Most solutions that encrypt files require the installation of encryption software which has to be started again if you want to decrypt the encrypted files. A quick and easy way to encrypt text files would be to use the free Steganos Locknote program which encrypts text files using the 256 AES algorithm.
Steganos Locknote is a standalone program which does not have to be installed and adds itself to the encrypted text file to make it possible to decrypt the file without the main program. You either write text in the main window or drag and drop files with the .txt extension into it. Once you are done you provide a password (choose a secure one) and Steganos Locknote creates a executable which contains the information.
Decrypting the file could not be easier. Everyone who is clicking the executable has to provide the password that was chosen during the encryption. A correct password displays the contents, a wrong one of course nothing at all. The only aspect of the software that I do not like is the fact that it only encrypts text files. It does not support word documents for instance or images which would be a great plus.
Still it is small, free and easy to use. If you are like me and use text files to store important information you should give Steganos Locknote a try.
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It does look easy, but there is one problem here – the encrypted files are executable which means that:
1. Outlook will automatically block them
2. More sensitive server side virus scans will likely block or strip them
3. Most users will be very suspicious of these files seeing how we spent years training them not to open executables even from a trusted source.
While the self executable solutions are convenient, they are not necessarily the best choice security-wise.
Isn’t it more simple to crypt un zip folder with Windows ?
You could always use PGP, but that’s only useful between technical people.
Email certificates, like those provided by CaCert, are good between suitable email clients, like Outlook.
The main advantage of locknote is that it is fast and easy to understand. I prefer True Crypt when it comes to full scale encryption.
f0dder on the DonationCoder.com forum made a similar tool with some advantages (including a smaller size), called fSekrit:
http://www.donationcoder.com/Software/Other/fSekrit/index.html
Thanks for the tip mouser, will take a look at it soon.
I find the locknote most useful on a thumbdrive. I keep username/password info for different sites, online billpay, email, etc. I don’t think this was meant as a way to distribute anything in encrypted packaging. It is very practical for my use. If I lose my thumbdrive, I don’t worry but I have all of my usernames/passwords with me when I need them.
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