What is TrueCrypt?
TrueCrypt was a popular open-source disk encryption software that allowed users to create encrypted virtual disk drives or encrypt entire partitions or storage devices. It provided strong security measures to protect sensitive data by using algorithms like AES, Serpent, and Twofish. TrueCrypt supported multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. In 2014, the TrueCrypt project was abruptly discontinued by its makers amidst rumors of security threats. This left TrueCrypt users scrambling to find good alternatives — either free and open source or per license. Various forked versions and alternative encryption software emerged to fill the void left by TrueCrypt.
Below are five of the best TrueCrypt alternatives.
- DiskCryptor: Best for open-source disk encryption on Windows
- FileVault: Best for built-in disk encryption on macOS
- Cryptomator: Best for client-side encryption of cloud storage
- BestCrypt: Best for comprehensive encryption solutions for various platforms
- Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption: Best for enterprise-level endpoint encryption and security
| Software | Encryption Algorithms | Transparent Integration? | Community | Support | Try |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Basic | Yes | Active | Limited | |
| Basic | Yes | Active | Excellent | ||
 | Moderate | Yes | Growing | Good | |
 | Advanced | Yes | Active | Excellent | |
 | Moderate | Yes | Active | Good |
Top Truecrypt Alternatives
DiskCryptor: Best for open-source disk encryption on Windows
Pros
- Open source software
- Capability to encrypt entire disks or partitions
- Compatible with various Windows versions
- Supports multiple encryption algorithms
Cons
- Less user friendly compared to other commercial disk encryption software
- Compatibility issues with some hardware configurations and software setups
Key Features
- Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), Twofish, and Serpent encryption algorithms
- Full disk encryption
- Disks with larger sector sizes
- Hardware AES acceleration
- The SSD Trim extension that allows an operating system to communicate with a SSD
- Multiple boot-up configurations
Why We Chose DiskCryptor
We selected DiskCryptor due to its remarkable features and reliability. With encryption algorithms and support for multiple disk types, DiskCryptor ensures the security and privacy of sensitive data. Its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Windows make it accessible to both novice and experienced users. Additionally, DiskCryptor’s active community and regular updates provide reassurance regarding ongoing support and improvement.
DiskCryptor is a free, open source software meant to replace BitLocker. This free encryption software can encrypt all disk partitions, and versions 0.1-0.4 are compatible with TrueCrypt. The current version enables external drive and file encryption.
However, DiskCryptor is no longer compatible with TrueCrypt files, as encrypting partitions that already include data have become more preferable than creating empty partitions to fill later.
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FileVault: Best for built-in disk encryption on macOS
Pros
- Seamless integration with MacOS
- Utilizes XTS-AES-128 encryption with a 256-bit key
- Transparent encryption
- Supports multiple user accounts
Cons
- Incompatibility with older Macs
- Considerable initial encryption time
- Limited cross-platform compatibility
Key Features
- AES-XTS data encryption
- Hierarchy of keys development and ongoing management
- Anti-replay mechanism to disable old keys
- Secure deletion of keys for encrypted volumes through Secure Enclave
- lRemovable storage device encryption
Why We Chose FileVault
With its strong XTS-AES-128 encryption and support for multiple user accounts, FileVault ensures the protection of sensitive data without impacting system performance. The availability of recovery key options, such as iCloud and institutional keys, further enhances data security.
For Mac users, FileVault is a great alternative to TrueCrypt. FileVault is Apple’s macOS-native encryption software tool that comes standard with the latest operating systems. FileVault enables full startup disk encryption and protects data via password access. In fact, its password lockdown feature is so secure that even governmental agencies have been hard pressed to gain access to data encrypted with FileVault.
Cryptomator: Best for client-side encryption of cloud storage
Pros
- Strong security
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Open source and audited
- Modular architecture
Cons
- Encrypting and decrypting files locally can impose a performance overhead
- Dependency on cloud storage providers
Key Features
Zero-knowledge encryption: Cryptomator employs zero-knowledge encryption, ensuring that user data remains encrypted and private even from the Cryptomator team. The encryption keys are exclusively controlled by the user, enhancing data security.
File-based encryption: Cryptomator encrypts files individually, providing granular control over which files are encrypted. This approach allows for efficient syncing and reduces the need to re-upload entire encrypted containers when changes are made.
Multi-platform support: Cryptomator supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, enabling users to access and manage their encrypted files seamlessly across different devices and operating systems.
Modular architecture: Cryptomator’s modular architecture allows for easy integration with different cloud storage providers, making it compatible with popular services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. Users have the flexibility to choose their preferred cloud storage while maintaining client-side encryption.
Open-source transparency: Cryptomator is an open-source project, providing transparency and allowing users to verify its security and integrity. The source code can be audited, providing reassurance regarding the software’s trustworthiness and mitigating potential vulnerabilities.
Why We Chose Cryptomator
Cryptomator’s encryption processes are transparent and don’t slow or otherwise impede your use of files. The user’s encrypted vault is stored on the cloud but is then decrypted and mounted locally as a virtual drive. It’s also secured through AES and 256 bit length encryption. The user’s password to their vault is safe from brute force attacks through the scrypt key derivation function.
Cryptomator is a great free encryption software tool for users looking to encrypt individual files rather than a large volume of data as seen with TrueCrypt or other alternatives mentioned here. This makes sense if you update only a few files regularly and the rest of your files remain relatively unchanged. Cryptomator is supported on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and acts as a client-side encryption software tool. It also supports file encryption on cloud storage services, such as Dropbox or Google Drive.
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BestCrypt: Best for comprehensive encryption solutions for various platforms
Pros
- Wide platform support
- Excellent encryption algorithms
- Centralized management
- Flexible encryption modes
Cons
- Complexity for novice users
- Platform-specific limitations
- May require integration with other software or systems
Key Features
- Hidden encrypted containers
- Encrypted container headers
- Strong encryption algorithms, including Camellia
- Support for Keyfiles
- Container Guard to prevent accidental deletion of containers
Why We Chose BestCrypt
BestCrypt includes the BCWipe tool which completely erases selected files and folders beyond forensic recovery. BestCrypt is therefore trusted by the US Department of Defense. BestCrypt’s Enterprise edition also enables encryption management from one central interface to facilitate ease of use.
BestCrypt by Jetico provides encryption for files and folders on your Windows, Mac, or Linux machine, removable devices, or for the full disk encryption. BestCrypt features GUI to ease use, plus enhanced security with keyfiles, hashing, and salting.
Though BestCrypt supports a range of operating systems, all of its features are available on Windows devices, while only some are compatible with macOS and Linux. So double check that your priority encryption software tool features are supported on all of your devices.
Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption: Best for enterprise-level endpoint encryption and security
Pros
- Centralized management
- Compliance and audit support
- Granular access controls
- Seamless integration with existing IT structure
Cons
- Scalability challenges
- Reliance on vendor for support, updates, and future development
Key Features
Strong Encryption Algorithms (AES): Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption utilizes industry-standard AES encryption algorithms, ensuring robust protection for sensitive data at rest on endpoints.
Centralized Policy Management: The solution offers centralized policy management capabilities, enabling administrators to define and enforce encryption policies consistently across endpoints, ensuring compliance and simplifying administration.
Removable Media Encryption: Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption includes features for encrypting removable media, such as USB drives and external hard drives, ensuring data security even if the media is lost or stolen.
Pre-Boot Authentication: The solution provides pre-boot authentication, requiring users to authenticate before the operating system loads, ensuring data protection in case of system compromise or unauthorized access attempts.
Compliance Reporting and Auditing: Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption offers comprehensive compliance reporting and auditing capabilities, generating detailed logs and reports that help organizations demonstrate adherence to regulatory requirements, including tracking encryption status, user access, and policy enforcement.
Why We Chose Symantec
Symantec encrypts all files on the hard drive, sector-by-sector, for maximum security. Compliance reporting comes standard with this software to help organizations remain compliant with regulations, such as HIPAA or GDPR. Plus, administrators can set up recovery in a way that best suits their organization, from local self-recovery to web-based helpdesk recovery with a one-time use token. Single sign-on (SSO) for easy user access and also supports BitLocker and FileVault encryption software for maximum flexibility.
Symantec provides data encryption on a per-license basis, for Windows and Mac machines—but not for Linux—as well as removable devices like a USB drive. Symantec’s Endpoint Encryption allows users to manage enterprise security strategy through one, centralized dashboard.
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How do I find the right TrueCrypt replacement?
Upgrading your encryption service to one of these TrueCrypt alternatives can help you secure your business’s data and guard against possible vulnerabilities in the TrueCrypt system. Consider what kind of data you’re working with, the level of security you need, as well as the kinds of devices your organization uses. Upgrading to a different open source or paid license tool is a smart, proactive decision that will further safeguard your IT environment.
For the latest information on security software, check out our comprehensive Security Software Buyer’s Guide.
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Methodology and selection process
At TechnologyAdvice, we assess a wide range of factors before selecting our top choices for a given category. To make our selections, we rely on our extensive research, product information, vendor websites, competitor research and first-hand experience. We then consider what makes a solution best for customer-specific needs.
By defining business needs, we can determine the essential features organizations in various sectors require, and select platforms that will cover all bases. Reputable providers known for their ease of use and customer satisfaction are added to our compilation list for further analysis.
We then evaluate each solution on the list based on the features they offer, considering the platform’s usability, integration capabilities, customization options, mobile access, and any other relevant functionalities. Price plans, hidden fees, customer reviews, and customer support are also assessed in the selection process. Technology Advice writers will often take advantage of free trials and demos to get a first-hand user experience of available software. Finally, we curate a comprehensive list based on the previously stated factors, ensuring readers have the necessary tools to make an informed decision.
FAQs
What Truecrypt alternatives are available in 2023?
Open source disk encryption software similar to Truecrypt include DiskCryptor, FileVault, Cryptomator, BestCrypt, and Broadcom Symantec Endpoint Encryption.
What factors should I consider when choosing an alternative to Truecrypt?
When choosing an alternative to TrueCrypt, factors to consider include encryption strength, platform compatibility, ongoing development and support, ease of use, and trusted reputation.