How to: Encrypt a file from within another application

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Hi everyone:
Does anyone know of a way to use a third party encryption tool to encode a file or project from within the main application?

For example:
I start MS-Word to create a new document, but when I save it, the document is encrypted when I save it from the MS-Word application.

Thanks,
Quecumber256

Posted 30-Nov-12 9:51am

Quecumber256

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TRK3 30-Nov-12 17:28pm

It would depend on (a) the third party encryption tool [find one and read the manual] and (b) the main application.

The typical way to do this sort of thing is to have an encrypted directory or encrypted disk -- Windows will let you turn on encryption on a directory by directory basis. There are probably third party tools that do something similar if you don't want to use the built in Windows functionality for some reason.

Albert Holguin 1-Dec-12 22:16pm

This could probably be a solution since his question is so vague anyway...

Albert Holguin 1-Dec-12 22:27pm

By the way... I also noticed you use MS Word in your example yet you tagged it with Linux... tag appropriately please.

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Quecumber256 · Answer 1 · 2012-12-01T03:09:00

Solution 1

I saw on C-NET a application called Predator. Predator writes a key onto a USB drive and when the USB drive is inserted into your computer access is granted, when removed your PC is locked down.

The encryption application I had in mind is: When the USB drive is inserted anything you create will be encrypted, but if the USB drive is absent it is saved normally.

Thanks,
Quecumber256

Posted 1-Dec-12 3:09am

Quecumber256

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Albert Holguin 1-Dec-12 22:15pm

Don't post follow ups or improvements as solutions, use the "Improve question" link under your original question to update.

Albert Holguin · Answer 2 · 2012-12-01T16:25:00

As TRK3 said, the encryption process will depend on the encryption tool/library that you choose. Big problem with using external libraries though is that you'll have to go through the decryption process before you can access the file with the application that originally made it (for example MS Word). It would be nice if MS and other application makers would allow you to build plug-ins to encrypt/decrypt on the fly (that doesn't exist that I know of, but I guess they're trying to steer free of liabilities of having other people make plug-ins).

I looked up that Predator USB drive and it's simply a locking device, there's NO encryption. Of course, this locking device can easily be circumvented so it's really no safer than a regular system password.

[Edit] Forgot to mention, a lot of drives also support bulk encryption now as well, so you can read up on that. Depending on what your goal is (keep certain data secure vs. keep a whole system secure vs. keep your friend from looking at your files), that may also be helpful to know about.

Quecumber256 · Answer 3 · 2012-12-02T04:50:00

To TKR3 and Albert Holguin:
Thanks for your advice. The reason I tagged it C++, Linux was I wanted to code the Cypher tool in C++ for standalone reasons, and I couldn't just tag it as a C++ problem.

I was afraid I couldn't create the application as I envisioned it. Looks like I'll have to find another approach.

Thanks again,
Quecumber256

How to: Encrypt a file from within another application

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