SECURE™ Technical Information
This section provides technical information about the SECURE program. In simple terms, the SECURE program keeps files private. In technical terms, the SECURE program is a file utility that combines file compression with file encryption. SECURE uses a 2-Step Method (1) First, SECURE attempts to compress the input file using a lossless compression algorithm. (2) Next, SECURE uses the password supplied by the user and an internal key to encrypt the file. Requirements for using SECURE Windows Operating System (95, 98, NT, ME, or XP) and a mouse. Since memory is used for compression, at least 32 MB of RAM is recommended. Output of SECURE An exclamation point is placed at the end of a SECURE file name. The file that is produced is an encrypted (and usually compressed) version of the original file. THE OUTPUT IS NOT A TEXT FILE. Rather, a SECURE file is a non-executable binary file. Do not modify a SECURE file in any way. Just as you would not modify an executable file in a haphazard way and expect it to run, do not modify a SECURE file. File Compression When making a file private, the SECURE program attempts to compress the file. Some files compress better than others. For example, a text file will compress very well. A file that is already compressed, such as a JPEG file, will compress very little if at all. However, SECURE will encrypt all files that it is making private using your password. File Encryption After attempting file compression, the SECURE program will encrypt the input file using the user's password along with an internal key. Although the encryption algorithm is proprietary, please note that the user password is never stored with the encrypted file or on disk. Be sure to remember your password because there is absolutely no way to restore the original file if you forget your password. File Compatibility The SECURE program will accept any type of file. You can secure text files, image files, sound files, binary files, executable files, data files, video files, and all other file formats. Technical Details and SECURE Options * Passwords must be at least 6 characters long * Files that are made private by SECURE will usually be smaller than the original file(s) * Conversely, files decrypted by SECURE will usually be larger than the SECURE version. * The directory list appears within the dialog; * Users can use the optional path edit box for navigation (to change the path) * You can change to a different folder by double- clicking a folder icon; * SECURE supports drives A thru Z; * SECURE performs a self-check and a data-check for safety purposes.
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SECURE Program™ Copyright © 1999 Scott Wenger All Rights Reserved.
