Encryption is the process of protecting data with a complex cipher, scrambling it so that it can only be accessed (decrypted) with a password or key, sometimes requiring an additional authentication factor, e.g. a digital certificate. Encrypting hard drives and removable devices, such as USB drives, is especially recommended for people working with confidential information, primarily journalists and human rights activists, but also anyone generally working with personal data.

VeraCrypt is a multi-platform (Windows, Linux, MacOS X) free and open-source disk encryption software with advanced capabilities. It can be used to encrypt only specific files, whole hard disk partitions, removable drives, as well as a partition or drive where Windows is installed (pre-boot authentication). You can find more information on how VeraCrypt works in this tutorial.

FileVault is a MacOS utility that enables you to encrypt files on your device with your login password for an extra layer of security. In case you forget your login password, you can unlock your disk by using either your iCloud account password or a recovery key which is generated automatically when you select this option. You can find more information on how FileVault works in this tutorial.

Cryptomator enables you to encrypt your cloud storage files for services such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Files are encrypted within a secure vault which is then stored with cloud service providers, which cannot access the data. Cryptomator is open source and available for Windows, Linux, MacOS X, and mobile platforms (iOS, Android).