| Information Security |
Safeguard for Removeable Media |
What is PrivateCrypto? How do I use it? |
| PrivateCrypto allows you to encrypt a file and secure it with a password. You can quickly password-protect any file or document right from Windows Explorer. With PrivateCrypto you can take encrypted files with you, even if the computer you are planning on using doesn't have PrivateCrypto installed. |
Each PrivateCrypto encryption file has a 2 gig maximum limit. |
To encrypt a selected file, right click on it and select SafeGuard PrivateCrypto, then Encrypt |
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This box will appear: |
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Enter the password you would like to use to protect the file – DO NOT USE YOUR UNC PASSWORD, PARTICULARYLY IF YOU ARE SHARING THE FILE WITH OTHERS. |
Under Target of Encrypted Archive, select the place where you want to save the encrypted file. The box will allow you to browse for a file where you want to save it. |
If you are encrypting a file that is already on a jump drive and want the encrypted file on the jump drive, make sure you delete the original off the jump drive when you are done encrypting it. The encrypted file will look like a hand when it is encrypted. |
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To decrypt the file, double click on the file. You will be prompted for the password for the file (not your UNC password). |
The file will appear in the PrivateCrypto screen, where you can right click to decrypt it and select a location to save the decrypted file. |
You can also click the decrypt button in the toolbar. After the file is decrypted, it is available for use like normal. |
Is Encryption a cure-all for Digital Security? |
NO!!! Encryption requires that you protect your PDID. Your PDID is the key to unlocking encryption, and if you have it, for example, on a post-it note taped to your computer screen, the encryption is useless. |
For more information on passwords, how to pick a good one, and how to protect them, visit: |
What kind of characters can be used as filename for PrivateCrypto? |
SafeGuard PrivateCrypto supports only the Standard-ASCII-Characters. The "€" is not supported. |
What if I want to backup an encrypted drive? |
For the safest way to backup, use a secure network drive, such as your H drive. |
What if I wanted to protect just a single Word Document/Power Point presentation/Excel Spreadsheet and limit access to it? |
To protect a single office document, click the Protect Document button in Word, Protect Workbook button in Excel, or Protect Presentation button in PowerPoint, all under the review tab in Word 2007. This is called Windows Rights Management. For more information, see http://www.unco.edu/it/security/wrm.htm |
Wait! My question was not answered here!! |
If you have a question that was not covered above, please contact the Technical Support Center at 970-351-4357. |
For questions about SafeGuard for your computer, visit http://www.unco.edu/it/security/safeguardpc.htm |
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Main Office (970) 351-2341 |
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TSC [Help] (970) 351-4357 |