Hide and Lock Your Folders
Everyone has something valuable stored on their computer, something that should be kept away from prying eyes and eavesdroppers. In my previous articles, I talked about how to back up your sensitive data and restore accidentally deleted multimedia files, and now it's time to have a look at a few solutions to keep all important files and folders away from other people reach.
In fact, there are several ways to prevent confidential files from being accessed or seen by other users on your computer. First of all, you should create several accounts on your PC and lock yours, but in this case you're leaving essential folders stored on external drives unprotected. You can also try hiding sensitive files manually, using the default Windows tools, but they can still be easily unhidden and are therefore accessible to everyone who uses your computer.
Protect your data by locking it
That's why the most secure way is to use third-party programs designed to lock certain folders by encrypting and password-protecting them. I'll now walk you through some of the most powerful ones, so read on.
Folder Lock is a widely used software application of this kind. As its name indicates, it allows you to lock your files that no one can access them without your permission. You will be able to both hide and encrypt your folders so that they can only be seen or opened after entering the master password. You will get to generate the said master password and set the locker name, type, and size. The locker will work as a virtual flash disk where you can store your data safely and discreetly.
Folder Lock
My Lockbox is a freeware encryption tool, and you may view it as an effective and simpler alternative to paid applications of this kind. You will need to assign a password to your Lockbox folder and move all your sensitive data into that folder. Then the program will hide that folders from view, along with all your secured files and folders, so that those can be opened only when you enter the valid password.
My Lockbox
Folder Guard is another a lightweight utility capable of controlling access to your sensitive files and folders by password-protecting them. Besides employing password protection, you will also be able to completely hide certain folders and also disable access to the removable drives and the Control Panel, thus protecting your system items from modification.
Folder Guard
MyWinLocker is another high-rated folder encryption solution that deserves your attention. The program provides AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) encryption, which means that your data will be secured using the same algorithm employed by the US government. With MyWinLocker you can either encrypt the important files or move them to an invisible virtual disc called Yo-Safe.
MyWinLocker
Universal Shield will set access rules for your precious files, folders, and drives. To keep your data intact, Universal Shield applies flexible security combinations of file hiding and encrypting. You will need to set a master password to protect folders or mark them as read-only to limit access to them. Additionally, you will be allowed to restrict access to system folders or Windows settings.
Universal Shield
