders, with encrypted files retaining their original formats (e.g., Word, Excel) for normal editing.
  • Additional Security Tools: File shredding (permanently destroying sensitive files), log auditing (recording access operations), and time-locking (restricting file usage duration).
• No Dependence on Administrator Permissions: On others’ computers, simply run the decryption program and enter the password to access—for example, no technical support is needed when demonstrating encrypted solutions on a client’s computer.
• Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports Windows and macOS, with generated EXE files decryptable on any system, ideal for international collaboration.

III. Scenario Differences & Selection Recommendations

Scenarios Where USB Encryption is Preferred

1. Enterprise-Level Partition Management Needs:
   • Example: A manufacturing enterprise requires technical department USB drives to have encrypted zones (storing product design drawings) and public zones (storing production process instructions), limited to internal computer use.
   • Note: Accept slower encryption speeds (e.g., transferring 10GB files may take 50% longer) and potential file corruption risks.
2. Environments with High Physical Security Threats:
   • Example: Research teams storing genetic data on USB drives in laboratories need protection against physical disassembly and cold-boot attacks (i.e., stealing keys via memory).
3. High-Strength Transfers Between Fixed Devices:
   • Example: Design institutes and construction parties exchanging drawings via USB drives, where both IT departments can coordinate administrator permissions but require encrypted files to be unbreakable by third-party tools.

Scenarios Where Gilisoft File Lock Pro is Preferred

1. Public Environments Without Administrator Permissions:
   • Example: Students submitting encrypted assignments in school labs or job seekers showcasing encrypted portfolios at recruitment events—access is granted directly with a password, no system permissions required.
2. Mixed-Scenario Protection Needs:
   • Example: Freelancers need to encrypt both local financial reports (preventing prying eyes) and client data on USB drives, managed via a single tool.
3. Flexible File Sharing & Collaboration:
   • Example: Lawyers generating encrypted EXE files for clients, who can double-click to decrypt and view contracts without installing software.
   • Designers can hide source files (e.g., PSD formats) on USB drives and only display JPG previews to prevent unauthorized copying.

IV. Key Risks & Trade-Offs

• Potential Risks of USB Encryption:
  • Performance Loss: Encryption may slow down USB read/write speeds, and frequent operations may cause file corruption.
  • Poor Cross-Device Compatibility: Inaccessible on computers without driver installation—e.g., re-authorization is needed if partners temporarily switch devices.
• Potential Risks of Gilisoft File Lock Pro:
  • Limited Encryption Depth: Relies on software-layer password verification; if the USB drive is physically lost, it may be bypassed by professional tools (e.g., key extraction via memory).
  • Scattered Features: Local file management functions may seem redundant if only USB encryption is needed.

Summary: How to Choose?

• Choose USB Encryption if you need physical-level USB encryption and partition isolation, and can accept administrator permission requirements and performance losses—e.g., for internal enterprise sensitive data transfers.
• Choose Gilisoft File Lock Pro if you need permission-independent flexible encryption and multi-scenario coverage—e.g., personal privacy protection, frequent file sharing, or use on public devices.

The essential difference lies in this: USB Encryption is a “physical defense” tool, while Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a “permission-based protection” tool. The choice depends on balancing security, convenience, and costs in practical scenarios.