NordLocker Overview: ​​Secure Your Files In A Private file Vault

Published & Fact Checked by
Published on:
Last Updated on December 1, 2022

Ai Disclaimer: We don't use AI for content or research in any way. All of the contents
are researched and written by (Human) our team.

» Home » Reviews » NordLocker Overview: ​​Secure Your Files In A Private file Vault
NordLocker Overview

Whether tech-savvy or not, you might have heard the word encryption. It’s the current golden standard of data protection. Encryption protects your online traffic from third parties whenever you browse an HTTPS website.

Nowadays, people use dozens of services that could benefit from reliable encryption. Cloud storage is one of them.

This article will overview NordLocker, a Cloud storage provider and encryption software with robust device-level security capabilities.

We will not compare it with similar software but dig deeper into its features, pros & cons. You can follow this link to read our other product reviews. Let’s dive in.


What is NordLocker?


NordLocker’s name may sound familiar to you. That’s because it comes from NordSecurity with their better-known product NordVPN. 

NordLocker is a relatively new player in encryption software, released at the end of 2019. The first version consisted of an essential core that hardly kept up with its older competitors. However, with the release of v2.0 and several additional features, it’s a solid contestant for the top spots.

NordLocker is primarily a Cloud storage encryption service. Keep in mind that they provide their Cloud without relying on third parties.

It will protect your data uploads and downloads and ensure its safety on a Cloud. We’ll get into the exact features later on.

NordLocker also offers unlimited device-level encryption (even on a version) in case your device gets stolen.


NordLocker Features


NordLocker is privacy-focused storage encryption software that lacks a few security features but excels in others.

1. end-to-end encryption

Firstly, it uses end-to-end encryption for its Cloud management. It means that uploaded files are accessible solely by the original user unless they share them. Not even NordLocker’s staff can access encrypted files

It protects from rogue employees and Cloud data leaks. It’s impressive that you can edit uploaded files in real-time.

NordLocker uses complex mathematical algorithms to allow editing without exposing files to their own employees and anybody else. It’s called zero-knowledge architecture and is an advanced privacy-protection feature.

However, NordLocker lacks secure deletion of unencrypted originals on the device. When you delete files, professional file-recovery services can restore them.

Let’s say you have private, important information you don’t want anybody to see. You encrypt it and delete the originals.

Many file encryption apps will offer to delete the files without the ability to restore them. NordLocker does not offer this function.

2. secure file sharing

Sharing passwords over chat or email is risky because they can be intercepted. That’s where NordLocker comes in – it provides secure file sharing.

Both parties will have to sign up for NordLocker services, but the receiving end can create a free account to decrypt shared files.

On the bright side, it’s quite easy, and the free version offers 3GB of private cloud storage space.

You don’t have to share your decryption password. Instead, you will add a user email if you want to share files with them. NordLocker will generate a secure link via which they can access the files. 

3. automatic Cloud backups

A significantly valuable feature is automatic Cloud backups. People should back up their data regularly, but mostly everybody forgets it. Think of it this way. Encrypting specific data holds a special value, and you want to keep it.

But even the most secure Cloud services can experience a data breach or a server going down.

NordLocker automatically backs up data whenever you upload it to their Cloud. If anything happens to the server, they will restore the data, and you will not lose anything you uploaded recently.

4. Available For All Popular OS

As expected, the app is available on the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS is coming soon. Cross-device compatibility and Cloud Sync guarantee secure access to the files wherever you go.

5. It Uses AES-256 and ECC

Lastly, NordLocker uses AES-256 and ECC for file encryption and the xChaCha20 encryption algorithm for key generation.

Google and Cloudflare use the latter for its innovative and efficient speed and protection features.

However, NordLocker lags behind regarding Multi-Factor-Authentication (MFA). Currently, it supports Google Authenticator, Authy, or Duo. We’d like to see a physical key and biometric authentication added in the near future.


pros & cons Of NordLocker


To summarize, here’s a list of NordLocker’s pros & cons.

Pros

  • End-to-end encryption;
  • Advanced encryption algorithms;
  • Automatic Cloud backups;
  • Cross-device compatibility;
  • Secure file sharing;
  • Free version.

Cons

  • Little MFA options;
  • No secure file deletion;
  • Limited customer support for free users.

How to Use NordLocker?


NordLocker excels in a minimalistic and intuitive design. You will find navigating easy even if you haven’t used similar software before.

Step 1st: Create An Account

Firstly, download and install the software. You will have to create a NordSecurity account that will be used for all NordSecurity products, including NordLocker. Create your username and password and log in.

NordLocker will ask you to create a second – master – password. This is for security purposes because you will use the master password for file encryption and decryption.

Two passwords are required to prevent unauthorized access to the locker if your first password gets compromised.

Step 2nd: Secure Your Files

NordLocker calls encrypted folders lockers. On the left side, you will see available lockers (it will create default lockers that you can change however you want.)

Simply drag and drop the files you want to be encrypted into a specific locker, and that’s it.

On the right side, you will see brief locker information, including locker size, which is advantageous for free version users.

Step 3rd: Share The Files

Sharing files takes only a few steps. Select the locker and click on the Share locker button.

Add the email address you want to share the files with. They will receive a secure link, and once they have NordLocker installed on the device will be able to decrypt and access files.

The process is straightforward, but behind it is a set of complex security functions to keep the operations safe.


NordLocker FAQs


What happens if I lose my master password?

Upon registration to NordLocker, you will receive a recovery key. You can use it to recover the master password if you lose it. However, if you lose both the master password and the recovery key, you will not be able to access encrypted files.

Why do I need a NordSecurity account?

The NordSecurity account manages all NordSecurity services and subscriptions. It is used to process your payments and verify account authenticity.

Is there any way to decrypt my files without the master password?

It’s nearly impossible. The theoretical possibility exists, but hacking NordLockers encryption would take years and require enormous resources.


Like This Post? Checkout More

Photo of author
Rahul Choudhary is a technology and troubleshooting expert. He gives his expert opinion on different technology trends and provides troubleshooting guides for different apps, websites, & consumer hardware products. He graduated in BA English Honours from the University Of Delhi, and later he learned HTML and WordPress. He also did a certificate course in Hardware and Network Troubleshooting , and a certificate course in Computer Architecture.