NordLocker
2.99/Month
Pros:
- Cloud Storage Available
- Unlimited End to End Encryption
- Darg and Drop Support
- Sync Files Across Devices
- Protect files in Web Browser
If you’ve got files that you’d like to secure and keep away from hackers and third-parties, this piece is for you.
No technical skills or previous expertise is required. It’s probably one of the easiest solutions when it comes to encrypting files.
In this NordLocker review we’ll see how good/bad the tool actually is. Given that it’s a product from NordVPN, sure I’ve a ton of expectations. However, let’s see what it offers eh?
And yes, it’s 100% free. Like most other software reviews we do, you do not need to spend money to try it out. In fact, its free plan is free forever and is just as secure as its paid plans.
Let’s check if it is or isn’t worth your time then?
What is NordLocker?
NordLocker is a secure & encrypted cloud + local vault. If you’ve got a file you’d like to store either on the cloud or on your system securely; NordLocker does it. You can then access these files from nearly any device that has internet.
Now, there are a few features which make NordLocker more secure and better than its alternatives.
Its primary features include:
- Download free.
- 100% free forever
- End-to-End encryption (no third-party can access your data)
- Panama based (No govt. can easily subpoena your files)
- Drag & Drop Interface
- Both web-based and downloadable versions exist
- Local (on your system) encryption possible (unlimited storage)
- Multiple 2-factor authentication modes: Fingerprint/face/OTPs etc.
- Recovery codes
Let’s continue on this NordLocker review so you understand it better.
NordLocker – Tested & Verified Privacy from Panama
When NordLocker came out, I installed it immediately. No research whatsoever. That’s because of the trust NordVPN has built over the past decade. NordVPN is the parent company that built NordLocker.
NordVPN is one of the very few VPNs that got its no log policy publicly and independently audited. It’s arguably the most trusted VPN on the planet!
Then, the entire company is based in Panama. Meaning, even if the U.S/U.K or any other such intrusive governments wanted to look into your files, NordLocker won’t let them.
End-to-End Encryption (Zero Knowledge)
This is probably the biggest reason you should go with NordLocker. It’s End-to-End encrypted.
The data is basically encrypted on your side before it’s sent to the NordLocker server.
That means, NordLocker can’t access your files even if it wanted to, or was forced to. Everything that you store is encrypted end to end.
Meaning, the only person capable of unlocking/accessing that file is you. It’s technically impossible for NordLocker or anyone else to look into your files.
This is also known as Zero knowledge encryption, I’m sure you can guess why.
Extremely Easy to Use: Drag & Drop/No Downloads Required
To use NordLocker, you do not need to download anything. All you need is a browser and you’re good to go.
Not sure if encryption is something you can do? Well, can you Drag & drop files? If you can, you’re already overqualified for NordLocker.
In other words, all you need to do is drag and drop the file you wish to encrypt onto NordLocker.
This also helps saves hard disk space and resources as there’s no software installed eating up your resources.
Local Encryption (no cloud/uploads) – Unlimited Storage
Obviously, if you store files on the cloud you’ll need internet and there will be a limit.
Maybe you just wish a secure storage for your files but not remote/cloud access? In that case, NordLocker offers UNLIMITED storage!
You can use NordLocker to store files on your computer just like a folder locker.
Obviously in this case you’d need to download NordLocker on your system. However, the program is extremely lightweight so it’s a decent resources: security trade-off. .
NordLocker can be downloaded for Windows, macOS, Android as well as iOS.
No File-Type Restriction, Encrypt Anything
Do you wish to encrypt a photo? A text/document maybe? Probably it’s a video you’d like to store on the cloud?
Well, NordLocker has absolutely no restrictions as to what you can encrypt. In fact, it even lets you encrypt entire folders and not just “files”.
2-Factor Authentication
So, accessing your files on NordLocker requires your username and password. So, if someone gains access to your username & password your files are obviously compromised.
That’s where 2-FA comes to your rescue.
NordLocker supports about half a dozen 2-FA options. 2-FA basically adds a secondary authentication requirement to access your files. In other words, simply your username+ password wouldn’t be enough to gain access to your files.
The following options are currently available:
- Bluetooth connection: You can add a device via Bluetooth. This guarantees physical authentication. Only when the device (g. your mobile) is close to the system that’s trying to access your files will the files be accessible.
- Fingerprint & face recognition: Just like your phones, you can add face/fingerprint authentication to your NordLocker login as well.
- Third-party authenticator apps: There are many ways which display a random code at all times. You must access that app, check the code that’s being displayed and enter it onto NordLocker to gain access. Currently NordLocker supports Google Authenticator, Authy and Duo.
- SMS: The most traditional mode of authentication? You receive an OTP on your phone.
- Hardware authentication: This would require you to plug in a physical hardware device to access your NordLocker account.
In a nutshell? I’d say if you set it right, no one’s touching your files, period.
Recovery Codes
NordLocker is the only app I’ve seen that offers recovery codes.
So, in case you lose your 2-FA device there’s no way Nord can officially recover your files. As mentioned earlier on this NordLocker review, it’s impossible.
However, there must be a failsafe, right?
Fortunately, there is. You get a 10-digit recovery code. It’s similar to the mnemonic code you get when setting up a Bitcoin hardware wallet.
In simple words, you get 10 random words that are unique to your 2-FA device. You must save them somewhere offline and secure. Note that they must be in the exact order as they’re displayed.
If you lose your recovery device, your files can be recovered using this 10-digit code.
I’m sure you got a few doubts. How does this work if Nord can’t access your files, right?
Well, the 10-digit code too is generated on your side without Nord knowing what it is. it is attached to your specific recovery device. In other words, it’s like a master key that only you have access to.
NordLocker Pricing Plans [Hint: It’s free]
How much would NordLocker set you back? Nothing!
NordLocker is a 100% free up to 3 GB. No credit card required! You can sign up right now and begin encrypting files. The free plan offers exactly the same security and encryption that the paid plans do.
If you need more storage, you can go with one of the following plans:
There’s even a 30-day refund policy. This is massive as the company is already offering a 100% free, fully-featured plan. However, even if you go with a paid plan and decide it’s not for you, you get a full refund within 30 days!
Business Plan
While I personally use its Individual plans (the ones mentioned above), it does have a business plan well.
If you’re a small business, startup or even a college group, this may suite you better. You get a few additional features on the business plan.
For starters, there’s private sharing. You can share your files with others without having to use a third-party and likely less secure platform.
You also get an admin panel that lets you control files and users.
Obviously this is the more expensive package. You pay $8.99/month for 500 GB or $14.99/month for 2TB.
Anonymous Payments/No Data Required
So, the entire “Nord” company is literally built around privacy & anonymity.
Parallel to the same, you can pay for your NordLocker using Credit cards, other traditional payment modes or even Cryptocurrencies!
Even when signing up, you only need an email account. You can easily create an anonymous e-mail account and use that for NordLocker.
Final Words About NordLocker Review
So, do I think NordLocker is the best file encryption and cloud storage solution on the planet? Sure. In my personal opinion it sure is.
It ticks all the right boxes. There’s E2E encryption, great jurisdiction, and 5th graders can use it with ease. The additional security features such as 2-FA & the recovery codes make things even sweet.
There are no device restrictions either. You can pretty much use it on any OS and device out there.
Even on the finance front, there’s a forever free plan and then a 30-day refund policy. Great, right?
There aren’t many flaws I could come up with. So yes, I’d sign off this NordLocker review with 5/5 ratings to the app. But hey, go try it out.
