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Introduction
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Encryption is the process of encoding information so that it cannot be accessed by others unless they have the encoding key. Encryption is normally used to protect highly sensitive documents, but it's a good way to stop people from looking at your personal stuff. Cautionary Notes:
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Discussion
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TrueCrypt is seasoned, open-source software. It's a powerful, flexible and highly-effective encryption program. TrueCrypt can encrypt files, folders or entire drives. It uses "volumes" to contain the encrypted data. Each volume contains its own file system. You mount the volume as a system drive that has its own drive letter. Then you read, change or add to the encrypted content of the volume. I have used TrueCrypt for years, and I have the utmost confidence in it's ability to protect sensitive information. It's one of those freeware programs that is far superior to commercial software. SafeHouse is a commercial program that is very similar to TrueCrypt. I used it for several years before switching to TrueCrypt. SafeHouse Explorer is a smaller, simpler, free program that PC Dynamics released in 2009. It's can be used as a portable program, and is small enough to use on a USB flash memory drive. SafeHouse Explorer is easy to use, but it has a flaw that could leave your data exposed. The SafeHouse Explore interface is a pseudo Windows Explorer window, with a few encryption functions included. The problem is, you cannot create files directly in the interface. That forces you to create unencrypted files outside the volume, and then copy them to the volume. Of course those unencrypted files still reside on your hard drive. There is a "Secure Delete" function to securely delete external files, but you need to remember to always do that. Fortunately, there's a way around that security hole. If you open a real Windows Explorer window after opening a volume in SafeHouse Explore, you'll find a SAFEHOUSE drive listed there. You can work within that encrypted window -- create files, delete files, edit files, etc. -- just like you would in any other drive. There will be only one copy of your files, and they will never be stored in unencrypted form. If you're careful how you use SafeHouse Explorer, it's a safe, simple program. AxCrypt provides secure AES-128 encryption of single files using passwords or key-files, which AxCrypt can also generate. Usage is wonderfully simple. To encrypt a file or folder, just right-click it and select "encrypt.". Double-clicking an encrypted file lets you edit or view it with the program of your choice. Closing an open file automatically re-encrypts the file. Self-decrypting files are also supported, removing the need to install AxCrypt to decrypt. dsCrypt works with multiple files. Here's what the website says: "dsCrypt is AES/Rijndael file encryption software with simple, multi-file, drag-and-drop operations. It features optimal implementation, performance and safety measures. dsCrypt uses an advanced encryption algorithm and offers unique options for enhanced security." The dsCrypt program is tiny, easy to use, and employs proven encryption techniques. |
Rohos Mini Drive creates a hidden, encrypted partition on USB flash drives. You work with the files on the hidden partition without opening a special program.
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6.3 
Open Source Freeware (includes program code) 
Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/7; Mac OS X; Linux
Portable version available
This software category is maintained by volunteer editor philip
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Anyone ever used Keyscrambler http://www.qfxsoftware.com/ ?
The free version offers encryption for key-strokes only on browsers.
Back in December I was looking for an encryption program for Win 7 64 bit AND 32 bit all Window platforms that was equivalent to Cryptext. Well for those who were also looking for the same thing, may I recommend Text2Exe from MAXA (http://www.maxa-tools.com/text2exe.php?lang=en).
It's free and works on any Windows platform and on thumb drives. The only down side is that a splash screen will show each time you de-crypt a file. You can't do multiple files. However, it is self contained and transferable from machine to machine.
I am looking for something like this.
That 1) this encryption program will keep my files/folders encrypted on my computer, all transparent. If, however, someone copied files from my computer ported to another, files will not open, i.e. this utility will use hardware on my computer as keys. I using a password shall be able to copy unencrypted.
And 2) will enable/disable usb ports by owners password.
Anyone knos such!!
Thank you
I just installed Win7 64 bit. Until then I used all 32 bit Win programs from Win 3.1, Win 2000, and Win XP all 32 bit. I used Cryptext that work across all platforms and between various computers to encrypt mostly text created by Notepad. I'm still using 32 bit computers on my network in addition to the 64 bit Win 7. Cryptext is not 64 bit compatible. I need an encryption program that is simple, fast and works on both 32 & 64 bit. I'm storing the encypted files on the server running Win 2003 server (32 bit). I need to access files on any of the computers at any time. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Norm
Norm, I'm in the same boat as you. I love(d) cryptext as it is/was quick and easy. I still have it installed on several 32-bit machines but, as I sadly found out, it won't work on my shiny new 64-bit Windows 7.
Have you found any good Cryptext substitute?
If so, I'd like to hear your suggestions.
Thanks for any help!
-Steve
Steve,
Here's an another solution. Since Win 7 allows XP in virtual mode I decided to run Cryptext from there. Not the most elegant but I decided to go this route until I find the program I can use directly in 64 bit mode. At least it allows all platforms access to the encrypted files.
Steve,
I found two possibilities. One is Cryptnote and the other is MEO from NCH Software. Not exactly what we are looking for but they could work. I think part of the problem is that we need to change our mind set. We are not going to find a Cryptext type program that works the same. We're spoiled! If you try any of two I mentioned let me know what you think.
And you can use archivers for this purpose - since many of them support encryption. Too many to name, but at least some: 7-zip (free), IZArc (free) and others (see http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-file-archiver-zip-utility.htm).
See the cautionary note (just added) above in the introduction (free text versions of your file(s) remain on your hard drive if all you do us compress the file)
Cheers
Have you tried TheLetterEncrypter:
It isn't a file encryption utility but is a text encryption utility.
Its a freeware.
It is used to send encrypted messages to someone.
You encrypt a text file.
Then you can send that file via any means.
Then the receiver has to use the same program and the same password to decrypt
the text file.
The encryption quality is nice and strong.
Its worth trying.
Reaaallly nice.
I seriously doubt that a 9K encryption program, even if Steve Gibson himself wrote it, would pass the snake oil test. On the other hand, it might be fine for casual use.
Cheers
Good.
Apart from our new Spanish section, TSA is an English language website. We welcome comments from visitors who may not have English as their first language and are more than happy to decipher the contents and always appreciate their effort to contribute. When it comes to recommending software however we need to take a different approach. Many of our visitors have only a basic understanding of computer functions and so software documentation needs to be clearly written and easy to understand. This requires that material translated into English from another language has to be of a high standard otherwise this criteria cannot be met. Because of this, links to software with poor English content will not be published. This action helps to safeguard users against possible system damage caused by a failure to understand a poorly translated instruction.
Hello,
I'm looking for a software (preferably free) that you can just right click a folder and select, Add Password (or similar function), then it requests that password before you can access the folder (if such a program exists).
I've tried many other encryption software, however, they often encrypt the entire folder thus when you click add a password, it takes a good 15 minutes if its a big folder like 1 GB plus.
So I'm looking for a software that you can just right click, add password, and bingo. When you try to access that folder, it prompts you to input your password.
Nothing fancy.
Please reply, if such a program exists.
Am I asking for too much? o.O
One more thing to SafeHouse though. If the option 'preinitialise volume with random data' is left on it can take a while until this volume is created. Laptop, AMD 2.0 GHz, 2 GB RAM, just AV and FW running in the background, 1 GB container created took 83 minutes.
Whenever I recommended TrueCrypt to my students I always get the same comments about the awkward usage and awful instructions. Why confuse the hell out of users giving instructions to mount a virtual drive that is in the end nothing more than a container.
SafeHouse wins this one hands down. They too feel the urge to publish instructional videos but the actual process of creating that container is much more straight forward than shown in the videos. Portability is just great with the options of a self-extracting archive or an executable. [paranoia alert]I'd send files by email and password by mobile phone[/paranoia]
Very similar software is SafeHouse Explorer 3.0 (http://www.safehousesoftware.com/). It's free tool wich uses AES-256 algorithm to protect your private data. Portable SafeHouse Explorer allows you to access to encrypted volumes (it is just secured file-container) from anywhere including memory sticks and CD/DVD. Also there are self-decryption feature, secure delete and others.
Thanks for the tip Anon. I used SafeHouse for several years in a previous life. ;-) It was a fine program, much like TrueCrypt, with a few more features as I recall. The newly-released, free SafeHouse Explorer looks interesting. I'll be evaluating it soon.
Update: I've evaluated SafeHouse Explorer, and with the exception of one operational trap (described in the review above), I found it was an excellent program.
Cheers
It is sometimes confusing to choose the best tool with so many options available.
waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy tooooooo many programs!!!!! is there anyone who can say definitively which program is the best all around program? sounds to me like truecrypt, but so many of you keep mentioning another program, and another... maybe list a top five, and the reasons that they are deserving of their ranking.
I recomend only one - TRUECRYPT. Symetric algorithms like AES, Serpent(symetric alg which was in the same contest as AES) with key longer than 256 bit provide high security. You can create hiddent encrypted partition, encrypt all disk, provide authentication during access to computer, create encrypted container (in file) which you mount as a systenm device. You can also use combination of e.g AES/Serpent (You can even modify sources for your own purpose. Remember to make backup before using and leave it in a safe place, use strong passwords and don't forget them :)
You're not thinking hard enough. Each of the three programs is best used in a specific use case. I use all three depending on my needs.
Truecrypt - when you want an encrypted disk or container that mounts and acts like a disk. You then treat it as a disk. "Traveller mode" offers take-it-to-go encryption.
Axcrypt - when you want encryption integrated into Windows, and prefer to encrypt file by file.
dscrypt - when you want absolute portability, a tiny executable, and don't encrypt items very often.
I'm not sure why I'm even bothering. If you won't read the descriptions, you won't read this either. You'd probably have an idiot's password as well.
Of course nobody can say which program is definitively the best.
Most of us leave such attitudes in our childhood.
You're offered a list of 3 recommendations... with reasons... followed by (effectively) a discussion.
Most grownups can cope with this level of information exchange.
I found this: http://codefusionlab.co.cc/great-free-file-encryption-software-and-other... which reviews many other encryption software
Visit http://www.freebyte.com/security/#freeencryption
I've been using 'cryptext' v3.4 for years and years. Simple, free, and easy. Highlight a file and right click to encrypt or decrypt. Available everywhere. Sometimes simple is best.
Agree completely. Cryptext won't work on 64-bit, though, so I'm looking for a new substitute with similar functionality - any ideas? Have you tested anything new recently? Thanks! -Steve
Today I launched my unbreakable file cipher software, its strength depends on password secrecy. Its FREEWARE, you can get it at www.ak0n.tk
FREEWARE Rocks!!!
ak0n, your website is the worst I've encountered in a long time. Better remove those annoying javascripts that keep you in, it doesn't look good for your software.
Thanks for comments and suggestions, your wish has been granted. "BULAMBOD" for window7 and vista is now available.
"FREEWARE FOREVER"
www.ak0n.tk
hey ihave glary utilitys and it comes with an encryptor, it doesn't have many options, just wondering how tamper proof it is.
AxCrypt is full of bugs - at least on Vista - crashes frequently and corrupts files regularly that cannot be recovered. Also beware of free encryption programs like this that seem to have ceased undergoing regular development and bug fixes. Last update to AxCrypt was back in '07. Not enough development to ensure security of valuable files.
I can't speak of Vista compatibility because I use XP, but the last update to AxCrypt (version 1.6.4.4) was released on May 15, 2008.
In addition, if you're too stupid to realize that good file encryption software does not NEED updates, then move on. I use encryption software that was last updated in 1996 and it works like a charm. Nothing beats it, actually, since it's so little known. The tool is called SDunger (SDU.exe) and it works wherever DOS works, even in XP x64. Your keyfile essentially creates its security level. Use a big keyfile and your done. Nobody will ever crack that, not even the NSA.
Where can I get this one?
go to
http://jthz.com/puter/software/SDUNGER9/
hi,
i wish an expert person evaluate these softwares : 1)SiFEU v.0.9 , 2)blowfish advanced cs . though these are old programs , sofar blowfish is uncracked .
also look at kruptos v. 3.0.0.28 in : http://www.kruptos2.co.uk/
thanks . adam
TrueCrypt6 also supports FDE (Full Disk Encryption), allowing you to encrypt your C: drive in total. No more worries about who has access to your data if you should loose your laptop!
I'd also suggest Pismo File Mount Audit Package for the list
It si great free ZIP / CFC / CD/DVD IMAGE "mounter" - free for personal and business use, small, and easy to use!
Its aditional great feature is "PRIVATE FOLDERS" - you can create a password protected/encrypted/compressed ".PFO" file.
If you "mount" it with password, your have a normal folder, but if you unmount it it is just a file! Nobody can see
what's in it without a password.
http://www.pismotechnic.com/pfm/ap/
after reviewing several i'd endorse this, Pismo does seem the most suited to my needs.
A good pros/cons review of these apps would be good based on requirements e.g. one file?, a million files?, portability?, documentation?, ease of use?, recovery?, etc.
Dear readers,
I would suggest "Bowfish"; try it!
Gcu212
I like MicroSoft's My Private Folder.
http://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Lockdown/Microsoft-Private-Folder....
Why didn't MS market it? No back door.
I like that TrueCrypt allows you to create an "encrypted volume" and name this empty space anything with any extension you want, and can even nest thes e files. You can size them as you see fit, several k to several gig. Mount 'em like a drive....
I keep a few with rar style extensions (.part01, part02 etc)
Hi
I think Kruptos and BCArchive are also good options and I agree with a previous poster about Androsa FileProtector being a good app.
Thanks
Truecrypt features full compatibility with 32bit and 64bit Vista since Version 4.3 as far as I know.
And as is usual with Truecrypt, it is 3 days later and version 6.0a with a few bug fixes is out!
Hi
Truecrypt 6 is out!
A curiosity of mine is "why a program?" right click the folder in question, properties, advanced, and click encrypt. When leaving a computer, simply export the certificate and private key to a flash drive with the password of your choosing (for example, it is in tools, internet options, content, certificate. You can then import it to access the encrypted files when you need to. A home computer will not have to export, you will see it in green to know it is encrypted. when going on vacation, you export it and delete it from internet options. I believe you can do both the certificate or just the private key. Just a thought. Works with xp pro, not sure of vista
MP
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