SecureZip Standard Edition for Desktop

If you want to send a file to someone who doesn't have SecureZIP (which was free as of this writing, but pitched as a limited time offer), you can make the attachment a password protected self-extracting zip. Unfortunately, as an executable file, the attachment might not make it past some firewalls. Alternatively, the recipient can download PKWare's always-free ZIP Reader which also understands the encryption ad security. You have to fill out a form with a valid email address so the company can send you the download link, though, which didn't sit well with some of my testing buddies. It will also complicate your life if you prefer another program such as WinZip or WinRAR for archiving.

But those are minor nitpicks and all told, SecureZIP is a nice solution for securing data, and nearly transparent when you use Outlook and opt for employing digital certificates. It's well worth a look for anyone storing or communicating sensitive data.

Note: This link takes you to the vendor's site, where you can download the latest version of the software. It is currently free for personal use, but it will not be free indefinitely. And business users must pay $40.

--Jon L. Jacobi