east-tec SafeBit 2 Review

good
key review info
application features
  • Create password-protected safes
  • (5 more, see all...)

Most of us have fantasized about those safes hidden behind the big portrait in the middle of the wall and, to be completely honest, some of us still do.

With the same security concept in mind, east-tec SafeBit is a software application that creates digital safes (or vaults), encrypts them with passwords, and lets users perform file operations within, just like working with regular drives in Windows Explorer. It features support for safe backups, read-only mode and hotkeys, among others.

NOTE: east-tec SafeBit was tested on Windows 8.1 Pro 64-bit.

The trial edition runs for 15 days and does not impose any restrictions. After it expires, users may purchase the full package for $39.95 / €33.01.

The setup operation takes little time and effort. However, a system reboot is needed to finalize it.

Safes can be easily created and mounted using a simple wizard. A new safe requires a name, optional description, and password. The key can be saved to a removable storage unit to keep it protected from unauthorized users. SafeBit also provides a virtual keyboard for typing and confirming the password, in case keyloggers have comprised the system (or if there are any suspicions regarding this matter).

The container name and location have to be pointed out for the encrypted file in the next wizard step (.safe format, similar to a disk image), along with the allocated size, and assigned drive letter. It is also possible to hide the safe properties from the main window, which is practical when sharing the PC with other users, as well as to make it automatically open at Windows startup. To add an extra layer of security, the safe's file can be saved to a USB flash disk. This means that the device must be plugged into the computer to open the vault.

The new empty safe is immediately built, and its properties are shown in the main window (if the hidden option was previously disabled). These show the name, status, letter, size and last opened date. In the closed state, the vault is invisible in the file manager. Once the key is applied, its contents can be opened by double-clicking the corresponding entry in the main frame. From this point on, users can treat the safe just like any other drive, with the difference being that once they finish all file operations, they can close the vault and hide it from plain sight.

Selected safes or all of them can be closed with the click of a button instantly, since this step does not require users to input the secret key again. This is necessary for destroying any selected vaults, though; SafeBit removes the vault file along with the drive and all containing items. The user is again prompted for the password when viewing properties and making any modifications.

The utility provides a wide range of safe options to ensure vault security, which are available on the left side of the main menu, as well as in the context menu of the safe list. It lets users perform basic operations like changing the name, description, password, drive letter, dimension (existing safes can be resized up to 4GB), and container file location, as well as to assign read-only attributes (just like in Windows Explorer, where users are denied editing privileges). A backup feature is available as well. Copies of closed vaults can be created and saved to any location on the disk, in case something happens to the original files.

As far as program options are concerned, SafeBit can be set to automatically run at system startup, hide drives in Windows Explorer after opening them, and to hide the tray icon. Additionally, users may reconfigure hotkeys for opening the safe list and closing all safes, as well as modify the default timeout time for inactivity (with or without using force).

The Good

SafeBit is compatible with all Windows editions from XP to 8/8.1 (32- and 64-bit). It contains thorough help documentation and displays useful hints throughout the interface. Hotkeys are supported, while CPU and RAM usage is low.

The app is very simple to configure, even if users have little or no previous experience with encryption software. It is possible to create as many safes as needed and save them to any location on the hard disk, CDs and DVDs (in read-only mode), removable devices or network locations (e.g. when sharing a vault with someone else). They can be backed up, resized, moved to other locations, viewed in read-only mode, and destroyed easily.

Passwords can be saved to external devices. The virtual keyboard comes in handy when protecting the system from suspicious keyloggers.

The Bad

The app failed in its attempt to create a safe in the root directory of Windows (C:). The task was marked as a success and the vault made visible in the main frame, but the file was not created. It popped up an error when trying to open it, but we had no problems with its removal.

We experienced some issues after saving a vault file to a pen drive. SafeBit refused to run and popped up some errors instead, but we finally got it to work without reinstalling the utility or restarting Windows.

It does not permit users to create backups in the same location as the original safe file. Although this is understandable, SafeBit pops up an error and does not specify the cause, nor signal an alert beforehand.

The container file has the same size as the one allocated to the vault (explained by SafeBit in the “Properties” section). This can mean trouble when managing disk space if, for example, you were to create a 10GB vault (automatically resulting in additional 10GB).

Power users will likely miss advanced features, like the ones provided by TrueCrypt, for example.

The Truth

In a nutshell, east-tec SafeBit is a very intuitive application for keeping sensitive information private by locking it away in encrypted vaults, and it particularly comes in handy to beginner users. However, it is a little rough around the edges. With a little luck and some work, it can become top-notch.

NOTE: Softpedia and east-tec are giving away unlimited license keys for east-tec SafeBit 2. One key works on 1 PC, has a 1-year availability, and must be activated within 7 days. All you have to do is access this landing page and fill out some information. The Easter promo expires on Monday, April 21 at 15:00 UTC (8:00 a.m. PDT/PST), so make sure to claim it by then.

UPDATE: Giveaway over.

user interface 3
features 3
ease of use 5
pricing / value 2


final rating 3
Editor's review
good
 
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