Folder Lock review

Folder Lock is encryption software that you can trust to protect your files and data.

Folder Lock 7 review

Top Ten Reviews Verdict

Folder Locker is fast and secure, and it's the best at protecting your files, including tools that encrypt, lock and hide your files.

Pros

  • +

    Fastest encryption

  • +

    Very secure

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    Has password recovery

Cons

  • -

    Poor file compression

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Folder Lock is encryption software that you can trust to protect your files and data. This program uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) 256-bit key, which is the same level of protection used by governments when classifying information, and required by banks when sending or receiving any information about their customers. Folder Lock also offers extra security features, like file shredding and stealth mode, which puts it among our top choices for the best encryption software.

During our in-house tests, Folder Lock was the fastest at encrypting data and deciphering. We started with 63 files that totaled 128MB, and Folder Lock took less than six seconds to scramble and lock up all those files. This equates to only a few minutes to secure gigs of data, so you won’t spend too much time waiting at your computer.

We also evaluated how easy it is to use the software. Folder Lock is simple for each step of the encryption process, but is also easy to use for locking and hiding files. You can secure files by either searching for the saved files from the Folder Lock dashboard, dragging and dropping files into Folder Lock, or by right clicking on the file from your desktop. The same prompts and process is there regardless of which method you use. You can lock and hide files at the same time. This is a great way to ensure your privacy because the files won’t be visible to anyone who gets a peek at your hard drive.

Folder Lock lets you create lockers, which are secure folders that give you another layer of protection for your encrypted and hidden files. But you can also use these lockers for backing up your computer. Lockers can be uploaded to Folder Lock’s secure cloud storage, though it costs extra to use this service. You can also store these lockers on a USB drive or on another cloud service, including a free service like Google Drive or Dropbox.

As you encrypt and secure your files, Folder Lock has you create passwords for each one, in addition to the master password that gets you into the program to begin with. Folder Lock lets you know if your password is strong enough and encourages you to saves these passwords somewhere secure so you can remember them later. However, if you do forget a password, Folder Lock has a password recovery prompt so you don’t lose access to your files permanently. The only tool the software doesn’t have is a password generator that creates complex passwords that are difficult for hackers or internet snoops to figure out.

When you’re done with any file, you can use the shredder to completely erase any sign that it ever existed. Otherwise, not only will it be placed in your recycle bin for others to see, but simply deleting the files still leaves traces behind that could be found and used by snoops.

One more security feature Folder Lock includes is its stealth mode. This covers up any digital footprints left behind when you work on a computer. Using stealth mode ensures anyone else who uses your computer can’t see that you use encryption software.

Should you choose Folder Lock?

Folder Lock is the fastest and easiest encryption program to use. It uses the highest-level encryption key and offers numerous ways to protect your files beyond encryption, including file hiding, file shredding, password help and stealth mode. Sure, it's not the cheapest, and it could compress files a little smaller, but it's a great all-rounder.

Nicole Johnston

Nicole writes for multiple Future Publishing brands covering topics from antivirus to kitchen appliances to SAS. She has over 15 years of research and writing experience, including eight years of testing and reviewing consumer products. Nicole earned bachelor’s degrees in both English and Political Science with a focus on empirical research. In her spare time, Nicole serves as a member of several school councils and volunteers for a local arts board.