What is AlertSec?

Updated

AlertSec is a software-as-a-service (SaaS) security platform that encrypts Windows 10 and 11 computers using Microsoft BitLocker. It is aimed at individuals and small businesses that want full-disk encryption without managing BitLocker themselves, and it adds compliance documentation and support options on top of the underlying Microsoft technology. The core service is free for personal use on one device; paid tiers add compliance certificates, monthly reports, and 24/7 technical support.

How AlertSec works

AlertSec does not replace BitLocker — it activates and manages it. According to the site, the service is "powered by Microsoft BitLocker," and the activation process is designed to take minutes. Once encryption is active, AlertSec states you will not notice any difference in day-to-day use.

Two things happen behind the scenes:

  • Everything on the drive is encrypted. AlertSec says this covers credit card information, Social Security numbers, passwords, photos, and files in applications such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, and Gmail. It specifically notes that login credentials to cloud applications are protected.
  • Recovery keys are stored for you. BitLocker recovery keys are needed if the computer has a hardware problem. AlertSec stores them securely at no cost, and you can retrieve them through your web account.

If the computer is lost or stolen, the encrypted contents are unreadable without the recovery key.

What you get at each tier

The sign-up page lists three options. Prices below are as stated on the site.

Plan Price Devices Key features
Basic Free 1 BitLocker installation, secure recovery key storage, audit
Premium $4.95/month Up to 2 Everything in Basic, plus Compliance Certificate for security audits and monthly compliance reports
Assisted $9.95/month, paid annually Up to 3 Everything in Premium, plus data recovery assistance and 24/7 technical support

The site describes Basic as "for personal use" and Premium as "for agents/brokers/self-employed." The Assisted tier is positioned as managed service with a helpdesk.

Who it is for

AlertSec fits two main situations:

You want encryption without the setup work. BitLocker is built into Windows, but enabling it, backing up recovery keys, and retrieving them later can be fiddly. AlertSec handles installation and key storage, and lets you add or delete computers, retrieve recovery keys, and change your service package from a web account.

You need to prove your device is encrypted. The site emphasizes that "it's important to be able to prove that your computer is secure in case it is lost or stolen." The Premium and Assisted plans provide a Compliance Certificate and monthly compliance reports to back up that claim. The site lists HIPAA, 23 NYCRR 500, SOX, and GDPR under compliance.

System requirements and limitations

  • Operating system: Windows 10 and 11, both Home and Pro versions. This matters because BitLocker's full feature set is normally associated with Pro editions; AlertSec states it supports Home as well.
  • Device count: The free tier covers one device. Premium covers up to two, Assisted up to three. If you need more, the site does not state an option beyond these tiers.
  • Support: 24/7 technical support and proof of encryption are described as available "for a fee," which corresponds to the paid plans.
  • Pricing terms: Premium is listed at $4.95/month; Assisted at $9.95/month paid annually. The site does not state whether Premium is billed monthly or annually, so confirm at sign-up.

How to get started

  1. Go to the sign-up page and choose Basic, Premium, or Assisted.
  2. Create your account and add the computer you want encrypted.
  3. Run the BitLocker activation — the site says this takes minutes.
  4. Confirm your recovery key is stored in your AlertSec web account.
  5. If you chose a paid plan, download your Compliance Certificate and set up monthly compliance reports.

The expected result is a fully encrypted Windows device with recovery keys accessible online, and — on paid plans — documentation you can show during a security audit.

Common questions

Is it really free? The Basic tier is free for personal use on one device, including recovery key storage. Compliance certificates, monthly reports, and 24/7 support require a paid plan.

Does it work on Windows Home? Yes, the site states support for both Home and Pro versions of Windows 10 and 11.

What happens if my hardware fails? You retrieve your BitLocker recovery key from your AlertSec web account. On the Assisted plan, data recovery assistance is also included.

Can I manage multiple computers? Yes, through your web account, up to the device limit of your plan.