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Encrypt and Secure Your Files for Free with AxCrypt
Tags: Ever have a need to send an encrypted file to someone? It’s usually a royal pain with both parties having to agree to use the same encryption software - often resulting in an overly complicated and cumbersome process. What about securing some of the files on your computer? I bet if you looked around you would find more than a few documents that really should be kept private and secure.
AxCrypt is a free open-source product for Windows that will solve both of these dilemmas. The compact download packs quite a set of features - comparable to the expensive commercial products on the market. Here are a few of the features that I think are game changes in the upcoming security and privacy revolution.
Once installed, AxCrypt integrates into the Windows shell providing you the ability to right-click on any file to encrypt it with a passphrase.
A single dialog window appears where you set your passphrase, click encrypt, and you are done! It really is that simple.
What you are left with is a new file type, .axx that is registered in Windows. Meaning, when you double-click on the file to open it, it will first launch the AxCrypt software and require you to supply the predefined passphrase. If the proper key is provided, the file will then automatically open in the default program - my example I am using a text file, and default editor is Notepad. Inside Notepad, I can freely make edits and save the document as I normally would. The file is automagically re-encrypted behind the scenes; it’s a game changer in my mind!
Better still, AxCrypt is able to create a standalone self-extracting .exe file that can be distributed and read by others even if they do not have the AxCrypt software installed, providing they know the password. This is a fantastic way to transfer documents securely over the Internet via email.
AxCrypt is available for all major versions of Windows.
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[...] - bookmarked by 4 members originally found by xnooneknowsmex on 2008-08-20 Encrypt and Secure Your Files for Free with AxCrypt http://www.howinthetech.com/encrypt-and-secure-your-files-for-free-with-axcrypt/ - bookmarked by 4 [...]