Random ideas that we jot down in notepads whether it’s your shopping list, creative inspiration for a side project, or your innermost feelings, there are likely things you write that you want to keep private. While a paper notepad locked in your desk drawer may seem secure, what about all those digital notes stored on your devices and in the cloud? The convenience comes at a cost though – your notes stored digitally are vulnerable. Whether it’s a tech-savvy sibling snooping on your phone or a data breach at an online service, privacy risks abound.
Password-protected online notepad
A strong master password means only you access your notes. No snooping family members, co-workers, or unsavoury hackers easily break in and read your private scribblings. Secure online notepads allow access to your notes from all your devices with an internet connection. Your notes seamlessly sync via the cloud so you write from your laptop, edit from your phone, and pick back up on your tablet.
An online service keeps your notes safely backed up in the cloud. So if you lose a device or have hardware failure, you won’t lose all your notes. Reputable services encrypt your notes end-to-end during storage and transit using industry-standard protocols like AES-256-bit encryption. This turns your notes into indecipherable gibberish for prying eyes.
Choosing a password-protected notepad service
The surge in hacking scandals and data breaches means you have to carefully evaluate online services securing your data. When researching and choosing a password-protected online notepad, look for these key features:
- Zero knowledge encryption – This means only you have the encryption key to unlock your notes data. Even the service provider can’t access your notes. This prevents company insiders from reading your notes.
- Two-factor authentication – The notes online is the best place for online note service should offer an optional second layer of login security beyond your master password. Options include SMS codes, TOTP authenticator apps, security keys, etc.
- Custom encryption keys – For ultimate security, the ability to customize your encryption key rather than use a system default key. This thwarts brute force attacks.
- Data breach history – Research the service provider’s historical track record regarding breaches. Several major tech companies have fallen victim recently. Use tools like HaveIBeenPwned to check.
- Import/export ability – To prevent vendor lock-in, choose a service that allows you to export an unencrypted copy of your notes just in case you ever want to switch.
Top password-protected online notepad options
Based on the above criteria, here are some top-rated services to securely store your private notes:
- Standard notes – Our top choice due to our focus on privacy, encryption, and open-source transparency. Notes encrypt end-to-end with optional self-hosted sync. Add rich formatting with Markdown support. Free and paid plans are available.
- Joplin – Another open-source option with end-to-end encryption. Support for syncing notes across devices. Seamless import from Evernote. Desktop, mobile, and terminal apps. Completely free.
- Boostnote – Open source note editor focused on programmers. Notes are encrypted locally before syncing. Active development community. Markdown editing with code snippet support. 100% free.
- Simplenote – Encrypted note backup and sync. The simplistic interface is popular with writers. Owned by Automattic/WordPress which values privacy. Free version available.
- Secure notes – As the name suggests, rigorous encryption and privacy protection. Utilizes crypto erasure for forgotten passwords. User-friendly design. Several paid subscription plans.
