TLDR
Looking for encrypted task management? The best options in 2025 prioritize end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture. Worklist leads with ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption where even the company can't read your data—ideal for legal, healthcare, and teams with sensitive projects. Notion, Trello, and ClickUp offer encryption at rest but their servers can access your content. For true privacy, zero-knowledge is non-negotiable.
Our Top Picks
Worklist
True zero-knowledge architecture. ChaCha20-Poly1305 encryption. Even we can't see your data.
Notion
Feature-rich workspace. Encryption at rest. Server-side data access.
Trello
Simple kanban boards. Generous free tier. Standard security.
Security Feature Comparison
| Feature | Worklist | Notion | Trello | ClickUp |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| End-to-End Encryption | ||||
| Zero-Knowledge | ||||
| GDPR Compliant | ||||
| HIPAA Ready | ||||
| Company Can Access Data | ||||
| Data Used for AI Training | ||||
| Starting Price | $12/seat/mo | $10/seat/mo | Free - $10/mo | $7/seat/mo |
* Table reflects publicly available information as of December 19, 2025. Verify current features with each provider.
How to Choose the Right Tool
Do you handle sensitive or regulated data?
If you work with client data, healthcare information, legal documents, trade secrets, or financial data, choose a tool with true end-to-end encryption. "Encryption at rest" is not enough—the company can still access your data.
What are your compliance requirements?
HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR have different encryption requirements. HIPAA's technical safeguards are best met with zero-knowledge encryption. Always verify the provider offers a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) if handling PHI.
How large is your team?
Larger teams may prioritize features over security. Smaller teams handling sensitive data should prioritize privacy. Consider whether you need enterprise SSO, audit logs, and admin controls.
Do you want AI features?
AI-powered search, summaries, and suggestions require server-side access to your data. If privacy is paramount, avoid tools that offer these features or verify they process data locally.
What's your budget?
Security often comes at a premium. Free tools typically monetize through ads, AI training, or feature upsells. Paid tools with strong encryption may cost more but protect your data investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between end-to-end encryption and encryption at rest?
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) means your data is encrypted on your device before it ever reaches the server. Only you (and people you explicitly share with) can decrypt it. Encryption at rest means data is encrypted on the server's hard drives, but the company still has the keys to decrypt it. With E2EE, even the company cannot read your data. With encryption at rest, the company can access your data.
Is Notion encrypted?
Notion uses encryption at rest and in transit, meaning data is encrypted on their servers and during transmission. However, Notion employees can technically access your content because they hold the decryption keys. Notion is not end-to-end encrypted and does not offer zero-knowledge architecture.
Which task manager is HIPAA compliant?
For true HIPAA compliance with Protected Health Information (PHI), you need a task manager with strong encryption and a Business Associate Agreement (BAA). Worklist's zero-knowledge encryption exceeds HIPAA technical safeguard requirements because PHI is encrypted before reaching servers. Always verify current compliance status and sign a BAA with your chosen provider.
What is zero-knowledge architecture?
Zero-knowledge architecture means the service provider has no ability to access or decrypt your data. Your encryption keys are derived from your password on your device—the company never sees them. Even if the company's servers are breached, your data remains encrypted and unreadable. This is the highest standard of data privacy.
Can I trust project management tools with sensitive business data?
It depends on the tool's security architecture. Traditional tools like Notion, Asana, and Monday.com can access your data—which means their employees, AI features, or a data breach could expose your information. For sensitive data (trade secrets, legal matters, healthcare), choose a tool with end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge architecture like Worklist.
Do AI features in task managers compromise security?
Yes, if the tool uses server-side AI. Features like AI summaries, search, or suggestions require the server to access your plaintext data. This is impossible with true end-to-end encryption. Some tools train AI on user data. If privacy is critical, choose a tool that processes AI locally or doesn't offer server-side AI features.
References & Standards
- RFC 8439: ChaCha20 and Poly1305 for IETF Protocols — IETF cryptographic standard
- NIST SP 800-175B: Guideline for Using Cryptographic Standards — NIST encryption guidelines
- HHS HIPAA Security Rule Guidance — HIPAA technical safeguards
- GDPR Article 32: Security of Processing — GDPR encryption requirements
- RFC 9497: OPAQUE Asymmetric PAKE Protocol — Zero-knowledge authentication standard
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