To clarify:

(1) 'The program is available for $19.95' but free today. No, it isn't. Today's is a $10 giveaway of half the duration of that $19.95 license;

(2) It's half the duration because iObit doesn't actually 'Protected Folder' but merely rents it out. The $19.95 license must be renewed annually if a user wishes this software to keep on working;

(3) Recurring licenses are typical of anti-malware specialists which need to meet cost overheads incurred by the constant updating of their signature base. iObit incurs no similar overhead because it needs to do no such updating. Today's version 1.3 is identical to the version here on GOTD on November 4 last year;

(4) Protected Folder is, self-evidently, a Windows app. Which means it starts when Windows starts. Which means if a computer is booted in Safe Mode so that only essential system files are loaded, Protected Folder isn't loaded at all. So it can't protect, still less make anything invisible, at all.

Verdict: 'Protected Folder' is typical iObit rentalware for which no reason exists other than blatant commercial greed. It is trounced by existing security freeware and its claimed 'invisibility' instantly defeated by Safe Mode. As far as cost and usefulness go, a chocolate ashtray is therefore a better and cheaper investment because the price isn't annually recurring.

MikeR  –  5 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+90)

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MikeR,
Thank you for the clear explanation how useless iObit Protected Folder is.
In any case, iObit made it clear the Giveaway license is for 6 months.
Which for any locking software is nonsensical. Since it makes the user a hostage.
He has to keep paying periodically to access his locked away data.

MikeR, Thank you for the clear explanation how useless iObit Protected Folder is. In any case, iObit made it clear the Giveaway license is for 6 months. Which for any locking software is nonsensical. Since it makes the user a hostage. He has to keep paying periodically to access his locked away data.
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ricohflex  –  5 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+31)

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“Privacy Protection
…, the only way to access these files is with your password.”
Above quota pretends, your data is safe. Oh, that sound great!
… But as with all those tools it took me just a few seconds to find out how it works and how to access the data inside the “protected” folders:
As they use a “filter driver” (sic…), the easiest way is/was to restart the machine in protected mode or via a Windows PE.
Et voila: Folder and its files could be accessed at once – without any restrictions;
– the folder exists in the same place
– and with its original name, too!

Why?
– because the “filter driver” IS NOT LOADED (not present) in protected mode or while starting up any machine through an independent operating system (including Windows PE builds).

Conclusion
- This, too is just a light weight solution for quickly “hiding” contents – no more no less.
- last but not least 6 month-only -license?...
- Decide your own if this fits your needs…

WOSA  –  5 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+79)

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TK, the claims for this software have been false for years, right back to the time in 2006 when it was launched as freeware, and then changed to payware, and finally, to rentalware. This particular Chinese developer is well aware of the falsity of its claims but still tries it on in hope we're not (a) savvy or (b) Malwarebytes.

TK, the claims for this software have been false for years, right back to the time in 2006 when it was launched as freeware, and then changed to payware, and finally, to rentalware. This particular Chinese developer is well aware of the falsity of its claims but still tries it on in hope we're not (a) savvy or (b) Malwarebytes.
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MikeR  –  5 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+15)

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if you are using win10, create a virtual hard drive of whatever size needed, then use bitlocker to encrypt that drive. move to that drive all files you want to restrict access to, and to keep other pc users from seeing what is stored there, in the window, right click the drive, and eject it. when access is again needed, just click the virtual drive, input your password, and it is there to use. why use software that you must purchase and renew when microsoft has already provided you with secure tools to do just that?

walter  –  5 years ago  –  Vond je deze reactie nuttig? ja | nee (+37)

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