PCWorld

Protect and encrypt your files with this free app

Most people think about encrypting files only when they upload something to the cloud. But there are plenty of files sitting on your own computer that deserve the same protection. That’s why I think Cryptomator is such a useful tool. It can encrypt files stored locally on your device as well as anything synced to cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive. The app works by creating encrypted “vaults.” Anything you place inside a vault gets scrambled into unreadable data unless you unlock it with your password. So even if someone gets access to your files, they can’t actually read or use what’s inside. And if you’re not a system admin, then don’t worry, Cryptomator is approachable even for tech novices. It actually feels more like a regular desktop app than any sort of command-line tool. You drag files in, let the app encrypt them, and move on with your day. It’s especially handy for things like tax documents, scans of IDs, work files, journals, or backups sitting on an external drive. And if those folders sync to the cloud, your files stay encrypted there too. Even your cloud provider can’t read them without your password. Another reason I like Cryptomator is that it’s open source and free. Anyone can inspect the code to verify how the encryption works, which gives it more transparency than many paid security apps. If you’ve got sensitive files you’d rather keep private—whether they live on your PC or in the cloud—Cryptomator is an easy layer of protection to add. For more fun and helpful website and app recommendations, be sure to subscribe to our PCWorld Try This newsletter.