Encrypto File Encryption Tool Review
I have been a geek my entire life and it is not often that I get very excited about a new gadget or piece of software. However, when I saw Encrypto by MacPaw, several things lined up perfectly to make this my new favorite tool.
The Basics:
- It’s Free.
- It works on Mac and Windows.
- It’s crazy easy to use.
- Did I mention Free? (Like no ads Free)
Beyond the Basics:
OK, so there are a million use cases for a tool like this, but first I think it makes sense to review some history. First, previous file encryption tools have historically been expensive, Windows only, and cumbersome to use. As if that was not bad enough, trying to explain to someone how to decrypt the file was often very frustrating. Just ask anyone who has worked as a help desk tech for a company that needs this kind of file protection and you’ll hear horror stories.
So along comes Encrypto, this neat little tool with a slick simple interface and it’s all going to be great right? Needless to say, I was a bit skeptical. I actually heard about Encrypto from my friend, Nick, and honestly, my respect for him was the only reason I looked at it because my expectations were so low. I’m really glad I listened, because this tool lives up to its promiss and as far as I can tell, MacPaw is not making a dime off of it (Not even by selling our data).
The best thing about Encrypto though, is that it is really easy to use and it looks exactly the same on Mac and Windows, so walking a Windows user through decrypting over the phone should be easy.
The one remaining issue with encryption that Encrypto does not fully address is a method for securely sharing the decrypt password with the recipient. They do allow for a “Hint” which could be used to verbally prearrange a set of keys. While this is a limitation, it is still way better than sending files in the clear or having a non-savvy user break the rules because they can’t figure out how to encrypt / decrypt.
The process for encrypting files is very simple: Open the program, drag a file onto the window and choose a password and optional hint. Then press encrypt and watch as Encrypto encodes your file with AES-256 Encryption. Then choose how to send t from the handy drop down menu (Email, iMessage, and AirDrop work out of the box) or simply save the file and send it to the receiver any way you like.
Decrypting is also very easy: Open the program and drag the encrypted file onto the window. Enter the correct password and the file is decrypted. You can then save the file wherever you like.
For my tests, I encrypted on my Mac and emailed the document with Apple Mail. I then launched a Windows 7 Parallels Virtual Machine and downloaded the file with Gmail onto Windows. I decrypted the file and was immediately able to view an unencrypted PDF in Windows.A lot of my work depends on sending and receiving files securely. MacPaw claims there is no back door and that they do not know your password for encrypted files. Assuming you feel comfortable taking their word on this, Encrypto should be pretty secure since MacPaw is not providing the transport of the encrypted file. However, if a third party intercepted the file in transit and there is some kind of back door, then MacPaw could likely be forced to decrypt it. Also, if your password is very weak, it could theoretically be cracked by brute force.
For more information, visit macpaw.com/encrypto
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