Password Protecting Files

[Carenza]

I want to password protect some files but the files have to be portable and unprotected on different machines / flash drives etc.

I thought of just using the password feature of winzip.

Is there anything better? (Remember the user may have no control over the software installed on the machine they are sitting at so if it uses something that would have to be pre-installed then it must be something that would probably be there anyway such as winzip).

[SpywareDr]

How about a self-extracting, password-protected Zip file? (Then they won't even need WinZip).

[HAN]

I agree. The self-extracting .exe file made by Zip-type software may be the simplest way to go. I have read that password protected Zipped files can be cracked. But if you are just after basic protection from typical users, this would be the best way to go.

If you need better protection, you might look to portable file encryption. One nice solution I found is dsCrypt. dsCrypt is standalone, small-sized and simple to use program. It doesn't need to be installed into Windows and will run all on it's own. I've ran it on Win 98SE and XP and it has performed great every time. It's the 2nd program down at this site http://members.ozemail.com.au/~nulif...ezip/freeware/ You would need to provide dsCrypt along with the file(s) in question but IMO, since it's so small, that would not be a big deal...

[Carenza]

I did not think you could do self extracting password protected zips but I think I was thinking about self extracting SPLIT zips.

I will give the dsCrypt a try but something like that which is small and stand alone will be good as it can go along with the data as well.

[HAN]

Are these files going to be used as read only? Or will they be used on various machines and transported here and there? If they will be read from/written to in several places, then the dsCrypt method would be my choice (BTW, dsCrypt is one file at a time.) Plus, as I noted above, dsCrypt is ultra portable.

But if the files are one-time, meant to be read and then disposed of, then that could be accomplished in a couple of ways.

You could use the zip method first mentioned (found a free program Valise Light that I have never used http://www.certainkey.com/demos/ Use at your own risk/discretion.)

There are also a couple of free encryption programs that can make .exe self extractors. I have used both and can easily recommend them.
http://axcrypt.sourceforge.net/ Great for file by file encryption.
http://www.cypherix.com/cryptainerle/ Great for container type encryption

[Carenza]

I have had a look for some things myself (not had a chance to make up my mind though)

The problem I find these days is there are now so many software / download list sites that you end up seeing the same thing again and again. It is a lot better to make a post in a forum and get personal experience from others.

[HAN]

The only other advice I'd offer is to be a bit wary of unknown software. Some can be poorly written and cause computer problems. And unfortunately, some free stuff is tainted with adware or spyware. I know that before I use new software, I spend a fair amount of time researching what others have gone through using it. So far, I have been lucky and not really had any serious issues...

Good Luck!

[Carenza]

The people who will be using the data are computer geeks and unix users as well so the command line in fine. That means we are going to use command line GnuPG either just to encrypt or with the options to only access local keyrings and do proper encryption.

[Stealthmode]

I currently use Cryptainer LE and PE by Cypherix. The free LE version holds up to 25mbs of data and is portable. I use it on my PNY Attache' memory stick. I use the larger Container (PE)5gigs for much larger applications. Each acts as a physical drive and is assigned a drive letter once opened. Built into the database is the option to install Cryptainer Moble to an exterior hard drive (Portable). Cypherix also has another security tool available for Encrypting single files with a shredding option called "Secure It". This one I use as well and like it. There are other security applications out there, but be careful in your choosing, for some come equiped with spyware, adware and the dreaded keyloggers. Cryptainer was clean. good luck and i hope this helps.