General Encryption Preferences

 

 

Use The Default Encryption Pass Phrase For All Encryption Events

 

Files or text to be encrypted require a Pass Phrase to be entered. A screen prompt initiates this request. Clicking OK to this prompt will allow the 'Default Pass Phrase' held securely within the system to be used without having to enter it. Alternatively a Pass Phrase can be entered and this will be used instead of the default to encrypt.

 

Enabling the "Always Use Default Encryption Pass Phrase" (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked), will stop this prompt described above appearing. All encryption requests will use the default Pass Phrase, i.e. you will not be asked if this is OK or to have the option to enter a different Pass Phrase.

 

This is useful to set if you're happy to encrypt all files with the same Pass Phrase.

 

 

Shred Original Source File After Successful Encryption:

 

Files chosen for encryption are saved in a new encrypted file leaving the original source file behind. This is useful if you’re encrypting a file to send information securely, for example via the Internet or a CD. The information in transit is encrypted, with the original unencrypted.

 

However if you are protecting information ‘local from anyone who might gain access, for example sensitive data held on a laptop that might get stolen, then the original source file needs to be shredded (securely removed from the local system). The only way it can then be ‘recovered is to decrypt the encrypted file.

 

Enabling this option (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked), automatically shreds the source file of every file you choose to encrypt. The alternatives are to leave the source files as they are after encryption, just delete the source files (see below) after encryption or shred the files 'manually' using the "Shred Files" button when appropriate.

 

Please Note - shredding files securely can take time for large files and this will add to the overall ‘encryption task time.

 

 

Delete Original Source File After Successful Encryption:

 

Files chosen for encryption are saved in a new encrypted file leaving the original source file behind. This is useful if you're encrypting a file to send information securely, for example via the Internet or a CD. The information in transit is encrypted, with the original unencrypted.

 

However if you are protecting information 'locally' from anyone who might gain access, for example sensitive data held on a laptop that might get stolen, then the original source file needs to be shredded (securely removed from the local system). The only way it can then be 'recovered' is to decrypt the encrypted file.

 

However if you are not concerned about protecting information 'locally' from anyone who might gain access using file recovery software you might be prepared to simply delete the source file. Deleted files can be recovered using specialist software, but if this is not of concern and you simply wish to remove the file for general purposes, select this option. The advantages are that deleting files takes no time whereas shredding does and adds to the overall encryption task time

 

Enabling this option (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked), automatically deletes the source file of every file you choose to encrypt. The alternative is to leave the source files as they are after encryption and/or manually shred the files using the "Shred Files" button when appropriate. Or set the option to automatically shred.

 

Please Note - you can set the option to shred the source file OR delete it (or do nothing).

 

Don't Ask What To Call Encrypted File. Always Use The Original File Name + ".qce". And Store Encrypted File in Source File Folder

 

When files or text are requested to be encrypted a screen prompt requests that you give the name of the encrypted file and where it should be stored.

 

Clicking OK to the suggested defaults within the prompt (the name of the encrypted will be the same as the source file suffixed with a ".qce" extension, that will be stored in the same folder as the source file) allows the defaults to be used without having to enter anything more. Alternatively another name and/or location can be entered and this will be used instead of the defaults.

 

Enabling the "Always Use Default Encryption Pass Phrase" (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked), will stop this prompt described above appearing. All encryption requests will use the defaults, i.e. you will not be asked if this is OK or to have the option to enter a different encrypted name or location.

 

This is useful to set if you're happy to encrypt all files with the suggested default name and location.

 

 

Always Compress/ZIP Files Before Encryption

 

Compressing (often known as "Zipping") reduces the size of the file without losing any information. Once the file is decompressed ("Unzipped") the file returns in size and content to a state exactly matching the original.

 

Within cryptography, compressing files prior to encryption also makes cryptanalysis (decrypting without having access to the Pass Phrase) much more difficult.

 

So from a space saving and cryptographical basis compressing files is recommended.

 

However compressing (and decompressing after decryption) adds more time to the total encryption and decryption event.

 

Enabling the "Compress/Decompress Files" option (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked) will ensure all files are compressed and decompressed as appropriate.

 

Enabling this option is the recommended default unless you have many large files to regularly encrypt or decrypt and the speed of encryption and decryption is more important to you.

 

 

Select File Encryption Method

 

 

Encryption Method (Blowfish/AES/T-DES)

 

One of three encryption algorithms can be selected:

 

 

All of the algorithms are secure. Blowfish is an independent design by Bruce Schneier. AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) is the US governmental standard. Triple DES is still in wide use but is largely being replaced by AES

 

 

General Decryption Preferences

 

 

Always Restore The Original Source File Name After Decryption

 

QuickCrypto stores the original file name of all files that are encrypted (in an encrypted form – they can’t be discovered without decrypting the file).

 

Usually a screen prompt will ask if you wish to restore this original filename if appropriate.

 

Enabling the “Always Restore Original Filename on Decryption” (a tick mark appears in the box when it is clicked), will stop this prompt described above appearing. All file decryption requests will restore the original filename used, i.e. you will not be asked if this is OK or to have the option to enter a different decrypted file name.

 

This is useful to set if you’re happy to always restore original filenames for all files that are decrypted.

 

 

Delete the Encrypted File After Successful Decryption

 

QuickCrypto can delete the encrypted file once it has been decrypted. The option to automatically shred encrypted files once decrypted is not provided as encrypted files cannot be used without a Pass Phrase even if recovered by file recovery software. This of course can be done manually if you so choose.

 

Deleting encrypted files automatically after decryption is useful if you no longer need the encrypted file.

 

 

Set Default Preferences

 

Clicking this button sets recommended defaults for the preference options that should securely satisfy most situations and circumstances.