Hide or Password-Protect Files and Folders with Free Utilities

Hide or Password-Protect Files and Folders with Free Utilities available!

• TrueCrypt : The strongest and most bulletproof consumer encryption tool out there is the free, cross-platform, open source TrueCrypt .The ultimate freeware encryption program, TrueCrypt is loaded with powerful features that users concerned with protecting data from prying eyes will find robust and comprehensive.
• 7-Zip: Primarily an archiving, zip utility, the free 7-Zip offers a handy feature for the privacy-minded: the ability to password an archive you create with it. Keep in mind that others can browse file and folder name listings in passworded archives, but the password is required to extract them.
• KeePass: To secure a list of passwords or software serial numbers, look no further than KeePass Password Safe, an encrypted database that will lock up your sensitive logins tight as a drum. A lesser-known KeePass feature lets you attach files to database entries, which means you can also use it to lock up data as well (though this works best for files associated with various KeePass entries).
• My LockBox : It won't stop someone from finding your files by booting up a Linux live CD, for example, but for a simple way to assign a password to a folder, My LockBox gets the job done.
• Free Hide Folder 2.0 : Similar to My Lockbox in that it's low-level protection, Free Hide Folder does a bit more than just checking off the "Hidden" box in Windows' file Properties dialog.
• fSekrit : Turn your secret plain text file into a password-protected .exe file with fSekrit, which is small enough to fit snugly on your USB thumb drive.
• Folder Lock (look on CNET) : Snoopers can't find or access the files you hide using Folder Lock, even in DOS or under other operating systems. This application provides two levels of protection: you can merely lock files and folders, or you can encrypt them using the 256-bit Blowfish algorithm. When you boot up the program, it'll ask you for a master password. Hitting the Browse link locates and lock folders anywhere on your computer, or you can simply secure them via the context menu. Encryption is limited in the free version to 25 MB.
  
• Many more, such as Lock and Hide Folder often come with a high price or their trial versions have serious limitations.