Hiding File / Folder Software

[Raheel99]

I know that File Encryption, Drive encryption and keeping files in encrypted container are much secure and reliable method but still there are many free/paid software which can hide files and folders. I have tried some in past and come to following conclusion.

One category of such software, which hide them by simply moving them into deep inside system folders or system volume folder. Fine for novice user but advance users can easily found them.

Some software use driver (.sys) file and make folders/files invisible, write protect, inaccessible etc. These protected object can be easily access in safe mode. Even using power tool like PC Hunter, these driver can be unloaded and all will be visible. Though unloading driver sometime cause BSOD.

The one which I tried in past and forget its name, is using very unique method. It actually hide files by marking bad sector specifically related to these hidden file. These file can't be visible in safe mode and even if someone get harddrive. Scandisk and other disk utilities shows bad sector.

Kindly share your experience in this regard or know any other method used by software for hiding folder/files. This will help in some way that how malware can hide files.

 

[viktik]

This can hide it for free. It is very effective.

http://www.anvisoft.com/folder-locker.html

It does not encrypt the files. It just makes it inaccessible.

 

[BoraMurdar]

Wise Folder Hider (Free) is really good program for locking the specific folder, making it invisible and inaccessible
http://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-folder-hider-free.html

 

[ExoGen CyberSecurity]

The best way to do it is with encryption.

If you wanna use the Windows File Attributes, just use Attrib +h +s +r myfile to hide and Attrib -h -s -r myfile to make it visible.

 

[Raheel99]

This can hide it for free. It is very effective.

http://www.anvisoft.com/folder-locker.html

It does not encrypt the files. It just makes it inaccessible.

Thanks for link. I have downloaded and tested it. This program use C\Windows\System32\DRIVERS\AnviFPFltd.sys drive for hiding file/folder. Power tool's file tab shows hidden folder. If unload drive than all hidden files are immediately visible.

 

[Raheel99]

Wise Folder Hider (Free) is really good program for locking the specific folder, making it invisible and inaccessible
http://www.wisecleaner.com/wise-folder-hider-free.html

Thanks for link. This program uses no driver for hiding folder. Easily install inside sandboxie. After hiding folder, it change folder attribute, rename it to some non-alphanumeric character, copy hidden file inside it. I am using third party file manager with show hidden files on. Simply renaming folder will reveal everything hidden inside in it.

 

[BoraMurdar]

Thanks for link. This program uses no driver for hiding folder. Easily install inside sandboxie. After hiding folder, it change folder attribute, rename it to some non-alphanumeric character, copy hidden file inside it. I am using third party file manager with show hidden files on. Simply renaming folder will reveal everything hidden inside in it.

Then try with WinFolder Lock Pro. I cannot provide you with official download link as developer (JoshCellSoftwares) discontinued the program. I've used it in the past
http://www108.zippyshare.com/v/VVQ2W60o/file.html
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/...d858f05157b2303ff3d4e288/analysis/1474999728/

Features:

Full AES256 / ACL Replacement Kernel Protection technology, protecting the folders forever in the kernel
ACL Backup / Restore for all replacements
The folder is break in Copy / Move / Rename / Delete, the user can't copy or move the folder with contents, always get errors
Portable and friendly interface
Protected against virus attacks, if the computer is infected, the malicious application not can copy, send, or touch on the protected folder
Coded with the maximum protection features, to avoid any error in the functions, the application work is guaranteed, even when installed another operating system
Support spaces, and special characters in the password
Support all folders properties, including read only and hidden
Support External HDD's and Flash drives
Protected against the system folders lock
Support locked in locked folders
Faster password decoding
Instant lock / unlock
Low system resources usage
No external programs / services running every boot for protect the folder
ICACLS and TAKEOWN can't grant the permissions to access the folder by Kernel Protection
Compatible with all file systems

Understanding the Kernel Protection:
The application make an exclusive AES256 / ACL Replacement Protection on the HDD MAP, without touch on the files;
The fully protection, is provided by OS Kernel, an bootable repair CD can recover the files, because not loads one kernel own;
On the genuine kernel, the folder and data is protected forever, until someone unlock with an password by the same application.

 

[Raheel99]

Then try with WinFolder Lock Pro. I cannot provide you with official download link as developer (JoshCellSoftwares) discontinued the program. I've used it in the past
http://www108.zippyshare.com/v/VVQ2W60o/file.html
https://www.virustotal.com/en/file/...d858f05157b2303ff3d4e288/analysis/1474999728/

Thanks again for link and another tool. Program after hiding folder, remove sharing tab from protected folder properties and add user "everyone" setting permission to deny all. Explorer and other file manager shows access denied but power tool can still shows and access these file.

In my opinion, TrueCrypt or BestCrypt are better solution for protecting real personal data files.