The 9 Best Encrypted Collaboration Tools You Need to Use
Online collaboration tools make it possible to work with people across the globe. They also enable you to work entirely remotely.
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Why Do You Need Encrypted Tools for Collaboration?
The primary focus of collaboration tools should be seamless interaction and reliable synchronism. But as we work with complex data and sensitive information, the security of the platform is not something you can ignore. For instance, if you have a document that can make or break a company, would you work on it on a secure platform or prefer a service with more fancy features?
The answer is obvious.
Encrypted collaboration tools add an extra layer of security, so you can have peace of mind while working on something with your team or anyone else across the world.
The focus should be on tools that offerend-to-end encryption, so you get enhanced privacy for your data. End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and other collaborators get to access the data; no one else.
1. Encrypted Email Service: Proton Mail
Proton Mailis a popular encrypted email service that allows you to create an account for free and provides premium options per your requirements.
It is an open-source platform offering end-to-end encryption, so even Proton Mail cannot read the contents of your messages. Note that your recipient must also use an encrypted email service to make the most out of it. You might expose your information if the recipient’s inbox is not encrypted.
Moreover, you can opt for Proton’s other services to ensure secure collaboration, like its VPN and storage platform. In fact, there are multiplereasons to try Proton Mail. But if you want an alternative to it, you can tryTutanota.
2. Secure Cloud Storage: Mega
Megais a cloud storage platform notable for its end-to-end encryption feature by default—and at no extra cost.
It has a good privacy policy, and the data is only accessible to you. Additionally, it offers a pleasing desktop app and storage services for enterprise requirements. The account password is the encryption key to your data. While you enjoy the privacy benefits, you must keep your master password safe to be able to access your account.
Mega also integrates certain features like chat, which can be helpful for collaboration when sharing files. As an alternative to it, you can take a look atTresoritor othersecure cloud storage services.
3. Secure Note-Taking App: Standard Notes
Most of the popular note-taking services do not offer end-to-end encryption.Standard Notesprovides you that by default, for free.
It supports both mobile and desktop platforms, and you can sync your data for free. But if you need additional secure storage space, a one-year revision history, and rich formatting support, you must take out a subscription.
Standard Notes features a simple user interface that everyone will find easy to use.
4. Secure Video Conferencing: Wire
Wireis an interesting secure collaboration platform that lets you communicate and share files. It can act as an all-in-one tool collaboration tool. However, it is also one of the few options providing end-to-end video call encryption by default. As a bonus, it is an open-source project.
For some users,Zoom’s free plan could be a better option if you want more users to join for free. But, with Zoom, you need to manually enable the end-to-end encryption feature before starting a meeting, where some features get disabled.
5. File Sharing App: OnionShare
OnionShareis a peer-to-peer file-sharing tool that allows you to transfer files using the Tor network securely.
The app is open-source, and you should get an enhanced level of privacy with a peer-to-peer connection compared to cloud file-sharing services.
If you experience slow transfer speeds with OnionShare, you’re able to look atother tools to share files with anyone securely.
6. Secure Instant Messenger: Signal
Signalis one of the most secure alternatives to WhatsApp. It features end-to-end encryption and various privacy protection options to provide a safe messaging experience. It is probably theultimate secure messaging app.
Signal is also open-source, so many organizations and individuals prefer using it.
7. Secure Communication Tool: Element
Whether you want to communicate using the desktop or over the phone, if you are looking for a secure Slack alternative,Elementis a good pick. By default, it uses end-to-end encryption, with several other useful security features.
In addition, Element is a decentralized application that respects your privacy. it’s possible to create an account without a phone number to communicate privately.
8. Secure Document Service: CryptPad
Options like Google Docs may not be suitable for handling documents that deal with sensitive information.
CryptPadis an open-source, end-to-end encrypted document collaboration suite. It is free to get started, and you get 1GB of space for documents for free. CryptPad allows you to create spreadsheets, Word documents, kanban, code files, forms, whiteboards, and markdown slides.
This handy platform supports real-time editing, so you get a quick collaboration experience while keeping security in mind. You may not find all kinds of functionalities like Google Docs to make document creation a breeze, but it should be a helpful option for many.
If you need to prioritize support and extra storage space, it’s possible to opt for its subscription plans.
9. Password Manager: Bitwarden
It is essential to secure your account credentials within an organization—Bitwarden, an excellent secure open-source password manager, is the right tool for this job. You get all the essentials for sharing passwords with your team.
The service, like other password managers, stores all your login credentials in a storage vault. You just need to remember one master password to gain entry. As an alternative, you could try1Password.
Collaborate Securely With These Tools
Collaboration needs to be secure and seamless at the same time. All the above tools should give you increased data protection without compromising the user experience.
It is worth noting that security-oriented tools like these may not offer all the features you expect compared to commercially more popular alternatives. Evaluate your requirements and choose the best platforms that suit you and your collaborators.
Evernote doesn’t encrypt and secure your notes by default. If you’re looking for an encrypted notes app, try these alternatives.
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