In the realm of enterprise data security, the need to permanently and securely erase data is of utmost importance. Whether it’s due to compliance requirements, the disposal of old hardware, or protecting sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands, reliable data shredding and wiping solutions are essential. Two prominent players in this space are Gilisoft and Symantec Endpoint Encryption, each offering distinct features and capabilities for data erasure.

Understanding the Importance of Secure Data Erasure

In the digital age, data is a valuable asset for enterprises. However, when data is no longer needed or when devices are being retired, simply deleting files or formatting storage drives is not enough. Standard deletion methods often only remove the file pointers, leaving the actual data still present on the storage medium, vulnerable to recovery by malicious actors using specialized data – recovery tools. Secure data erasure ensures that data is completely and irreversibly destroyed, providing peace of mind and protecting against potential data breaches.

Gilisoft’s Approach to File Shredding

Shredding Algorithms and Security

Gilisoft offers a range of software solutions with powerful file – shredding capabilities. Their file – shredding algorithms are designed to overwrite data multiple times, following industry – recognized standards such as the Gutmann method or the US Department of Defense (DoD) 5220.22 – M standard. The Gutmann method, for example, involves overwriting data with a complex pattern of binary values multiple times, making it extremely difficult for any data – recovery techniques to reconstruct the original data. By adhering to such rigorous standards, Gilisoft ensures that files are shredded beyond the point of recovery.

Customization Options

One of the strengths of Gilisoft’s file – shredding tools is the level of customization they offer. Enterprises can choose the specific shredding method based on their security requirements. For instance, if a higher level of security is needed, they can opt for the more comprehensive Gutmann method. Additionally, Gilisoft allows users to select the number of times data should be overwritten. This flexibility is crucial as different industries and compliance regulations may have varying requirements for data destruction. For example, in the financial sector, where data privacy and security are highly regulated, a more intensive shredding process may be necessary to meet compliance standards.

Ease of Use in an Enterprise Setting

Gilisoft’s software is designed with user – friendliness in mind, which is beneficial for enterprise users. The interface is intuitive, allowing IT administrators to easily navigate and initiate file – shredding tasks. Whether it’s shredding individual files, entire folders, or even wiping free space on a storage drive to remove any residual data from previously deleted files, the process is straightforward. This ease of use reduces the learning curve for employees and ensures that data – erasure tasks can be carried out efficiently across the enterprise.

Symantec Endpoint Encryption’s Data Wiping Features

Integration with Endpoint Security

Symantec Endpoint Encryption (now part of Broadcom) is a comprehensive endpoint security solution that includes powerful data – wiping capabilities. It is tightly integrated with other security features such as encryption, access control, and threat detection. This integration provides a holistic approach to data security. For example, when a device is reported lost or stolen, Symantec Endpoint Encryption can be remotely configured to wipe the device’s data, ensuring that sensitive enterprise information remains secure. The ability to manage data – wiping in the context of a broader security framework is a significant advantage for enterprises, as it simplifies security management and reduces the risk of data exposure.

Remote Wiping Capabilities

Symantec’s remote – wiping functionality is one of its standout features. IT administrators can initiate a remote wipe of a device’s data from a central console, regardless of where the device is located. This is particularly useful in scenarios where an employee’s laptop or mobile device is lost or compromised. With just a few clicks, the administrator can ensure that all company – related data on the device is erased, preventing unauthorized access. The remote – wiping process is also designed to be fast and reliable, minimizing any potential downtime for the employee and protecting the enterprise’s data assets.

Data Wiping for Different Device Types

Symantec Endpoint Encryption supports data wiping across a wide range of device types, including laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. This multi – platform support is essential for modern enterprises that often have a diverse fleet of devices in use. Whether the device runs on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, Symantec can effectively wipe the data, ensuring that enterprise data is secure regardless of the device’s operating system or form factor.

Comparing the Two in Key Areas

Security and Compliance

Both Gilisoft and Symantec Endpoint Encryption offer high – level security for data erasure. Gilisoft’s adherence to industry – standard shredding methods provides a strong foundation for secure data destruction. Symantec, on the other hand, combines data – wiping with its comprehensive endpoint security suite, which can help enterprises meet a wide range of compliance requirements. For example, in industries such as healthcare, where compliance with regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is crucial, Symantec’s integrated approach can ensure that data – erasure practices align with the strict privacy and security requirements of the industry. However, Gilisoft’s customizable shredding options may be more suitable for enterprises that need to fine – tune their data – destruction processes to meet specific compliance nuances.

Performance and Efficiency

In terms of performance, Gilisoft’s file – shredding tools are generally optimized for speed, especially when dealing with smaller – scale data – erasure tasks. The ability to quickly shred individual files or folders can be beneficial for day – to – day operations within an enterprise. Symantec Endpoint Encryption, while also efficient, may have a slightly different performance profile due to its integration with other security functions. When performing a remote wipe, for example, the process may take longer as it needs to communicate with the device, verify the wipe request, and ensure that all data is properly erased. However, for large – scale data – erasure scenarios, such as wiping multiple devices in a corporate data center, Symantec’s centralized management capabilities can offer greater efficiency in terms of coordinating and monitoring the wipe process across multiple devices.

Cost – Effectiveness

The cost – effectiveness of these solutions depends on various factors, including the size of the enterprise, the number of devices to be managed, and the specific features required. Gilisoft’s software is often more cost – friendly for smaller enterprises or those with a more basic need for file shredding. Their products are available at a relatively affordable price point, and there are no additional costs for complex enterprise – level infrastructure. Symantec Endpoint Encryption, being a comprehensive enterprise – grade solution, may have a higher upfront cost due to its extensive feature set and the need for enterprise – level licensing. However, for larger enterprises that require a full – fledged endpoint security solution with integrated data – wiping capabilities, the long – term cost – effectiveness may be higher as it can reduce the need for multiple separate security tools.

Conclusion

Both Gilisoft and Symantec Endpoint Encryption offer robust data – erasure capabilities, but they cater to different enterprise needs. Gilisoft is an excellent choice for enterprises looking for a straightforward, customizable, and cost – effective file – shredding solution. Its focus on providing reliable shredding algorithms with user – friendly customization options makes it suitable for a wide range of industries. Symantec Endpoint Encryption, on the other hand, is ideal for larger enterprises that require a comprehensive endpoint security solution with seamless data – wiping integration. Its remote – wiping capabilities, multi – platform support, and integration with other security features offer a holistic approach to data security. When choosing between the two, enterprises should carefully evaluate their security requirements, budget, and the complexity of their IT infrastructure to make an informed decision that best protects their valuable data assets.

Here are some recommended Data Wiping tools software that can help you securely erase data, ensuring it cannot be recovered by unauthorized parties:

1. DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke)

DBAN is a well – known open – source data wiping tool. It’s designed to be used as a bootable disk (such as a CD, DVD, or USB drive). Once booted from the DBAN media, it can automatically detect and wipe all the hard drives connected to the computer.

Key Features

• Multiple Wiping Algorithms: It supports various data – wiping algorithms, including the US Department of Defense (DoD) 5220.22 – M standard, which overwrites data multiple times to make recovery extremely difficult. This makes it suitable for meeting different security and compliance requirements.
• Ease of Use: Despite its powerful capabilities, DBAN has a relatively simple interface. It guides users through the process with straightforward options, making it accessible even for those with limited technical knowledge. However, it should be noted that DBAN will wipe all data on the selected drives, so users need to be cautious when using it.
• Free and Open – Source: Being open – source means that its code is available for public review, which adds to its credibility. It’s a cost – effective solution, especially for individuals, small businesses, or educational institutions that need to securely erase data on multiple devices.

2. Eraser

Eraser is a data – wiping tool for Windows operating systems. It integrates seamlessly with the Windows environment, allowing users to easily schedule data – wiping tasks for files, folders, or free disk space.

Key Features

• Customizable Wiping: Eraser offers a high degree of customization. Users can choose from different data – wiping standards, such as the Gutmann method (a very thorough 35 – pass overwrite), or less intensive methods depending on their security needs. This flexibility makes it suitable for both casual users who want basic data protection and security – conscious enterprises.
• Scheduled Tasks: One of its standout features is the ability to create scheduled data – wiping tasks. For example, you can set it to regularly wipe the free space on your hard drive to remove any remnants of deleted files. This helps in maintaining the privacy of your data over time.
• User – Friendly Interface: The tool has an intuitive graphical user interface. It’s easy to add files or folders to the wiping list, and users can monitor the progress of the wiping tasks. Additionally, it provides detailed logs of the data – wiping operations, which can be useful for auditing and verification purposes.

3. CCleaner

While CCleaner is primarily known as a system optimization and privacy – cleaning tool, it also includes a reliable data – wiping feature. It can securely delete files and free up disk space while ensuring that the deleted data cannot be recovered.

Key Features

• Comprehensive Cleaning: In addition to data wiping, CCleaner cleans various types of system junk files, browser cache, cookies, and more. This combined functionality makes it a one – stop – shop for maintaining system performance and privacy.
• Secure Deletion Options: CCleaner offers different levels of secure deletion. Users can choose between simple deletion, which is quick but less secure, and more advanced methods like the DoD 5220.22 – M standard for a more thorough data wipe.
• Easy to Use: It has a simple and clean interface. The software scans your system automatically and presents a list of items that can be cleaned or securely deleted. With just a few clicks, you can start the cleaning and data – wiping process, making it suitable for users of all levels of technical expertise.

4. BitRaser File Eraser

BitRaser File Eraser is a dedicated data – wiping software that focuses on permanently deleting files, folders, and ensuring that free disk space is also thoroughly wiped.

Key Features

• Powerful Data Erasure: It uses advanced algorithms to overwrite data multiple times, ensuring that deleted data is beyond recovery. This makes it ideal for individuals and businesses that handle sensitive information, such as financial records, personal identities, or confidential business data.
• Support for Multiple Devices: BitRaser can be used to wipe data on various storage devices, including internal hard drives, external hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. This wide compatibility makes it a versatile choice for different data – erasure scenarios.
• User – Centric Design: The software has an easy – to – navigate interface. It provides a step – by – step wizard to guide users through the data – wiping process. Additionally, it offers features like shredding multiple files at once and the ability to pause and resume wiping tasks, enhancing the overall user experience.

5. SecureErase

SecureErase is a data – wiping tool that complies with various international data – destruction standards. It’s designed to be used in both individual and enterprise settings.

Key Features

• Compliance – Driven: It adheres to standards such as the DoD 5220.22 – M, Peter Gutmann’s algorithm, and others. This ensures that when you use SecureErase, your data – erasure process meets strict security and compliance requirements, which is crucial for industries like finance, healthcare, and government.
• Disk – Wide and Selective Wiping: SecureErase can perform both full – disk wipes and selective wiping of specific files or partitions. This gives users the flexibility to choose the level of data erasure based on their needs. For example, if you only want to erase certain sensitive files on a drive while keeping the rest intact, you can use the selective wiping feature.
• Command – Line and GUI Options: It offers both a command – line interface for more advanced users who want to automate data – wiping tasks or integrate it with other scripts, as well as a graphical user interface for those who prefer a more visual and interactive way of using the tool.

In a networked environment, protecting shared folders is crucial to safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access. While Windows has its native access control mechanisms, they lack the simplicity and effectiveness of a dedicated password – locking solution like Gilisoft File Lock Pro. Windows’ native permissions management can be complex to configure, and it doesn’t offer a straightforward way to password – protect shared folders in a way that is easily accessible and secure for all users involved. This is where Gilisoft comes in, providing a more user – friendly and comprehensive solution.​

Limitations of Windows Native Lock for Shared Network Folders​

1. Complex Configuration: Windows’ native permissions management involves multiple steps and a deep understanding of user accounts, groups, and access levels. For example, to restrict access to a shared folder, you need to navigate through the folder’s properties, the security tab, and then carefully configure permissions for each user or group. This process can be time – consuming and error – prone, especially for non – technical users.​

2. Lack of Password – Only Option: Windows doesn’t have a built – in feature that allows you to simply lock access to a shared folder with a password. Instead, it relies on a combination of user accounts, group policies, and complex permissions settings. This means that even if you set up access restrictions, users still need to have valid Windows user accounts on the network, which can be a hassle to manage, especially in a large – scale or ad – hoc sharing scenario.​

3. Limited Accessibility for Non – Domain Environments: In non – domain – based networks or when sharing folders with users outside of a tightly – controlled corporate environment, Windows’ native lock mechanisms become even more cumbersome. It may require additional network infrastructure setup, such as creating local user accounts on each computer involved in the sharing, which is not practical in many cases.​

Advantages of Using Gilisoft File Lock Pro​

1. Simple Password – Based Protection: Gilisoft File Lock Pro offers a straightforward way to password – protect shared network folders. With just a few clicks, you can set a password for a shared folder, and anyone trying to access it will be prompted for the password. This eliminates the need for complex user account management and makes it easy to share files securely with specific individuals, whether they are within your organization or external partners.​

2. Cross – Platform Compatibility: Gilisoft File Lock Pro works across various Windows operating systems, from Windows XP to the latest Windows 11. This ensures that regardless of the Windows version used by the network users, they can access the password – protected shared folders without issues. It also supports different file systems, including FAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXFAT, providing flexibility in sharing folders on different types of storage devices connected to the network.​

3. Enhanced Security Features: In addition to basic password protection, Gilisoft File Lock Pro uses advanced encryption algorithms, such as 256 – bit AES encryption. This encrypts the data within the shared folder, making it extremely difficult for unauthorized users to access the files even if they manage to bypass the password prompt. The software also offers features like file shredding and disk wiping, which can be useful for securely deleting sensitive data from shared folders when no longer needed.​

Step – by – Step Guide to Password – Protect Shared Network Folders with Gilisoft File Lock Pro​

1. Installation: First, download and install Gilisoft File Lock Pro on the computer where the shared folder is located. The installation process is straightforward and similar to most Windows software installations. Follow the on – screen prompts to complete the installation.​

2. Launch the Software: Once installed, launch Gilisoft File Lock Pro. You will be greeted with a user – friendly interface that clearly shows different options for file and folder management.​

3. Select the Shared Folder Module: In the main interface of Gilisoft File Lock Pro, click on the “shared folder” module. This is where you will manage the password protection for your shared network folders.​

4. Locate the Shared Folder: If the shared folder you want to password – protect is already listed in the folder list within Gilisoft, simply click on the “set to lock” button next to it. If the shared folder doesn’t appear in the list, click on “lock folder” and then navigate to the location of the shared folder on your network drive.​

5. Set the Password: After selecting the shared folder, a window will pop up asking you to set the password. Choose a strong password that includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. This will ensure the security of your shared folder. You can also set an optional hint to help you remember the password, but be careful not to make the hint too obvious.​

6. Apply the Lock: Once you have set the password, click the “lock” button. Gilisoft File Lock Pro will then apply the password protection to the shared folder. From now on, any user who tries to access the shared folder will be required to enter the password you set.​

Additional Considerations​

1. Password Management: It’s important to manage the passwords for your shared network folders carefully. Gilisoft File Lock Pro allows you to change the password for a locked folder at any time. You can also set up password recovery options, such as an email address, in case you forget the password. However, make sure to keep this recovery information secure.​

2. User Experience: When sharing password – protected folders with others, ensure that they are aware of the password and how to access the folder. Gilisoft File Lock Pro provides a seamless experience for authorized users. They can simply enter the password when prompted, and they will be able to access the files within the shared folder as if it were a regular, unprotected folder.​

3. Software Updates: Keep Gilisoft File Lock Pro updated to the latest version. Software updates often include security patches and new features that can further enhance the protection of your shared network folders. You can usually check for updates within the software itself or on the Gilisoft official website.​

By using Gilisoft File Lock Pro to password – protect your shared network folders, you can overcome the limitations of Windows’ native lock mechanisms and ensure that your sensitive data remains secure in a networked environment. Whether you are sharing files within a small office, with family members on a home network, or with external collaborators, Gilisoft provides an easy – to – use and highly effective solution for safeguarding your shared folders.

In an era where information security is becoming increasingly important, password – protect tools have become a crucial line of defense for safeguarding data. Here are several highly recognized tools of this kind:

Gilisoft File Lock Pro

Gilisoft File Lock Pro excels in the field of password – protect, enabling easy password protection for shared network folders. With its simple operation, you can set a password in just a few steps, ensuring that anyone accessing the shared folder will be prompted for the password. It eliminates the need for complex user account management, guaranteeing secure file sharing with both internal team members and external partners. It is compatible with a wide range of Windows operating systems, from Windows XP to Windows 11, and supports various file systems such as FAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXFAT, providing excellent cross – platform compatibility. In addition to basic password protection, it employs the 256 – bit AES encryption algorithm to encrypt the data within shared folders. Even if the password is somehow bypassed, it is extremely difficult for unauthorized individuals to access the files. Moreover, the software offers features like file shredding and disk wiping, which are useful for securely deleting sensitive data from shared folders when it’s no longer needed.

Shared Folder Protector

Shared Folder Protector is specifically designed to safeguard shared folders. In local area networks and network environments, it effectively prevents the illegal copying of shared folders. It provides password protection through advanced steganography techniques and supports the protection of various file formats, including pdf, ms office files, videos, images, and audio. It has a multi – user permission – setting function, allowing you to configure up to 15 types of permissions for different users or workgroups, such as read, copy, print, delete, and rename, to prevent file leakage. Only administrators have full access to shared folders, and the software can block operations like screenshotting, screen capturing, illegal copying, duplication, and distribution. Additionally, it can track protection details, meeting management and auditing requirements.

Folder Guard

Folder Guard is a powerful computer security program that can password – protect, hide, or restrict access to folders, files, and programs. It enables you to set passwords for private folders, with the option to assign different passwords to various folders or use a master password to unlock all protected folders at once. When folders are shared on a local area network, you can create separate passwords for network users to obtain full or read – only access to shared folders (this feature requires the purchase of a commercial license). Besides password protection, it allows you to make private folders invisible to other users, specify certain files or folders as read – only, control access to network drives and folders, and restrict access to removable drives such as USBs and CD – ROMs.

Password Shared Folder

Password Shared Folder is a security application that helps enterprises protect shared folders on networks or removable devices. It uses the AES encryption algorithm to provide robust security protection against digital threats. It supports the protection of a wide range of file types, including pdf, flash files, various ms office files, and multimedia content. It features complex multi – user permission – setting capabilities, allowing administrators to assign personalized permissions, such as read – only or write – only, to different users or user groups, creating a flexible and secure collaborative environment. The installation and deployment process is simple. After installing it on the server, users within the local area network can access the protected folders using the assigned passwords.

In today’s digital age, safeguarding data on external storage devices like USB drives is crucial. Whether you’re carrying sensitive business documents or personal information, hiding folders can add an extra layer of security. Two popular options for this task are Gilisoft and BitLocker’s built-in encryption. Let’s explore how each one works and which offers a better solution for hiding folders on USB drives.​

Hiding Folders on USB Drives with Gilisoft​

Gilisoft provides a straightforward and efficient way to hide folders on USB drives, making it a top choice for users seeking simplicity and effectiveness.​

Step-by-Step Process​

1. Installation and Setup: First, install Gilisoft File Lock Pro on your computer. Once installed, connect your USB drive to the machine. The software will automatically detect external storage devices, ensuring a seamless user experience.​

2. Selecting the Folder: Navigate through the software interface to locate the folder on your USB drive that you want to hide. Gilisoft allows you to browse your entire USB drive directory easily, similar to using a regular file explorer.​

3. Hiding the Folder: With a simple right-click on the selected folder, you can choose the “Hide” option from the context menu. What sets Gilisoft apart is its “invisible” hiding feature. When you hide a folder using Gilisoft, it becomes completely undetectable through normal means. Even if someone tries to access the USB drive on another computer, the hidden folder won’t show up in the directory listing, not even if they enable the option to view hidden files in Windows Explorer.​

4. Accessing Hidden Folders: To access the hidden folder later, simply open Gilisoft File Lock Pro again. The software has a dedicated section where all your hidden files and folders are listed. Enter your password (if you’ve set password protection, which adds an extra layer of security), and you can unhide the folder with just a few clicks. This process is intuitive and doesn’t require any technical expertise.​

Unique Advantages for External Storage​

One of the significant advantages of Gilisoft for USB drive use is its portability – related features. Since the hidden folders are managed within the Gilisoft application, you can take the USB drive to another computer with Gilisoft installed, and still access your hidden data. Moreover, Gilisoft offers additional security features like write protection for hidden folders. This ensures that even if someone accidentally stumbles upon a way to access the hidden folder (which is highly unlikely), they won’t be able to modify or delete the files inside.​

Hiding Folders on USB Drives with BitLocker​

BitLocker, a built-in encryption feature in Windows, is primarily designed for disk – wide encryption rather than individual folder hiding, but it can be used in a way that provides some level of privacy for data on USB drives.​

Step-by-Step Process​

1. Enabling BitLocker on USB Drive: First, insert your USB drive into a Windows computer. Right-click on the drive in File Explorer and select “Turn on BitLocker.” You’ll then be prompted to set a password or use other authentication methods, such as a smart card.​

2. Encrypting the Drive: After setting the password, Windows will start the encryption process. This can take some time depending on the size of the USB drive. Once encrypted, the entire drive is protected, and data is stored in an encrypted format.​

3. Isolating Folders (Indirect Hiding): To “hide” specific folders, you would need to create a separate partition on the USB drive (using Windows Disk Management) and then encrypt only that partition with BitLocker. However, this process is much more complex compared to Gilisoft. Also, the “hidden” partition is still visible in Disk Management, and if someone knows how to access encrypted partitions, they can potentially view the contents by entering the password.​

4. Accessing Encrypted Data: When you insert the BitLocker – encrypted USB drive into another computer, you’ll be prompted for the password. Once the password is entered correctly, the drive (or partition) becomes accessible, and all the files and folders within it are visible. There’s no specific feature to selectively hide individual folders in a truly invisible manner.​

Limitations for Folder Hiding​

BitLocker’s main focus is on full – disk encryption for overall data protection. While it does provide security, its method of “hiding” folders is more of a by-product of its encryption process. It lacks the simplicity and the true invisible – hiding capabilities that Gilisoft offers. Additionally, if you forget the BitLocker password, recovering the data can be a complex and sometimes impossible task, especially if you haven’t set up proper recovery options.​

A Comparative Analysis​

When it comes to hiding folders on USB drives, Gilisoft clearly outshines BitLocker in several aspects. Gilisoft offers a dedicated and user-friendly solution for invisible folder hiding. Its one-click hiding feature, combined with easy access and additional security options, makes it ideal for both novice and experienced users. On the other hand, BitLocker, while a powerful encryption tool for overall disk protection, requires more technical knowledge and complex procedures to achieve a form of folder privacy, and it doesn’t truly hide folders from view in the same effective way.​

If your primary goal is to keep specific folders on your USB drive hidden from prying eyes, Gilisoft File Lock Pro should be your go-to choice. Its intuitive interface, robust hiding capabilities, and additional security features ensure that your sensitive data remains both hidden and protected on your external storage devices.

In an era when data security is highly valued, folder – hiding tools have become powerful assistants for protecting personal privacy and sensitive information. When selecting such tools, it is necessary to consider various aspects, such as encryption algorithms and key management, in accordance with the criteria for evaluating the security of file encryption tools. Here are several excellent tools recommended for you.

SecretFolder

Encryption Algorithm and Security: Although the details of the encryption algorithm are not explicitly disclosed, it excels in key management. When creating an access password for the software, you can also set up password recovery via email address. However, the reset email address must be accurately filled in; otherwise, the password cannot be reset if forgotten. This approach ensures both the security and recoverability of the key, which is in line with secure key management practices.
Ease of Operation: The operation interface is simple and intuitive, making it extremely easy to use. It supports systems ranging from Windows XP to Windows 10 and is compatible with various file systems such as FAT, FAT32, NTFS, and EXFAT. There are no restrictions on the number or size of protected folders and files. During the installation process, it automatically disables the Windows Indexing Service, reducing the risk of hidden files being discovered by others through indexing. To hide a file, simply add it to the software list using the “add” function, and the folder will be encrypted and hidden. To view a folder, select the corresponding folder from the hidden file list and click “Unlock” to unlock it. If you no longer need to hide a folder, you can remove it from the hidden list using the “Remove” function. In addition, it has a “Protected Uninstallation” feature. Uninstalling the software requires entering the password, and even popular software uninstallation tools cannot uninstall it without the password, further safeguarding the security of hidden files.

Anvi Folder Locker

Encryption Algorithm and Security: It uses a reliable encryption method that can effectively prevent others from discovering hidden files by showing hidden items. It offers multiple saving modes, such as Hide, Lock, Read – Only, Hide and Lock, and Password. Take the Password mode as an example. After encryption, you need to enter the correct password to open the file or folder. Even uninstalling the software requires the password, preventing others from viewing the files by uninstalling the software. Once a file is locked, others cannot only not open it but also do not have the permission to delete it, demonstrating excellent performance in access control.
Ease of Operation: It is very convenient to use. When you first open the software, you need to set a master password and can also fill in the email address for password recovery. You can also reset the master password in the settings. Just drag the files you need to operate into the software interface, and you can easily complete the corresponding settings. Moreover, this software is feature – rich. It supports file transfer between mobile phones and PCs, as well as between mobile phones. The built – in player can open various video, audio, and document formats, and it is also equipped with a built – in professional browser, greatly enhancing the user experience.

Encrypto

Encryption Algorithm and Security: It adopts the high – strength AES – 256 encryption algorithm, which is a highly recognized secure algorithm in the industry. It can effectively resist various attacks and is almost impossible to be cracked, providing a solid security guarantee for encrypted files and demonstrating outstanding performance in terms of encryption algorithms.
Ease of Operation: It supports two major mainstream systems, Windows and macOS, and is free of charge without ads. When using it, simply drag the files or folders you want to encrypt into the software and set a password to complete the encryption. The encrypted documents can be saved anywhere. The next time you open a file, double – click the encrypted file or drag it into the software and enter the password to decrypt and view the file content. The operation process is simple and straightforward.

These folder – hiding tools each have their own highlights in terms of security and ease of use. Users can choose the most suitable tool according to their own needs, such as the type of operating system, the emphasis on encryption strength, and ease of operation, so as to effectively protect file privacy and data security.

In an era where data security is of utmost importance, file encryption has become a crucial tool for protecting sensitive information. Two popular file – encryption tools are Gilisoft File Lock Pro, which uses AES encryption, and VeraCrypt, an open – source encryption software. Let’s explore how to use them for file encryption and which one might offer more safety.​

Encryption Process in Gilisoft File Lock Pro​

Gilisoft File Lock Pro is a user – friendly software that offers multiple ways to encrypt files.​

1. Encrypt a Copy: This option allows you to encrypt your files into a single .gfl file. To use this method, simply right – click on the file or folder you want to encrypt and select “Encrypt a Copy” from the context menu. The software will then create an encrypted copy of your files, which can be decrypted later using Gilisoft File Lock Pro.​

2. Encrypt to .exe: With this option, you can encrypt files into a single executable (*.exe) file. Right – click on the file or folder, choose “Encrypt to .exe” from the context menu. The advantage of this method is that you can open the encrypted file on any Windows machine, even if the Gilisoft File Lock Pro program is not installed. However, it’s important to note that the security of the .exe file still relies on the strength of the password you set.​

Encryption Process in VeraCrypt​

VeraCrypt is a more complex but highly versatile open – source disk encryption software.​

1. Creating an Encrypted Container: VeraCrypt allows you to create an encrypted container within a file. This container can be treated as a virtual disk. To create one, open VeraCrypt, click on “Create Volume”, and follow the wizard. You can choose the encryption algorithm (such as AES, Serpent, or Twofish), set the size of the volume, and provide a strong password.​

2. Encrypting Partitions or Drives: VeraCrypt can also encrypt entire partitions or storage devices like USB flash drives or hard drives. When encrypting a partition, you need to be careful as it will render the data inaccessible without the correct password. For example, if you want to encrypt an external hard drive, select the drive in VeraCrypt, choose the encryption options, and start the encryption process. This process may take some time depending on the size of the drive and the complexity of the encryption settings.​

Security Comparison​

1. Encryption Algorithms​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Primarily uses AES encryption. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is a widely recognized and highly secure encryption algorithm. It has been adopted by governments and organizations worldwide. Gilisoft File Lock Pro likely uses a standard implementation of AES, which provides a high level of protection against brute – force attacks. The 256 – bit key length in AES is extremely difficult to crack, even with powerful computing resources.​

• VeraCrypt: Offers multiple encryption algorithms including AES, Serpent, and Twofish. The ability to choose from different algorithms can be an advantage. For example, if in the future a vulnerability is discovered in AES, users can switch to another algorithm like Serpent, which is also known for its high security. Additionally, VeraCrypt uses a large number of iterations in its key – derivation function (e.g., 500,000 iterations by default for standard containers), which significantly increases the time it would take for an attacker to perform a brute – force attack.​

2. Open – Source vs Proprietary​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Is a proprietary software. While the company likely has a team of security experts working on its development, the inner workings of the software are not publicly available. This can be a concern for some users who prefer to have full transparency about how their data is being encrypted. However, Gilisoft has a reputation for providing a reliable product, and they likely conduct regular security audits to ensure the integrity of their encryption methods.​

• VeraCrypt: Being open – source means that its source code is freely available for anyone to review. This has both advantages and potential drawbacks. On the positive side, a large community of security researchers and developers can review the code for vulnerabilities. In fact, VeraCrypt has been audited multiple times, and any discovered issues have been promptly addressed. However, the open – source nature also means that malicious actors can study the code, but the community’s continuous review and improvement efforts generally offset this risk.​

3. Security Features​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: In addition to basic encryption, it offers features like file and folder hiding, write protection, and password – protected executable creation. These features can add an extra layer of security in certain scenarios. For example, hiding sensitive files can prevent casual discovery, and write protection can prevent unauthorized modification of important data.​

• VeraCrypt: Has some unique security features such as the ability to create hidden volumes. A hidden volume can be used in case of coercion, as it allows you to have a seemingly innocent volume while having a hidden, more sensitive volume within it. This provides a form of plausible deniability. It also supports pre – boot authentication when encrypting the Windows installation partition, which adds an extra layer of security against physical access to the computer.​

4. Ease of Use and Security Risks​

• Gilisoft File Lock Pro: Is relatively easy to use, which can be a security advantage in some ways. Since it’s straightforward to encrypt and decrypt files, users are less likely to make mistakes that could compromise security. For example, the simple right – click options for encryption make the process accessible even to non – technical users.​

• VeraCrypt: While it offers more advanced features, its complexity can be a double – edged sword. For users who are not familiar with disk encryption concepts, setting up VeraCrypt correctly can be challenging. Incorrect configuration, such as choosing a weak password or not understanding how to use the hidden volume feature properly, could potentially lead to security risks. However, for more experienced users, the advanced features can be used to create a highly secure environment.

In addition to Gilisoft File Lock Pro and VeraCrypt, there are many other highly recommended file encryption tools. Each of them has its own unique features in terms of functionality, ease of use, and security, catering to the diverse needs of different user groups.

1. AxCrypt

AxCrypt is a lightweight and user – friendly file encryption tool, especially suitable for individual users and small businesses. It supports encrypting individual files or entire folders. The operation is extremely convenient. With just a simple right – click, users can easily complete the encryption and decryption processes, as effortless as normal file copying and pasting. This tool uses the industry – standard AES – 256 encryption algorithm, providing robust security protection for files and effectively resisting various potential attacks. One of AxCrypt’s significant advantages lies in its cross – platform compatibility. Whether it’s Windows, macOS, or Linux systems, users can use it seamlessly, greatly enhancing the flexibility of use. Moreover, it integrates perfectly with common cloud storage services such as Google Drive and Dropbox. When users upload files to the cloud, the files are automatically encrypted, ensuring that even if the cloud service account is unfortunately compromised, hackers can only see encrypted text and cannot obtain any valuable information.

2. BitLocker

BitLocker is a powerful encryption tool integrated into Microsoft Windows operating systems. For enterprise and individual users of Windows, it is undoubtedly a convenient and reliable choice. BitLocker supports encrypting entire disks or partitions, providing solid security protection throughout the entire process of data storage and transmission. Its encryption mechanism is deeply integrated with the Windows system and can be easily enabled during system installation, eliminating the need for users to install additional third – party software. BitLocker also makes full use of the hardware – level protection capabilities of the TPM (Trusted Platform Module) chip to further enhance the encryption strength. If an enterprise uses Active Directory (AD), it can centrally manage BitLocker encryption policies through AD, significantly improving the efficiency and convenience of internal data security management within the enterprise.

3. NordLocker

NordLocker comes from the well – known NordVPN team, inheriting its strong security features and providing users with spy – level file encryption protection. It uses advanced end – to – end encryption technology, ensuring that during the process of encrypting and transferring files to the cloud, only the file owner has the decryption key. Even employees of NordLocker cannot access the file content, fully safeguarding the privacy and security of user data. NordLocker has a simple and aesthetically pleasing user interface with an excellent interactive experience. Users can quickly complete the encryption process by simply dragging files or folders into the software interface. In terms of file sharing, it supports generating encrypted links, allowing users to flexibly set access permissions for the links, such as setting the access validity period, restricting who can view or edit, etc., greatly enhancing the security and controllability of file sharing. For users with cross – border business or remote team collaboration needs, NordLocker supports multi – language interfaces and has numerous nodes worldwide, enabling low – latency access and ensuring that team members in different regions can efficiently collaborate on encrypted files.

4. Boxcryptor

Boxcryptor focuses on providing secure and reliable encryption solutions for cloud storage users. It supports encrypting files stored on mainstream cloud service platforms such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. It uses zero – knowledge encryption technology, which means that only the user knows the decryption key, and cloud service providers cannot access the plaintext of the files. Boxcryptor has excellent cross – platform performance and can run stably on Windows, macOS, Linux, as well as iOS and Android mobile devices, enabling users to securely access and manage encrypted files across different devices at any time and anywhere. In addition, it is closely integrated with cloud services. When users operate files on cloud drives, it feels as natural as operating unencrypted files. The encryption and decryption processes are completed automatically in the background without causing any interference to the user experience.

Dear users, when you joyfully purchase our Gilisoft applications, eager to start an efficient and convenient user experience, you may encounter the perplexing prompt “The registration code cannot be verified through the network. Please purchase to get a valid key.” while registering with the provided key. Unable to complete the registration, we deeply understand your anxiety and frustration. Here, we sincerely apologize for the unpleasant experience caused. Next, let’s explore the root causes of the problem together and find solutions. Meanwhile, we hope this communication will help you better understand Gilisoft’s commitment to genuine software.​

I. Root Causes of the Problem: The “Tricks” of Cracking Tools​

In the digital world, some users may attempt to use cracking tools to obtain software for free. However, these cracking tools often make unknown modifications to the system to achieve their cracking purposes. One common method is tampering with the host file in the Windows system.​

The host file is located at the path “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc”. It is a system file that stores the mapping relationship between domain names and IP addresses, playing a crucial role in network access. When we enter a website address in a browser or an application needs to connect to a server, the system first looks for the corresponding domain name – IP address mapping in the host file. If there is a relevant record in the host file, the system will connect to the IP address specified in the record without querying the DNS server.​

To prevent our applications from communicating with Gilisoft’s official server and achieve the goal of cracking, these cracking tools add specific rules to the host file, directing our official website gilisoft.com to an invalid IP address, such as “127.0.0.1 gilisoft.com“. As a result, when you purchase genuine software and try to register with a legitimate key, the application attempts to connect to Gilisoft.com‘s official server for key verification. But due to the blocking settings in the host file, it cannot establish a connection with the server, ultimately leading to registration failure and the above error prompt.​

II. Solutions: Restoring the Host File to Normal Settings​

Now that we’ve identified the problem, here’s a detailed guide on how to modify the host file in the Windows system, restore it to normal, and successfully complete the application registration. Since the host file involves key system settings, please operate with caution to avoid unnecessary impacts on the system. Follow these steps:​

1. Open Notepad as an Administrator​

Press the “Win + R” key combination to open the “Run” dialog box. Enter “notepad” in the dialog box, then press “Ctrl + Shift + Enter” simultaneously and select “Yes” to run the Notepad program as an administrator. This step is crucial because without administrator privileges, you may not be able to save changes to the host file.​

2. Open the Host File​

In the Notepad program, click the “File” menu in the upper left corner and select “Open”. In the file explorer, change the file type dropdown menu to “All Files”. Then navigate to the “C:\Windows\System32\drivers\etc” directory, find the file named “hosts” (note that this file has no file extension), select it, and click “Open”.​

3. Locate and Delete Entries Related to gilisoft.com​

In the opened host file, carefully search for content related to gilisoft.com. You will usually see records like “127.0.0.1 gilisoft.com” or other entries directing gilisoft.com to a certain IP address. Once found, select these entire lines and press the “Delete” key on your keyboard to remove them. Make sure to only delete content related to gilisoft.com to avoid affecting other network functions of the system.​

4. Save and Close the Host File​

After deleting the relevant entries, click the “File” menu again and select “Save” to save the modified host file. Then close the Notepad program. At this point, the host file has been restored to normal and will no longer block the application from connecting to Gilisoft.com‘s official server.​

5. Try Registering the Application Again​

Open the Gilisoft application you purchased and enter the key you bought again for registration. This time, the application should be able to connect to the official server smoothly, complete the key verification, and successfully finish the registration process. Then you can enjoy the features of our carefully crafted applications!​

III. Stay Away from Cracking, Embrace Genuine Software​

Perhaps you’ve used cracking tools for various reasons in the past. But through this registration failure experience, you’ve realized the many issues caused by cracked software. Cracking tools not only may lead to usage obstacles like registration failure but also pose significant security risks. These tools often come from unknown sources and may contain malicious software, such as viruses, Trojans, and spyware. Once these malicious programs enter your computer system, they may steal your personal privacy information, such as account passwords and bank card details, causing serious financial losses. Moreover, malicious software may damage important files in your system, leading to system crashes and data loss, disrupting your work and life.​

By choosing Gilisoft’s genuine software, you will enjoy a full range of high – quality experiences. Firstly, genuine software ensures the integrity and stability of functions. Our R & D team has spent a long time in meticulous development and strict testing, providing you with well – refined, bug – free software products. This allows you to avoid various anomalies and errors caused by the software itself during use, greatly improving your work efficiency and comfort. Secondly, purchasing genuine software means you can enjoy our professional technical support services. Whenever you encounter problems during use, whether it’s confusion about software operations or issues related to system compatibility, our professional customer service team and technical support staff are ready to assist you. We will answer your questions and provide solutions in a timely manner through various channels, such as online customer service, email, and phone, so you can use our products without worries. In addition, we will continuously update and optimize the software, bringing you more new features and continuously enhancing the software’s performance and user experience, keeping you at the forefront of digital technology.​

Most importantly, every bit of your support for genuine software will become the driving force for our continuous innovation and progress. Thanks to users like you who support genuine products, we can invest more resources in research and development, creating better and more practical software products for you and jointly promoting the healthy development of the digital software industry.​

So, dear users, when you encounter problems using software, don’t try cracking easily. Instead, seek help through our official channels. We are always here, looking forward to serving you and building a secure, orderly, and innovative digital world together with you.​

If you have any further questions during the host file modification or registration process, please feel free to contact our customer service team. You can communicate with us in real – time through the online customer service window on our official website or send an email to our customer service mailbox support@gilisoft.com. Our customer service staff will reply and answer your questions promptly.​

Thank you again for your support and trust in Gilisoft. Have a pleasant experience!

GiliSoft DRM Protection – Comprehensive Protection for E-Book Security

In the era of booming digital content, copyright protection and secure distribution of e-books have become focal points for content creators and publishers. Recently, we received an inquiry from customer Glen Lewis regarding GiliSoft DRM Protection for eBooks, whose questions are of general relevance. Here, we combine professional insights to elaborate on GiliSoft DRM Protection’s solutions in e-book protection, helping you better understand and utilize our products.

I. How do buyers use e-books after purchase and download? Do they need to manually enter a license or key?

When encrypting e-books with GiliSoft DRM Protection, you can choose from the following three methods during the encryption phase—no need to manually provide licenses or keys for each purchase:

Method 1: Fixed Password

After setting a fixed password, buyers can enter it on any computer with the specified reader installed to access the e-book. This approach suits scenarios where e-books need to be shared within a specific group (e.g., a target user base) while maintaining basic access control.

Method 2: Computer Binding

By binding the buyer’s machine code, the e-book can only be used on the specified computer. Buyers provide their machine code to the seller to obtain a playback password, which unlocks the e-book via our dedicated reader. This method strictly restricts device usage, fundamentally preventing unauthorized access.

Method 3: Password-Free Direct Playback

After downloading, buyers can read the e-book directly via the dedicated reader without entering any password. This offers the most convenient experience, ideal for streamlining processes and enhancing user experience.

Notably, all three methods effectively prohibit screenshot operations to prevent content from being easily copied. For anti-sharing, Method 2’s strict device binding minimizes the risk of e-books being shared to other devices.

II. How does GiliSoft DRM address unauthorized distribution and piracy? Can it prevent e-books from being shared via email? What about printing and screenshots?

GiliSoft DRM Protection excels in anti-piracy and permission control:

Blocking Illegal Sharing

To prevent buyers from sharing e-books via email or other means, choose Method 2 (machine code binding). By linking the e-book to the buyer’s hardware information (machine code), even if others obtain the file, they cannot open it on unapproved devices—eliminating sharing at its source.

Restricting Printing and Screenshots

During encryption, you can disable printing, screenshotting, and screen recording based on needs. Advanced technology prevents users from capturing content via physical printing or screen capture, safeguarding your intellectual property comprehensively.

III. Which EPUB and PDF readers does GiliSoft DRM Protection support?

GiliSoft DRM Protection supports a wide range of e-book formats, including epub, mobi, azw3, htmlz, lit, txtz, docm, rb, pmlz, snb, tcr, fb2, bdb, lrf, mdf, etc. However, please note that e-books encrypted by GiliSoft can only be opened via our dedicated reader.

IV. How does GiliSoft DRM outperform common readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Google Play Books?

Popular public readers like Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Play Books, and Apple Books have limitations in copyright protection—they cannot implement advanced permission controls like screenshot or print bans. In contrast, GiliSoft DRM’s dedicated reader is purpose-built to address these gaps. It supports the aforementioned formats and strictly enforces the permission policies set during encryption, ensuring e-book content is used only on authorized devices and in specified ways—providing rock-solid protection for your digital content.

Experience GiliSoft DRM Protection’s Power Firsthand

To help you visualize GiliSoft DRM Protection’s effectiveness, we invite you to send us your e-books for encryption. This hands-on experience will showcase its excellence in protection, distribution, and usability.

With flexible encryption methods, robust anti-piracy features, and professional reader support, GiliSoft DRM Protection is the ideal choice for e-book copyright protection. Whether you’re a content creator, publisher, or enterprise user, we offer customized solutions to secure your digital assets. Try GiliSoft DRM Protection today and start a new chapter in e-book security!

Best PC Repair Tools 2025: Ultimate Solutions for System Optimization

Is your once-speedy PC now sluggish, plagued by crashes, or just feeling generally unwell? Don’t despair! 2025 brings a powerful arsenal of PC repair and optimization tools designed to diagnose, fix, and revitalize your system. Whether you’re a casual user or a power user, having the right utilities on hand is essential for maintaining peak performance and stability. Here’s our curated list of the best PC repair tools for 2025:

1. Comprehensive Cleanup & Optimization Suites:

• CCleaner Professional 2025 (Piriform/Avast): Still a dominant force. Its 2025 iteration boasts enhanced AI-driven junk file detection, deeper browser cleaning, a more intuitive interface, and improved real-time monitoring. Excellent for decluttering registries, temporary files, and managing startup items.
• IObit Advanced SystemCare Ultimate 16: A powerhouse all-in-one suite. Combines deep cleaning, performance optimization, real-time system protection (powered by Bitdefender engine), driver updating, and even privacy tools. Its “Turbo Boost” and “Deep Optimization” modes provide significant speed gains, especially on older hardware.
• Ashampoo WinOptimizer 2025: Known for its user-friendliness and extensive feature set. Offers over 40 modules covering cleaning, optimization, security, privacy, and hardware analysis. Its “Live Tuner” provides real-time performance metrics and quick-fix options. Great for systematic maintenance.
• Gilisoft Total Repair: A robust contender focusing on fixing common Windows ailments. It tackles frustrating issues like corrupted system files, registry errors, boot problems, ActiveX/COM component failures, Windows Update glitches, and malfunctioning system utilities. Offers a streamlined interface for performing deep repairs that can often save a system from needing a full reinstall. A strong choice when standard troubleshooting fails. [Learn more: www.gilisoft.com/total-repair/]

2. Malware Detection & Removal Specialists: (Remains unchanged – Malwarebytes, HitmanPro.Alert, ESET Online Scanner)

3. Hard Drive Health & Data Recovery: (Remains unchanged – CrystalDiskInfo, HD Tune Pro, EaseUS)

4. Driver Management & Updates: (Remains unchanged – SDIO, Driver Booster, Manufacturer Sites)

5. System Information & Benchmarking: (Remains unchanged – HWiNFO, CPU-Z/GPU-Z, Cinebench)

6. Backup & Imaging (Your Ultimate Safety Net): (Remains unchanged – Macrium Reflect, Veeam, AOMEI)

Choosing the Right Tools:

• Skill Level: Beginners benefit most from suites like Advanced SystemCare or WinOptimizer. Power users will appreciate specialized tools like HWiNFO, SDIO, and HD Tune Pro. For targeted repair of stubborn Windows system issues, Gilisoft Total Repair offers a focused solution.
• Problem: Match the tool to the symptom. Slow PC? Cleanup suite. Suspect malware? Malwarebytes. Hardware glitches? HWiNFO/CrystalDiskInfo. Lost data? EaseUS. Experiencing boot failures, system file corruption, Windows Update errors, or COM/ActiveX problems? Gilisoft Total Repair is specifically designed to tackle these deep system issues.
• Budget: Many excellent free tools exist (CrystalDiskInfo, HWiNFO, Veeam Free, CPU-Z). Paid suites offer convenience and advanced features. Prioritize backup software – it’s non-negotiable for data safety. Gilisoft Total Repair is a paid tool positioned as a dedicated system repair specialist.

The 2025 Edge: 

Conclusion:

Maintaining a healthy, optimized PC in 2025 doesn’t require magic – it requires the right tools and regular maintenance. Invest in a solid cleanup suite, a reliable backup solution (this is critical!), a reputable malware scanner, and familiarize yourself with diagnostic tools like HWiNFO and CrystalDiskInfo. For those times when your Windows system itself feels fundamentally broken – plagued by boot issues, update failures, corrupted files, or mysterious errors – consider a dedicated repair tool like Gilisoft Total Repair. It provides a powerful set of targeted fixes designed to get ailing systems back on their feet without a full reinstall.

By equipping yourself with this ultimate toolkit, you can tackle most common PC problems, prevent future issues, and ensure your computer runs smoothly and efficiently for years to come. Remember, an ounce of prevention (and a good backup) is worth a terabyte of cure!

In today’s digital office environment, efficiently handling PDF files has become an indispensable part of daily work for individuals and businesses alike. GiliSoft PDF Editor, as a professional-grade PDF editing toolbox, offers a comprehensive set of features, convenient operation, and high performance, providing users with one-stop solutions for editing, converting, encrypting, repairing, and recovering PDFs to meet diverse document processing needs.

1. Powerful PDF Basic Operations and Editing Capabilities

GiliSoft PDF Editor supports the creation of new PDF files directly from TXT, RTF, and images (such as JPG, PNG, etc.), making it easy to integrate various content formats into standardized PDFs, thus streamlining document creation. In terms of editing, the software allows users to modify text content directly within the PDF, adjusting fonts, sizes, colors, and more. It also supports editing or replacing images, enabling precise adjustments to document content without relying on other tools, making PDF editing effortless.

2. Flexible PDF Operation Features

• Smart Compression for Convenient Storage and Transmission
  Utilizing advanced technologies such as image optimization and data compression, GiliSoft PDF Editor effectively reduces PDF file sizes while maintaining clarity, facilitating easier storage and transmission, and addressing the challenges of transferring large files.
• Batch Merging to Enhance Integration Efficiency
  Users can merge multiple PDF files or other formats (supporting images, TXT, etc.) in a specified order into a single PDF, with batch processing capabilities that significantly boost document integration efficiency, especially for handling large volumes of documents.
• Precise Splitting for Flexible Document Management
  Users can split a single PDF into multiple independent files based on page numbers, bookmarks, or custom ranges, allowing for flexible management of lengthy documents and meeting various structural adjustment needs.

3. Comprehensive Encryption and Decryption Protection

On the security front, GiliSoft PDF Editor provides reliable encryption solutions. Users can add open passwords or permission passwords to PDFs, effectively restricting unauthorized access or modifications, suitable for high confidentiality scenarios, ensuring document security and privacy. Additionally, the software supports decryption functions, allowing users to remove existing password protections and restore normal access permissions easily.

4. Extensive Format Conversion Capabilities

• PDF to Office Documents, Accurately Preserving Formats
• PDF to Word: Outputs in doc or docx formats, perfectly retaining the original document’s layout and style for further editing.
• PDF to Excel: Converts to xls or xlsx formats, supporting efficient extraction and editing of tabular data.
• PDF to PPT: Generates ppt or pptx files, enabling users to quickly apply PDF content in presentation scenarios, enhancing presentation effectiveness.
• Conversion to Multimedia and Text Formats to Meet Diverse Needs
• PDF to Images: Supports batch conversion to common image formats such as PNG, JPG, and GIF, allowing users to choose single or multiple pages for output, facilitating image extraction and use.
• PDF to E-books: Generates formats such as epub, mobi, and azw3, compatible with various e-readers, allowing users to enjoy reading anytime, anywhere.
• PDF to TXT/HTML: Extracts text content into plain text or web formats for secondary editing or web publishing, catering to different content dissemination needs.
• Other Formats to PDF for Compatibility
  The software supports direct conversion of docx, xlsx, pptx, and other Office files, as well as WPS files into PDF, ensuring format compatibility. It can also quickly merge PNG, JPG, GIF images or epub, mobi, azw3 e-books into PDF, unifying document formats for easier management and use.

5. Practical Scanning and OCR Functions

• Scanner Integration for Convenient Document Creation
  Users can connect a scanner to directly create PDF files, supporting the scanning of physical documents into editable electronic PDFs, enhancing document management efficiency.
• OCR Text Recognition to Enhance Content Usability
  The software recognizes text in scanned PDFs or images, converting them into searchable and copyable text PDFs, allowing users to easily extract and utilize text content, greatly improving document content usability.

6. Reliable Data Repair and Recovery Tools

• PDF Recovery to Retrieve Lost Files
  GiliSoft PDF Editor can recover PDF files lost due to accidental deletion or program crashes, supporting data recovery from temporary files or caches, minimizing user losses from file loss.
• PDF Repair to Restore Damaged Documents
  The software repairs damaged or inaccessible PDF files, restoring document structure and content to minimize data loss, ensuring users can access and use important PDF files normally.

GiliSoft PDF Editor not only offers comprehensive functionality but also features a user-friendly interface and high performance. Whether for personal users handling daily documents or enterprise users managing complex document needs, this software provides suitable solutions. With its professional technology and thoughtful design, it becomes a reliable assistant for users in processing PDF files, facilitating more efficient and convenient digital office work.

In today’s digital age, protecting intellectual property and sensitive video content has become critical. Whether it’s training materials, educational courses, or proprietary content, preventing unauthorized copying is a major challenge for content creators and enterprises. A user recently asked: “We want to protect a set of videos on USB drives from being copied. Which Gilisoft product can achieve this, and how many times can each license be used?”

The Necessity of USB Video Protection

With the growing popularity of digital content distribution, transferring videos via USB drives has become standard practice for many businesses and educational institutions. However, this also poses risks of unauthorized copying and sharing of content. Effective protection measures not only prevent revenue loss but also ensure that content creators’ intellectual property is respected.

Gilisoft’s USB Encryption Solutions

Gilisoft’s USB security suite is specifically designed to address such challenges. Among them, Gilisoft USB Encryption provides robust encryption for video files on USB drives, effectively blocking unauthorized copying. The software uses the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) to ensure that only authorized users can access protected content.

Core Product Comparison and Function Analysis

Gilisoft offers three core products for USB video protection, each tailored to different scenarios:

1. Gilisoft USB Copy Protection
   • Core Functions:
     • Anti-Copy and Device Binding: Prevents video files from being transferred to other devices via copy-paste, drag-and-drop, or other methods, forcing content to play only on authorized devices (e.g., specific computers or USB drives).
     • Cross-Platform Access Control: Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, but once content is played on a device for the first time, it locks to that device and cannot be opened elsewhere.
     • Dynamic Watermarking and Expiration Settings: Adds floating or fixed watermarks (e.g., user IDs) and sets video expiration dates (synchronized with online time servers to prevent local time tampering).
   • Use Cases:
     • Distribution of training videos by educational institutions, sharing of confidential materials by enterprises, and copyright protection for creators’ works.
     • Strict restriction of content dissemination to prevent secondary sharing.
2. Gilisoft USB Lock
   • Core Functions:
     • Hardware-Level Encryption and Access Control: Encrypts the entire USB drive with 256-bit AES, setting passwords, expiration dates, or usage durations (e.g., total playback of 2 hours). Unauthorized users cannot read the data.
     • Data Leak Prevention: Prohibits copying files from the USB drive to other devices (e.g., phones, computers) and restricts USB port access to prevent data theft.
   • Use Cases:
     • Physical storage security for highly sensitive videos (e.g., medical records, financial data).
     • Prevention of data breaches due to lost or stolen USB drives.
3. Gilisoft USB Encryption
   • Core Functions:
     • Partition Encryption and Flexible Management: Divides the USB drive into an encrypted zone (password-protected) and a public zone (freely readable/writable). The encrypted zone uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect video files from hacking.
     • Cross-Device Compatibility: Encrypted content can be accessed on any Windows computer without additional software, suitable for secure video transfer across multiple devices.
   • Use Cases:
     • Personal users or enterprises needing both privacy protection and convenient sharing.
     • Scenarios requiring simultaneous storage of sensitive videos and ordinary files on the same USB drive.

Usage Process and Best Practices

1. USB Copy Protection
   • Steps:
     1. Install the software, select video files/folders to protect, and set device binding rules (e.g., bind to a specific USB or computer).
     2. Generate an encrypted package (.gcp format), which can be directly distributed or burned to a disc.
     3. Recipients must enter a password for the first playback, and the system automatically binds the device; no repeated verification is needed for subsequent plays.
   • Tips:
     • Combine dynamic watermarking to trace leakage sources (e.g., generate unique watermarks for different users).
     • When setting expiration dates, sync with online time servers to avoid loopholes from local time tampering.
2. USB Lock
   • Steps:
     1. Insert the USB drive, run the software, and select “Encrypt Entire Drive.”
     2. Set a password, expiration date, or usage duration (e.g., “Allow playback until December 31, 2025”).
     3. After distribution, recipients must enter the password to access content, which cannot be copied to other devices.
   • Tips:
     • Enable the “Access Log” function to view the USB drive’s usage time, frequency, and device information.
     • Enterprise users can manage USB access permissions for multiple devices via batch authorization tools.
3. USB Encryption
   • Steps:
     1. Insert the USB drive, select “Create Encrypted Partition,” and specify the partition size (e.g., 5GB).
     2. Set a password, then drag video files to the encrypted partition; the public partition can store non-sensitive files.
     3. After ejecting the drive, the encrypted partition auto-hides and requires a password for reaccess.
   • Tips:
     • Regularly back up encrypted partition data to avoid loss from accidental operations or device damage.
     • To access encrypted partitions on Mac or Linux, install the free GiliSoft USB Reader tool.

Selection Tips and FAQs

How to Choose the Right Product?

• Priority on anti-copy: Choose USB Copy Protection (for strict control over distribution).
• Priority on physical security: Choose USB Lock (for preventing data leaks from lost/stolen USBs).
• Priority on flexible encryption: Choose USB Encryption (for secure sharing across multiple devices).

1. Copy Protection for PowerPoint Files

GiliSoft Copy Protect secures PowerPoint files (PPT/PPTX) against unauthorized access, editing, and distribution. Follow these steps:

Key Features

• Convert to Encrypted Formats:
  • GCP Format: Encrypts the file for use with GCP Reader (free player from Gilisoft).
  • EXE Format: Creates a standalone executable file (Windows-only).
• Restrict Actions:
  • Disable copy/paste, printing, saving, or editing.
  • Block screenshots/screen recording.
• Device Binding:
  • Lock files to specific devices (e.g., USB drives, authorized PCs).
• Password Protection:
  • Set passwords for administrators and end-users.

Steps to Protect Files

1. Open GiliSoft Copy Protect and import your PowerPoint file.
2. Choose restrictions (e.g., disable printing, block screenshots).
3. Select output format (GCP for cross-platform use or EXE for Windows).
4. Apply device binding or passwords if needed.
5. Export the protected file and share it securely.

2. PowerPoint Animation Support

GiliSoft Copy Protect retains most animations and interactive elements in protected files:

Supported Features

• Animations & Transitions:
  • Fly-ins, fades, wipes, and other built-in PowerPoint animations.
  • Slide transitions (e.g., push, dissolve).
• Interactive Elements:
  • Click-to-reveal effects, hyperlinks, and action buttons.
  • Embedded audio/video (MP3, MP4, WAV).
• Dynamic Content:
  • Triggers for animations (e.g., clicking an object to start an effect).
  • Basic macros (avoid complex VBA scripts).

Unsupported/Limited Features

• Advanced VBA Macros: May fail due to encryption.
• Third-Party Plugins: Flash, HTML5, or ActiveX controls might not work.
• Cross-Platform EXE Files: EXE format only works on Windows.

3. Why Use GiliSoft Copy Protect?

• Balanced Security & Functionality: Protects content without breaking animations.
• Flexible Distribution: Share via USB, email, or cloud with device/usage limits.
• Professional Use Cases: Ideal for training materials, sales demos, or confidential presentations.