Editor's Review:
by FrostApps team on 2010-07-27 16:14:09
Version reviewed: EncryptMyFile 1.0.4
Version reviewed: EncryptMyFile 1.0.4
Just about everyone has some sensitive files, intended to be kept as private and out of sight. Storing those files on a hard drive is something we all do, but doing it without adequate protection puts us in direct harm's way. Unprotected, files are always vulnerable to attacks and your privacy can be compromised by prying eyes in no time. Clearly the top priority is to ensure that this does not happen, so you should be protecting data with several lines of defense, thus safeguarding your privacy.
Combination of firewall and antivirus solution is a line that underlies the entire defense, but when it comes to the protection of the actual file the final decision is still up to you. Hiding files is somewhat good solution and it can cover up the tracks, but many users need to realize that this way is not foolproof and stand no chances against advanced users who know where and how to look. To prevent security breaches and make files unreadable to others without having to rely on hiding, there are many methods you can use including setting strong password-protected file encryption system.
EncryptMyFile aims to provide a complete file encryption process in which files are made unreadable, securely stored until a specific decryption method is not employed. It comes as lightweight, easy to use tool with just a few functions that require nothing more but a simple drag and drop operations which significantly accelerate the whole adding process. While the emphasis is on simplicity, and it should be when it comes to such a tool, encryption is based on creating a specially designed, password protected safe, which collects and stores all confidential data that you want to be kept away, out of sight. Basically safe acts as a container and works like any other, normal folder but fully guarded with encryption. Once created, safe is guarded by 256-bit AES encryption algorithm, one of the strongest, uncrackable algorithm today and custom made password set by you.
When it comes to setting a password, a nicely added touch is reflected in the password strength meter that is here to ensure your password is strong enough to prevent easily crackable passwords from being set. Password strength meter also provides a way for the password to be entered through On-Screen keyboard in order to eliminate the possibility of secretly being monitored by keylogger. Although this is a nice addition to combat keyloggers, such a solution can not actually resist all, but only the certain types of keyloggers.
For the purposes of testing we used all kinds of file formats, in various combinations including .jpg, .bmp, .exe, .pdf, .txt, .doc, .psd, in different sizes and all on clean environment under Windows 7 and on a fully equipped computer under Windows XP SP2. Each test, regardless of the size of the sample that we used went smoothly, there were no surprises here and more importantly during the process the application showed no tendency to hang. Sure there is a slight delay when adding larger files, we used 200 mb .exe file and about 3 GB big .iso file but this is absolutely normal and during the loading process the progress bar is present showing the estimated time of completion.
While we were working with different formats, to be precise with .txt we noticed a small bug. In order to thoroughly test the functionality we have deliberately tried to drag and drop an empty .txt file. Technically, an empty file size is 0 but surprisingly EncryptMyFile was unable to catch it, showing an error message, something like, file size cannot be measured. No matter how hard we pushed, the problem was persistent.
Now, a little more about the adding process. In addition to the above-mentioned, simple drag and drop operation, files can be added also through the add button from the main menu or from the file menu on the top. Anyway whatever process you decide to use, adding cannot be more easier and requires nothing but a few mouse clicks. Every time when adding you'll be kindly asked if you want the originals to be deleted with no return or not and as any operation in this tool, if we can say so since there are only a few of them present, works smoothly and completes the job that is designed for with no remorse. Among other features there is file rename option or safe password can be changed if needed with no effort whatsoever. For the time spent with the application we got the picture how simple this tool really is, and we could not ask more since it's suitable for everyone but compared to similar, even free tools lack of features really shows it's "immaturity" and how much more is needed to keep up with market demand . In fact we would recommend to add the option for handling multiple safes side by side just in case and definitely because it would greatly facilitate the work and allow easier file transfer from one safe to another when needed.
Also to meet the needs of demanding users and to provide mobility EncryptMyFile can be installed on a USB drive thus allowing to be carried around whenever necessary. Just keep in mind when accessing a safe on a USB drive you must close it before you remove the drive, otherwise you risk losing valuable files.
About interface, well there is not much to be said since literally it is so simple that could not be simpler. Only six average looking icons in the main menu a lot of white space, some text and nothing more. Main window looks exactly the same as the default screen position at visual C++ or other developer tool but only with the addition of those six colored icons. Since this is version 1.0.4 and yet needs to be polished, we won't criticize but in future we would really like to see a little more face lifting.
All in all, despite the fact that a big step forward has yet to be done, given the number of features and their lack compared to similar tools EncryptMyFile has a lot of potential and it actually does a pretty good job. Nonetheless, this small, suitable tool delivers excellent encryption solution for everyone who need it whether at home or on the move. Time will tell if this tool will have the strength to triumph over the competition.
Combination of firewall and antivirus solution is a line that underlies the entire defense, but when it comes to the protection of the actual file the final decision is still up to you. Hiding files is somewhat good solution and it can cover up the tracks, but many users need to realize that this way is not foolproof and stand no chances against advanced users who know where and how to look. To prevent security breaches and make files unreadable to others without having to rely on hiding, there are many methods you can use including setting strong password-protected file encryption system.
EncryptMyFile aims to provide a complete file encryption process in which files are made unreadable, securely stored until a specific decryption method is not employed. It comes as lightweight, easy to use tool with just a few functions that require nothing more but a simple drag and drop operations which significantly accelerate the whole adding process. While the emphasis is on simplicity, and it should be when it comes to such a tool, encryption is based on creating a specially designed, password protected safe, which collects and stores all confidential data that you want to be kept away, out of sight. Basically safe acts as a container and works like any other, normal folder but fully guarded with encryption. Once created, safe is guarded by 256-bit AES encryption algorithm, one of the strongest, uncrackable algorithm today and custom made password set by you.
When it comes to setting a password, a nicely added touch is reflected in the password strength meter that is here to ensure your password is strong enough to prevent easily crackable passwords from being set. Password strength meter also provides a way for the password to be entered through On-Screen keyboard in order to eliminate the possibility of secretly being monitored by keylogger. Although this is a nice addition to combat keyloggers, such a solution can not actually resist all, but only the certain types of keyloggers.
For the purposes of testing we used all kinds of file formats, in various combinations including .jpg, .bmp, .exe, .pdf, .txt, .doc, .psd, in different sizes and all on clean environment under Windows 7 and on a fully equipped computer under Windows XP SP2. Each test, regardless of the size of the sample that we used went smoothly, there were no surprises here and more importantly during the process the application showed no tendency to hang. Sure there is a slight delay when adding larger files, we used 200 mb .exe file and about 3 GB big .iso file but this is absolutely normal and during the loading process the progress bar is present showing the estimated time of completion.
While we were working with different formats, to be precise with .txt we noticed a small bug. In order to thoroughly test the functionality we have deliberately tried to drag and drop an empty .txt file. Technically, an empty file size is 0 but surprisingly EncryptMyFile was unable to catch it, showing an error message, something like, file size cannot be measured. No matter how hard we pushed, the problem was persistent.
Now, a little more about the adding process. In addition to the above-mentioned, simple drag and drop operation, files can be added also through the add button from the main menu or from the file menu on the top. Anyway whatever process you decide to use, adding cannot be more easier and requires nothing but a few mouse clicks. Every time when adding you'll be kindly asked if you want the originals to be deleted with no return or not and as any operation in this tool, if we can say so since there are only a few of them present, works smoothly and completes the job that is designed for with no remorse. Among other features there is file rename option or safe password can be changed if needed with no effort whatsoever. For the time spent with the application we got the picture how simple this tool really is, and we could not ask more since it's suitable for everyone but compared to similar, even free tools lack of features really shows it's "immaturity" and how much more is needed to keep up with market demand . In fact we would recommend to add the option for handling multiple safes side by side just in case and definitely because it would greatly facilitate the work and allow easier file transfer from one safe to another when needed.
Also to meet the needs of demanding users and to provide mobility EncryptMyFile can be installed on a USB drive thus allowing to be carried around whenever necessary. Just keep in mind when accessing a safe on a USB drive you must close it before you remove the drive, otherwise you risk losing valuable files.
About interface, well there is not much to be said since literally it is so simple that could not be simpler. Only six average looking icons in the main menu a lot of white space, some text and nothing more. Main window looks exactly the same as the default screen position at visual C++ or other developer tool but only with the addition of those six colored icons. Since this is version 1.0.4 and yet needs to be polished, we won't criticize but in future we would really like to see a little more face lifting.
All in all, despite the fact that a big step forward has yet to be done, given the number of features and their lack compared to similar tools EncryptMyFile has a lot of potential and it actually does a pretty good job. Nonetheless, this small, suitable tool delivers excellent encryption solution for everyone who need it whether at home or on the move. Time will tell if this tool will have the strength to triumph over the competition.
Editor's Ratings
| User Interface: |
Features: | Ease of use: | Cost: | Overall: |
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Screenshots:
| Downloads: | 419 |
| Editor's Review: | reading! |
| Publisher: | Germsoft Ltd |
| Publisher All: | No more programs |
| Publisher Home: | http://www.germsoft.com |
| OS Suport: | Windows All |
| Licence: | Commercial |
| Date Added: | 2010-07-28 |
| Size: | 0.62 MB |
| Cost: | 9.99 USD |
| Editors Rating: |
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