SECURE [TM] Technical Information

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 95 or Windows 98 Operating System;
  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.

For an explanation of terms go to the Glossary
A diagram of the process is illustrated on the Flowchart
To understand encryption strength go to Strong Encryption
To see what the experts have said about SECURE™ read their Review