Defygo for Windows

This free tool offers a variety of encryption methods, but some of its features only work between Defygo users.

At the program's start, you will have to create a username and password, which requires e-mail confirmation. From there, you'll be asked to create a key. Defygo's user interface is very easy to understand. Simply select a command icon to encrypt either a file or e-mail. First off, we tested the file encryption. Once you choose a file, the program gives you two encryption options (AES, Triple DES). We entered our password, and our file was quickly encrypted. Decrypting the file required the same information, and our file was just as quickly decrypted. When we tried to encrypt an e-mail message, we found that the program only works between other users, because you have to select their name from a list before sending your message. If you can manage to recruit other users, the program has a feature for managing what it calls CrytoPals.

Defygo's freeware status and file-encryption capabilities make it a worthy download. But if you're looking for e-mail encryption, we suggest you look elsewhere.