An Introduction To Freeware Encryption Tools

[luv2bsecure]

Hello All!

I was going to answer NOTAGEEK in his thread asking about two freeware programs. But I have been thinking about a thread on the subject of freeware encryption for some time.

First, NOTAGEEK, I can tell you about EasyCrypto Deluxe -- simply an excellent program. When checked for encryption integrity (using the best of tools) it passed with flying colors. HandyBits has some really good software actually. Info on EasyCrypto can be found here:
http://www.handybits.com/easycrypto.htm

When it comes to freeware encryption, there are three major things you have to be on the watch for:

1: "secret" "proprietary" encryption methods. Do NOT use them. Stick with the tried and true - those algorithms that have stood up to rigorous testing and peer review.

2: Backdoors. Many of these little freeware encryption programs will have an "administration ability" to retrieve the key, sometimes by writing the company - well, if it's that easy - forget it.

3: Programming skills. Cryptography is a mathematical science. Everyone thinks they know how to write an encryption program. Few really do know how - and how to do it right. It has always been considered a specialty. Not anymore. The same guy who writes a calendar program and is offered at WebAttack or download.com now offers encryption programs with his own "secret" or "proprietary" algorithm.

As for HandyBits - they score well on all of these. Yes, they make other things, but they use encryption methods that are proven and don't try to write their own. EasyCrypto Deluxe uses 128-bit Blowfish.

NOTAGEEK also asked about PowerCrypt 2000. Stay away. A "secret" algorithm is used. (cough, cough). They make claims such as, "Make sure your files are safe with a 100% secure encryption algorithm. This encryption is unbreakable (including NSA and CIA)." (From their website)....

I agree with Bruce Schneier on this one -- if anyone claims their encryption is "unbreakable" ------RUN! There's no such thing. It just depends on how much time, effort and money one wants to put into breaking it. Granted, it may take 500 years and a million dollars - but that doesn't equal unbreakable. Plus, as he says all the time - we DO NOT KNOW WITH CERTAINTY the true capabilities of the NSA or the CIA or the DIA or MI5, the Mossad, etc. We just don't know. So, unbreakable? Never believe it.

Other good choices in FREEWARE encryption:

PGPfreeware
http://web.mit.edu/network/pgp.html

HidePro
http://www.tihy.ro/eng/index.html
HidePro is not well-known, but is an excellent free encryption tool. Uses DES and AES. (Never use simple DES...but the AES is great - and for free!) With a very simple interface and self-decrypting executables - it's also great for email. This tested very, very well.

ABICoder
http://www.abisoft.net/bd.html
A can't miss. Uses 448 bit Blowfish and 168 bit 3DES encryption algorithms. Excellent.

These are the free programs I can recommend with certainty. They all passed the testing process and that is crucial. So many freeware download sites will give 5-stars to an encryption program because it has a pretty interface. NOT the way to select a program to secure your data.

Some might ask how you "test" cryptography. First, and most importantly, you can test if it was encrypted at all - and then you can test the veracity of the encryption. This is done using software that compares the original text (called the plaintext) and then compare it with the end result called the "ciphertext", which was produced by the program from the original "plaintext". You need cooperation to do this with the developer as you need samples ("text vectors"). Everything I mentioned above was tested using this method and the developers willingly supplied the samples to the university.

Just some thoughts when looking at protecting your data with encryption --- and doing it for free.

Sorry for the length, but wanted to cover the basic bases on freeware encryption and cryptography is not something easily written about in a short byte or two.

Have a good day!
John
Luv2BSecure

[Technodrome]

Good stuff John! ;)


Technodrome

[FanJ]

John, I fully second TD's posting; excellent !!!

[notageek]

Luv2bsecure, thanks for pointing this out. Thanks for all this info.

[root]

Excellent John and thanks.
I would like to share a little freeware encryption tool that I have used for years. It is excellent in what it does, which is lock files from prying eyes. It is called Cryptext and can be found here. http://www.pcug.org.au/~njpayne/

[peakaboo]

Has anyone tried A-Lock (free version)

http://www.pc-encrypt.com/_site/alock/download.mhtml

if so would be interested in any comments good, bad or indifferent.

[peakaboo]

-{ Quote: " quoting: luv2bsecure link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=0#26100 date=1033334627]

ABICoder
http://www.abisoft.net/bd.html
A can't miss. Uses 448 bit Blowfish and 168 bit 3DES encryption algorithms. Excellent.

These are the free programs I can recommend with certainty.

" }-

Has anyone tried ABI coder and liked it enough to recommend?

When I look at the user ratings at ZD.net or Cnet getting consistant negative ratings by users but no explanation of why.

What is the deal here, high rec from luv makes me want to try the software yet consistent low user marks say stay away for now ???

Also in the ABI forum seeing some issues.

[notageek]

I tried ABI and didn't like it at all.

[peakaboo]

-{ Quote: " quoting: peakaboo link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=0#30412 date=1036381078]

Has anyone tried ABI coder and liked it enough to recommend?

When I look at the user ratings at ZD.net or Cnet getting consistant negative ratings by users but no explanation of why.

What is the deal here, high rec from luv makes me want to try the software yet consistent low user marks say stay away for now ???

Also in the ABI forum seeing some issues.

" }-

I missread the ratings at c/net seems like the users like it there with 11 votes - 100% thumbs up.

zd.net still rates it 1 user vote - 100% thumbs down

no verbage or explanation.

BTW thank you notageek for your opinion on this software. What was the worst thing in your opinion which ABI coder was lacking or was most irratating if applicable.

Anyone else tried ABI coder?

[notageek]

The thing I didn't like was that it froze most of the time. It was at the point that I had to reboot my computer when I tried to use it. Luckly i was able to encrypt 1 file (the sad part is that it froze all the time and I couldn't unencrypt the file. Glad it was a test file.) ;) That was my main gripe with the program.

[snowman]

Luv2b.....Greetings

Having always highly respected your opinion in this area..(an of course you).....I've decided to give EastC a try....just DL'ed it. In the past I've had rather disappointing experiences will crypto applications an was sincerely glad that you made this post......otherwise, its very doubtful I would ever try such an application again. Even if EasyC does not sufice for my needs/skills I remain grateful to you for the advice.

snowman

[luv2bsecure]

HI SNOWY!!!!

Goodness it's good to see you here again. You have been missed by many.

I hope you like ECD .... it's truly a quality program.

If you get a chance, good or bad, come back here and let us all know what you thought.

Quickly, I respected your "Internet getaway" so very much. I think, in fact, it is a very healthy thing that can't help but "ground" one to the "real world." But, don't do it too often :( - we missed you!

John
Luv2bSecure

[snowman]

John

an great to hear from you....thanks.

installed ECD a couple of hours ago.....super great product!!!!! Very easy to use.....althought as yet I haven't given it the full treatment.......its one of the few products of this nature that I truely like. Very fast! I didn't notice which encryption its using.......respecting you as I do I just went on your knowledge of this product.......
ECD..plus Eraser....makes a good team. Thank you very much for the heads-up.......will drop in again once I try all the features.

Warm Regards

Snowman

[snowman]

Lov2B



John as par your request a brief user commment on ECD.

ECD works great as previously reported. Easy of use is exceptional....encrypytion 128 bit blowfish which should do the job well enough.

One flaw....I consider it as MAJOR....EDC will not fully un-install.. leaves alot behind most of which can be removed if the proper tools are employed...but one thing in particular has so far evaded my every effort to get rid of.
teknum systems/update service

Have tryed everything from cleaning the registry..changing Key.. Value..etc...deletion...nothing has worked.....not even in safemode.....this Thing replaces itself each time and immediately. It appears to be residing in ssmenu......
Fortunately it does not call home....unless its piggiebacking unseen....not likely. But what it will do is keep placing itself in msconfig Start.....enabled. For the moment it seems I have somehow cripple it from doing that.

all in all EDC is a good encryption program...but does need an improved un-installer.

best regards

snowman

[Ghost]

John - I note in the page about ECD: "Securely wiping files - After you encrypt files, EasyCrypto securely wipes originals automatically."

Does PGP 8.0 have a similar function?

[notageek]

I hope I'm not stepping on any toes here. ;) But PGP 8.0 has a wipe function also.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: notageek link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=15#37222 date=1040605330]
I hope I'm not stepping on any toes here. ;) But PGP 8.0 has a wipe function also.
" }-

And many versions before that too! I use it to delete all my files (right click file context menu) altough nowadays I use eraser (35 passes).

I'm considering using a good password safe to keep all my passwords.It's all very well trying to do good password practices but it's so hard to remember everything.(even the more important ones only).

But is using a software to save all the passwords a good idea? Seems to me it create too tempting a target for snoops..and any single flaw (i've read about memory leaks and windows use of swap files and whatnot) will compromise all your passwords.

Do any of you use a password manager?

I'm considering counterpane's but i've read of some problems about it.. Like the source was never released despite promises..

[LowWaterMark]

Hi JayK,

Here are a couple threads from around the board that relate to password managers. I hope you find them helpful.

"Password Management Software"
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=5102

"I need a GOOD password program!"
http://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=5225

Best Wishes,
LowWaterMark

[peakaboo]

I ran across an email privacy program called acrypt:

http://www.acrypt.com/

Anyone try this yet? If so please provide feedback, good bad or indifferent.

more info:

aCrypt+ is a secure, fast and efficient way to e-mail securely encrypted attachments as self extracting executable files. The recipient does not need any software to decrypt the package. Typical uses of aCrypt include :

aCrypt+ + is free.

aCrypt first used Twofish, one of the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) candidate algorithim. This algorithm was designed by Counterpane systems and Bruce Schneier.

Since October 2000, aCrypt uses Rijndael, the AES winning algorithm.

The random number generator uses Knuth's additive generator. The key length is currently hard-coded to 128 bits, a length that is generally considered to be unbreakable by brute force in the current stated of the technology. This limit was also chosen to comply with the current French legislation.

Please remember that the strength of a symmetric cryptographic algorithm such as the one used by aCrypt depends only on the secrecy of the password.

[sk]

Just wanted to say 'nice post', John. Thanks.

sk

[JayK]

Thanks

"Lowwatermark"

[rpk2006]

Nice Help everybody.

I just downloaded yet another freeware called:
"AdvaCrypt_Suite3".
Its link is: http://www.advacrypt.cjb.net

Has anybody tried it? Please give your valuable suggestions.

Also, is there any tool or site which tests the Encryption Programs?

[Pieter_Arntz]

Hi Rohit Prakash Khare,

Welcome at Wilders. :)

There is no need to repeat your questions in another thread.
That will only lead to double answers and confusion.
Better for your and our sake to only post them once.
I hope you understand our reasons.

Thanks in advance,

Pieter

[rpk2006]

Sorry Peter.

[brian gill]

I think I`m correct when I say that AbiCoder is no longer Freeware,but that the previous free versions are still there for download-and that they seem little different in practice.May I also suggest(altho I`m open to expert criticism) the use of the freeware "File2File" for encryption? It`s at www.cryptomathic.com/file2file/

[luv2bsecure]

Hi Brian!

As for File2File, last I knew it had what I consider to be a fatal flaw. It had no way to turn off the deletion of the original file. There are many times when one might want to keep the original file (on an encrypted drive for instance) and unless you remember to make a copy, you have to decrypt, make a copy, a re-encrypt. Too much hassle and, in my opinion, a mistake to not allow the user the option there.

John
Luv2bSecure

[brian gill]

Hi John!
Good point re: File2File, and I also wondered how thoro the deletion of the original file is-any idea? Mind you,with my ageing brain,maybe it`s better that I can`t turn the deletion facility off,so I can`t forget to do it!

[Jonas]

Just to update, i tried the handybits encryption mentioned in the first post by luv2besecure and found it to be a wonderful program with one Major flaw. It containes Spyware! The spyware writes to the registry! Both AdAware Adwatch and SpyBot pick up the spyware however, once deleted or modified the software no longer runs. The spyware writes to the reg to load at startup, which i found very disturbing. I would love to hear anyone's thoughts on the worth of this software now that it contains spyware.

Peace,
jonas

[Mike_Healan]

I'm lost on why this is considered spyware. Spybot's page on it says it runs an auto-updater service and that's it. Rude, but it's hardly spyware if that's all it does. I can't imagine why it's on a spyware removal list.
I just recommended it to someone who needs to keep people out of certain folders on her computer. Normally I'd tell someone to get PGP, but she isn't real technical minded and this thing is extremely easy to use.

EDIT: I just ran AAW with today's new reffile and it didn't detect it. Spybot did.

[Jonas]

Thanks Mike, i just did a check and apparently you can disable the updater but i found it interesting that if you manually disabled it the software would cease to function, seems awful drastic for just turning off an "auto-updater." However, your point is well taken and i did find on their webpage where one could dis-able the updater via a d/l program from Handybits. However, there is still a part of me that is suspecious.

Jonas

http://www.handybits.com/update_service.asp

[notageek]

I am also suspecious over this program. Maybe some will give light on this.

[Mike_Healan]

I'm starting to wonder if they added it because of user complaints. This thing is unbelievably annoying.

I have startup monitor running which blocks anything trying to write a startup entry. About 1 out of every 8 times that I right-click something, it pops up a prompt saying that this updater is trying to make a startup entry.

This doesn't make it spyware, but it sure as hell doesn't get my recommendation. I'm gonna tell my friend to remove it and try something else.

The uninstaller doesn't clean up very well either.

[notageek]

Yes I seen how it didn't uninstall well on my old system. :)

[notageek]

Someone please shot a free folder encryption program for win xp my way. I tried to download Maxcrpyt and I got an error saying the file wasn't the right size when I tried to open it and install it.

[spy1]

If you're simply trying to keep children and/or inquisitive spouses from tripping over something you don't want messed with, try PowerCrypt2000 : http://www.ovsoft.it/powercry_eng.htm .

If you try it,

don't let it remember the password for you

don't let it delete the file after encryption (let Eraser do that)

DON'T bet your life that the CIA/NSA can't crack it. :) Pete

[notageek]

Oh no you mean the CIA/NSA could crack it? ;) thanks for the info. I'll check it out.

[Petlydecker]

I just read all the threads in this posting about encryption. I decided to download and try Abi- Coder 3.5.9.1 The program uses 168 bit Triple 3DES algorithm, and 448 Bit Blowfish encryption, as you know. My question is about how easy that would be to crack with a 16 character password? I am not familiar with this type of encryption. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Peter

[Plavi]

Hi all,

Has anyone tried InvisibleSecrets? (shareware). Any idea on the integrity of the encryption?. They use the most common industrial public algorithms but activate the algorithm libraries through their own custom "activation keys method". Their english in the help files is weak and gives little as to methodological approach. A web search on the tool only reveils some positive comments by users on security/encryption web resourse sites (judging from the comments the users were not mathematically oriented rather interface obsessed)

cheers in advance

P

[TinyMember]

-{ Quote: "luv2bsecure
Moderator
Privacy Moderator
Senior Member
is offered at WebAttack or download.com now offers encryption programs with his own "secret" or "proprietary" algorithm." }-

This sounds like what I've got KPKFile v6.2
from http://www.geocities.com/john52612000 I've had it for a while and the men in black havnt come knockn.
Can anyone rate it ? Its done alright by me.
I also have Scramdisk 3 but havnt got through the extensive help files yet !

Now all I need is some secrets can anyone help?

[Comp01]

Well, I wanted to get a encryption program, but I dont want a prog I have to right away disable a feature on, so I was gonne download HidePro (http://www.tihy.ro/eng/index.html) but the link is dead .... so that didnt work, so I went to check out PGPfreeware (http://web.mit.edu/network/pgp.html) and its for mail encryption only isnt it? :-\ ... So Now I wanna know if anyone has used Cryptext? (http://www.pcug.org.au/~njpayne/download.html)

[notageek]

PGP free isn't just for emails. I used PGP 8 for a few months but I need something with a smaller foot print so I went to ABI coder again and decided to give it another try. It's not that bad on my XP box.

[UncleWeirdNoise]

What exactly do people use encryption for? I'm new with things like this and wonder why one would use this unless he/she is trying to hide something that is questionable.

I'm not trying to be smart or judgemental with anyone..........just wondering about the encryption.

Thanks.

James

[LowWaterMark]

-{ Quote: " quoting: UncleWeirdNoise link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=30#msg94666 date=1066562050]What exactly do people use encryption for? I'm new with things like this and wonder why one would use this unless he/she is trying to hide something that is questionable." }-

Many reasons... For people in Business who need to use the Internet to send company confidential materials to business associates, clients or the like, encrypting the documents or the email messages is highly valuable because there are many ways for such transmissions to be intercepted as they move across the Internet.

Home users may have important personal documents they don't want anyone else to see, whether they are sending them elsewhere or just storing them on their PC.

Use of encryption can be both for security and privacy reasons, but it all depends upon the importance of the data/files, the risks of others getting a hold of them, and the resulting fallout if they do, as well as the time and effort you wish to take in order to keep these things secret.

Do all home users need encryption? Personally, I don't think so but even this is just an opinion. Some people think everyone should use encryption.

[JayK]

-{ Quote: " quoting: LowWaterMark link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=30#msg95308 date=1066783993]
-{ Quote: " quoting: UncleWeirdNoise link=board=20;threadid=3919;start=30#msg94666 date=1066562050]What exactly do people use encryption for? I'm new with things like this and wonder why one would use this unless he/she is trying to hide something that is questionable." }-

Do all home users need encryption? Personally, I don't think so but even this is just an opinion. Some people think everyone should use encryption.
" }-

I'm not really big on this whole encryption thing, but I use it sparingly for some personal stuff (diary, personal email/letters etc), that I would not like someone else to accidently stumble upon.

[tepi]

After testing several encryption programs, I finally settled on one which works quite well for me, though my needs are modest. It's called CIPHERBOX and can be downloaded at http://www.globware.com/

[kaytee_S]

http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/ this is afreeware program that encrpts docs files pics etc .i've spent 5 mins deciding if i should post this having only speed read your posts,when in that time i could have read through properly,sorry it WILL NOT happen again i just wonted to help ,sorry.

[666]

-{ Quote: "What exactly do people use encryption for? I'm new with things like this and wonder why one would use this unless he/she is trying to hide something that is questionable." }-

to protect my passwords/credit card numbers/email/messenger logs etc. if anyone ever steals my laptop

[controler]

I am not so sure encryption is such a good thing anymore.
From what I have heard Magic Lantern is geared specialy for PGP
It steals your keys so anything you have encrypted with PGP can now be decrypted by anyone using Magic Lantern or a hacked spinoff.


controler

[Hyperion]

I have used AX Crypt in the past.Was good.before i had Handybits but although in the programme you can disable auto updates,as was said before,it insists in updating.

AXCrypt did the same job fine.

[Tanstaafl]

I use encryption mainly to make sure my senstive*cough* files arent accidently opened/looked at my kids :)

[FTPete]

I've been using Cryptainer LE for a few days and it seems good and it is very easy to use. I don't have much experience in this field, maybe some of you guys would like to give it a run. It's free plus there is also a free utility to create encrypted attachments for e-mails.

www.cypherix.com

I've just found this forum this morning and I really enjoy the reading here. I'll keep around for sure.

Have a great day :-)

Pete

[luv2bsecure]

It has been a long time since I originally wrote Introduction To Freeware Encryption Tools. There have been many changes regarding several of the programs so that I could no longer recommend them. I have been away from Wilders due to things out of my control - however - I promise an update on all of this very, very soon. There's some good news on this front, such as the open-source development of Axcrypt and TrueCrypt. Update soon!

[loserjames]

http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulifetv/freezip/freeware/

(dscrypt, wildcrypt, securecrypt)

They use AES 256 bit (except last one uses RC4 512 bit). Claim no traces left from encryption/ decryption, and a secure keypad to avoid keylogger.

Thank you.

[Sid Post]

-{ Quote: "It has been a long time since I originally wrote Introduction To Freeware Encryption Tools. There have been many changes regarding several of the programs so that I could no longer recommend them." }-

With encryption, it is important to use to current information and current technology. Freeware encryption that was good in the past may still be good for a casual snooper but, relying on it for true security of anything you really care about is risky.

-{ Quote: "There's some good news on this front, such as the open-source development of Axcrypt and TrueCrypt. Update soon!" }-

TrueCrypt seems to be a good "current" program based on what I have read over at comp.security.pgp.discuss

While your over at the newsgroup, look for the "Security and Encryption FAQ" for a good wide spread discussion of what's out there. It may not be useful to the experienced but, to a novice it is certainly worth the read.

Some coverage of widely available commercial programs would be appreciated by people as well. Personally, I have been using PGP 8.0.3 for my email needs and PGP and TrueCrypt for encrypted volumes of data.

I have been asking around about the http://www.securstar.com/ products but, all I got was advertising. The DriveCrypt plus Pack looks intriguing since it encrypts everything including the Operating System files.

From the DriveCrypt plus Pack info page:
- Full Disk Encryption (Encrypts parts or 100% of your HardDisk including the operating System)
- Pre-Boot authentication (BEFORE the machines boots, a password is requested to decrypt the disk and start your machine)
- Allows secure hiding of an entire operating system inside the free space of another operating system.
- Strong 256bit AES encryption
- USB-Token authentication at pre-boot level

[notageek]

Hi luv2bsecure. It's good to see you again. I look forward in seeing what you have to say about this. :) You're really insightful in encryption.

[irky]

Dekart Private DIsk Light - a freeware disk encryption tool, and seems the guys from Dekart are not going to make it commercial.
Uses 128-bit AES, quite a nice and Extremely easy to use. (their AES has been validated by authorities). They don't offer new features for now for it - but are still updating it - majorily bug fixes.

http://www.dekart.com/products/file_disk_encryption/private_disk_light/

[squash]

I use AxCrypt:
http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/

Extremely easy to use on-the-fly Encryption software
SHA 128 Bit Encryption
_Free to use_ and Open Source

Right click on file > Encypt > type passphrase (Password)
Double click on Encypted file, and it will ask for your password.

[yummy]

What is ICE Encrypt ?

http://www.ice-graphics.com/ICEEncrypt/IndexE.html

[notageek]

It looks like ICE Encrypt is an encryption program. I never heard of it so I know nothing about it. It don't look that good to me.

[patermann]

I am surprised that no-one has mentioned Gnu Privacy Guard (a.k.a. GPG, GnuPG). Admittedly, as it is a command line tool, it is harder to use than programs with a fancy GUI but there are GUI front-ends for it that ease the pain somewhat. It is used by many organisations, including some governments, and is also the engine behind the EnigMail extension for Thunderbird. It can be found at http://www.gnupg.org/ and is open-source if you like reading pages of C code...

patermann

[TOMxEU]

Blowfish Advanced CS (www.hotpixel.net/software.html) / Parasite: Blowfish Advanced 97 (http://www.spyware-removal-guideline.com/blowfish-advanced-97-removal) - Pest Patrol (http://www3.ca.com/securityadvisor/pest/pest.aspx?id=27424)
It took me a few minutes to find out, that it is easy to use. I will just encrypt a file and associate file types. When I open an encrypted file, it will ask for the password. As soon as I type it, the file will open and when I close the file, the program is asking, if I finish working with the file, so it can encrypt the file. No need to type the password again. Done. :)

[Devinco]

While it is still beta, I think Sarah Dean has given encryption an excellent contribution with FreeOTFE (on the fly encryption) (http://www.freeotfe.org/) It is similar to TrueCrypt and rubber hose.
Also check out her useful Secure Tray Utility (http://www.sdean12.org/SecureTrayUtil.htm) that works with TrueCrypt, PGP and more. 8)

[leila123]

-{ Quote: "Has anyone tried ABI coder and liked it enough to recommend?

When I look at the user ratings at ZD.net or Cnet getting consistant negative ratings by users but no explanation of why.

What is the deal here, high rec from luv makes me want to try the software yet consistent low user marks say stay away for now ???

Also in the ABI forum seeing some issues." }-

Hmm but I have found such hardware devices at www.elkom.com.tw . It looks like hardware hard disk encryption . We can't test the hardware before we buy but what do you think ? Is it worth of buying ?

Tom.

[notregd]

Will encryption stop isp from seeing surfing habits and email. i do not surf illegal just want privacy

[notageek]

-{ Quote: "Will encryption stop isp from seeing surfing habits and email. i do not surf illegal just want privacy" }-


Um in one word, NO. Your ISP is always going to know where you surf. Now as for email, I'm not sure.

[ke jian]

Allow me to add yet another entry to the field. Check out
www.genekernis.com/crypto/vig_d.php. It's a simplistic text encryptor with a built in emailer and is completely free.

[Have fun]

Registrant:
TEKNUM SYSTEMS AS
P.O.Box 7218, Homansbyen
OSLO 0307
NO

Domain Name: HANDYBITS.COM

Administrative Contact, Technical Contact:
Jolstad, Lars Whois Privacy and Spam Prevention by Whois Source
P.O.Box 7218, Homansbyen
Oslo, 0307
NO
(+)47-23(26) fax: (+)47-23(26)

[john2005]

Hi Everyone,

I really like the open source free encryption program Axcrypt...

http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/

I found this to be fast, very easy to use, and it seems very good.

John

[securityx]

I second the vote for AxCrypt. It is an excellent tool for single-file encryption.

The post asking about encrypted connections on the Internet really belongs in a privacy forum. This thread is about a completely different kind of encryption. But, the answer that said your ISP will always know where you are surfing is not true. If you protect your surfing habits with TOR, JAP or an encrypted VPN, your ISP only sees that you connected via VPN/SSH to a TOR node or to a VPN. Where you go from there is completely shielded from your ISP.

[john2005]

Hi SecurityX,

Just a note, when I want to encrypt more than one file at a time with Axcrypt, I just zip them with winzip or similar program, and then encrypt the archive. Seems to work well, and makes it easy to very quickly encrypt as many files as you want into a single archive, with axcrypt.

John

[sweater]

Wow!!! This is a great topic...very interesting and has lots of infos bout encryption. ;)

Thanks a lot for having this thread. :D

As of now I just use Cryptainer LE for encryption some files to be hidden on my drives, but as I am reading this thread my knowledge on encryptions programs expands wildly like never before. 8)

[bobcat987]

Thank you!!!! I have been looking for this info far and wide. ;D ;D ;D ;D

Off topic link removed....Bubba

[herbalist]

Very interesting thread. I can't help but notice that Scramdisk hasn't been mentioned at all. I realize it's an old program, but what's the consensus on it as far as encryption strength, exploits, back doors, etc? I'm still using it on my 98 box and especially like the "traveler mode", and the size of the 4 passphrases it accepts.
Rick

[securityx]

The original post was very good when it was written, but so many things have changed. I have read many good posts by luv2bsecure in the archives via Google. Does any one here know anything about this poster and what happened? Somebody told me by email that he worked in a university program that actually was known for being a front for some rather top-secret work. I am curious if he was involved in that and if he was maybe forced to stop posting here. He hasn't posted in years by my cursory search. Anybody know the scoop?

----securityx----