Product Documentation for SurfSecret File Encryptor™ If you are within a frame, Click here to reach the SurfSecret website1 Introduction 1.1 What is Blowfish? 1.2 How Secure Is It? 2 Encrypting Files 2.1 Screenshots 2.2 Choosing a Secure Password 2.3 Destroy Original File(s) Option 2.4 Encrypt & Email Option 3 Decrypting Files 3.1 The Archives are Self-Contained 1 IntroductionSurfSecret File Encryptor is a powerful utility that encrypts and protects files so that you can store them or transfer them securely. Our software uses the Blowfish algorithm with up to 448 bits of encryption power, to provide government-strength security to your private documents. And because we integrate directly with the operating system and Windows Explorer, encryption is an easy one-click process!back to top...1.1 What is Blowfish?This is for the curious...you don't have to understand this to use the program! Blowfish is a symmetric block cipher encryption algorithm that takes a variable-length key, from 32 bits to 448 bits, making it ideal for a variety of encryption applications. Blowfish was designed in 1993 by Bruce Schneier as a fast alternative to existing encryption algorithms. Since it's initial release, it has been analyzed considerably, and it is currently recognized as a very strong encryption method that has proven to be one of the most secure algorithms in cryptography. Blowfish is unpatented and license-free, and is available free for all uses. back to top...1.2 How Secure Is It?The Blowfish encryption algorithm is virtually unbreakable by hackers. As long as you choose a secure password, you could confidently plaster the encrypted file on a highway billboard and no one would be able to determine the original data.back to top...2 Encrypting FilesThe encryption program integrates itself directly with the operating system. To encrypt a file or directory, simply right-click the item on the Destkop, in Windows Explorer, or in My Computer. A menu will appear, and you can choose "Encrypt with SurfSecret File Encryptor..." When you choose this option, a small dialog will appear asking you for an encryption password. After the encryption process is complete, you will see a "Save As" dialog to choose where to save the encrypted archive. You can encrypt multiple files or directories by holding down the control key and selecting all the files and folders you want to encrypt at once.back to top...2.1 ScreenshotsRight-Click Menu from Windows ExplorerMain Screen for EncryptingSave-As Dialog at creation of encrypted fileback to top...2.2 Choosing a Secure PasswordTo begin encrypting, you must first enter and confirm a password for the archive. You will need this password to decrypt the file later. A good, secure password should be of reasonable length and contain at least one non-alphabetic character. Passwords are case-sensitive. You should use a password that you can easily remember because if you forget the password you CANNOT decrypt the file again.back to top...2.3 Destroy Original File(s) OptionYou have the option to have the original file(s) destroyed after it is successfully encrypted.back to top...2.4 Encrypt & Email OptionThe encrypt and email option, also found on right-click menus, is identical to the regular encrypt option except that the program will automatically use your default mail client to compose a new email message with the encrypted archive attached. Simply fill in the email address and text that you want and you can easily send secure, self-decrypting archives to whomever you like!back to top...3 Decrypting FilesSurfSecret File Encryptor produces self-decrypting archives. To decrypt the file(s) in the archive, simply double-click the archive and enter the password. Files will automatically be placed in the directory that the archive was run from. If any files already exist in the directory with the same names as files in the archive, you will be prompted on whether or not to replace the files.back to top...3.1 The Archives are Self-ContainedYou can also transfer the archive files from one computer to another because you do NOT need to have the encryption software installed to open the archives!back to top...
