Securing File on Cloud Computing System using Encryption Software: A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The need for an efficient, secure, accurate, reliable way of securing user information arises as individuals and organizations increase their dependency on cloud computing. Data encryption is very important nowadays due to increasing in data theft not only on cloud platform but also on user's computer. For this study, 3 different Open Source encryption software's (7-zip, B1 Free Archiver and Axcrypt) were tested for their encryption type, usability, advantages, accessibility and others, all of which were found to be using AES 256-bit Algorithm for encryption due to its reliability. 7 zip is the most preferred encryption program due to its wide availability, light weight, faster encryption and better compression ratio. To ensure the security of information, encryption of sensitive data not only to be uploaded to the cloud but also on user’s computer becomes necessary.