We are quite well aware that in today’s time, most of the important data are kept online in a cloud storage service. Thus, critical security control is important in order to maintain sensitive data. Henceforth, data encryption is introduced. But in situations where your account storage is compromised, thus making the data more vulnerable.
There is a fear that works if the storage provider passes over the information to the law enforcement organisation. To your information, the data can be encrypted by online cloud storage services. This can be a smart idea.
Here are the two most popular services where you can encrypt the data. Over here, we will compare the two so that you can understand which one suits your needs. We will discuss each service separately and then go for the comparison.
What Is Cryptomator?
Crytomator is a popular source of encryption software that helps you by keeping your file safe. Even in cloud storage, your files need to be safe, and that’s exactly what it does. You can upload and download the data from here with ease. This service is supported in Windows, macOS and Linux.
For the mobile version, it is compatible with iOS and Android, but unfortunately, it is not free for the desktop version. The cost for the Android version is around $9.99 and for the iOS, it cost $8.99. With Cryptomator, you don’t need to worry about the account, cloud access permits etc., from the file folder, you just need to select a password, and the work will be done.
It will get an encrypted vault that you can easily access on your cloud services location. In case you want to use the vault, then from the Cryptomator, you can see it. It will be a virtual drive letter, and you can either add files or copy them. The things that you wish to place will be safe in the vault, and you will also notice that it has synchronised with your cloud service provider.
Cryptomator uses AES 256 symmetric encryption or, in simple words, codes. The files that you have added to your vault are immediately encrypted. You just need to enter the password in order to unlock the vault.
In conclusion, the provider will view the files as encrypted data, that is, coded data. There will be no change for the owner. They will be able to read and see the files as it was as they are the owner of the encryption key.
What Is Boxcryptor?
Boxcryptor is a software tool with zero knowledge of end-to-end encryption that encrypts the files directly on the computer and mobile. In short, before getting unloaded to the cloud, it is already protected. The reason behind this is that all the sensitive data is encrypted and guarded by the password of users, which cannot be transferred to the company’s servers.
The software is compatible with Windows, Mac OS and other major platforms like Android, iOS etc. You won’t get any beta version of Chrome, but you might observe some instability. You will get a chance of a free trial, but the features will be limited. In order to unlock it, you need to subscribe to it.
The cost is $48/year, and in case it is for business use, you need to spend $96/year. For this price, you will get an unlimited number of devices along with cloud providers. The very first step is to have a Boxcrytor account. And make sure you select your password very carefully, as it cannot be recovered.
As mentioned above, it is a zero-knowledge design thus, you will be unable to get any data back. After proper authorisation, you will be able to add one or more cloud providers such as Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.
Cryptomator V/S Boxcryptor
If we compare these two software, then you might get some basic but effective points. It will be very important to know which one is better than the other. Thus, the points will help you to draw a clear picture.
- Security
The first priority must be the security of both the software. Unfortunately, Cryptomator does not offer two-factor authentication; thus, it is not 100% safe. It is an open source. This statement means that the source code can be reviewed by anyone.
Thus making it harder for the creator to create a secret backdoor. Henceforth, the codes needed to be checked on a regular basis. It is completely different from Boxcryptor. The source code won’t be available to the public to review.
The Cryptomator can code names, headers and even the virtual drive content. It is usable on Dokany on Windows and, Fuse on Mac, also Frontend on Linux. The demerit is that if one of them is not available, then it will return to WebDAV again.
On the other hand, Boxcryptor uses an authenticator app and offers 2-factor authentication. The security key that follows the webAuthN standard is now supported both on Windows and on MacOS. To repay in the technical field, Boxcryptor pays attention to clear and comprehensible information.
Henceforth, the functioning of this system is available to the public and can be estimated for security by the specialist. AES and RSA encryption are used to code data in Boxcryptor. For your information, the password of the users is hashed many times to configure differently.
Thus obtaining the password hash and password key. After that, this password hash is sent to the server of the Boxcryptor. Again, it has been hashed a second time, and finally, the result has been saved. From the above discussion, we can come to the conclusion that Boxcryptor is more secure than Cryptomator
- Cloud Service Support
There are a few platforms that Cryptomator provides cloud service: Onedrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, iCloud Drive, and even WebDAV.
But if we talk about Boxcryptor, then it is not only supported by Onedrive, Dropbox, Google Drive and WebDAV but even iCloud SharePoint. Basically, it has unlimited cloud storage providers. In conclusion, Boxcryptor is superior to Cryptomator in this field.
- OS Platform
Cryptomator supports Windows, macOS, and Linux and for the mobile version, it supports Android and iOS. In Boxcryptor, it is quite similar. It also supports the same thing as Linux but has limited features.
- File Sharing
In Cryptomator, file sharing means giving someone authorisation to access your drive by sharing a password which is not at all safe. And you can’t share the file with a non-cryptomator.
Whereas for Boxcryotor, the user’s file sharing is available.
Even you will be able to share files or folders with other Boxcryptor users. You can use Whispy if you want to share individual files with non-boxcrypotor. Basically, it is an end-to-end file-transferring service made by Boxcryptor. Henceforth, both in the browser as well as Boxcryptor drive. Thus, clearly, Boxcryptor is the winner over here.
- Price Model and the Account System
You don’t need to create an account for Cryptomator. All you need to do is to download and start using it. It is free-to-use software, but you must pay for the mobile version. Even from the website of Cryptomator, you can donate to them, but it is optional. The features will be free, but the donated ones will get the luxury of enjoying the recent introductions.
Whereas for Boxcryptor, you need to create an account. You will get a free-charge of options, but there is a limit. The limit is up to 1 cloud storage service and 2 devices. To get the fullest potential, you need to subscribe to the Freemium pricing model. It costs $48/year for personal use, and for business, it cost $96/year. Thus, Cryptomator is the true winner.
Conclusion…
So this was all about the comparison between Cryptomator vs. Boxcryptor. All the information is properly explained so that you don’t face any problems making a decision. Also, for Cryptomator, the available languages are English, German, Dutch, Russian, and Chinese. For Boxcryptor, the languages are English, German, Russian, French, Italian, and Spanish.