Folder Lock 7.2.5

'Folder Lock' is a program designed to safeguard the sensitive and private data stored on your computer, or USB memory stick.

The most common way to protect your data is by storing it in the program's vault. You can also protect data by using the program from the Windows Explorer context menu. If you want to store your data on a removable USB pen drive, the program will make a copy of itself on that device.

Now, let's talk about the protection methods. There are three protection methods. You can lock folders or drives - this is the fastest way of securing data, but it provides the weakest protection. You can also scramble the protected content, where you get a medium data protection level. Finally, you can encrypt the data, by using a 256 bit Blowfish algorithm and your data will be secured against any intrusions. However, this method takes longer than the other two mentioned before.

The protected data will also be undeletable, since it's hidden (the files or folders are locked in the program's 'vault') or access to the data is revoked until it's unlocked with a password. You need to pay attention, because if you try to encrypt your files and a sub folder inside the 'Locker' folder is open during the process. The program won't encrypt or scramble the files, but it will only lock your files. The program is skinnable and it has a very nice interface, which makes it easy-to-use. If you get confused, you can check the 'Help' section, which is very well documented.

Pluses: Folder Lock is protected against hack attacks. If someone enters the wrong password three times, the program can either forcefully shut down the computer or it can lock the computer. Either way, the computer has to be restarted. The program also keeps a log of the wrong passwords. You can use the program to shred files or to erase PC tracks to ensure your privacy.

Another feature that I liked a lot was the option to run it in stealth mode. You can hide it from Desktop, Start Menu, Quick Launch, Add/Remove section and you can also hide it from the context menu in Windows Explorer.

Drawbacks / flaws:

In conclusion: It's an excellent data protection solution.

version reviewed: 6.3.1