File Encryption Tool Guide

Why File Encryption Matters

In today's digital world, protecting sensitive information has never been more important. Whether you're storing personal documents, financial records, or confidential business files, encryption provides a critical layer of security that prevents unauthorized access to your data.

Our File Encryption Tool offers a simple yet powerful solution for securing your files using industry-standard encryption algorithms, ensuring that only those with the correct password can access your information.

Getting Started with the File Encryption Tool

1. Select Your File

Our tool makes file selection straightforward:

• Drag and drop files directly into the upload area
• Click to browse and select files from your device
• Supports any file type up to 100MB in size

For your privacy and security, all encryption processing happens locally in your browser—your files are never uploaded to external servers, ensuring your sensitive data remains under your control.

2. Choose a Strong Password

The security of your encrypted file depends entirely on the strength of your password:

• Use a unique password that you don't use elsewhere
• Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters
• Aim for at least 12 characters in length
• Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or names

Remember: If you forget your password, there is no way to recover your encrypted file. Store your password securely, separate from the encrypted file.

3. Select Encryption Method

Our tool offers AES-256-GCM encryption, which is considered the gold standard for secure file encryption:

• AES-256-GCM: Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit key length using Galois/Counter Mode
• Provides both confidentiality (encryption) and integrity (tamper detection)
• Used by governments and enterprises worldwide for protecting classified information

4. Encrypt Your File

Once you've selected your file, created a strong password, and chosen your encryption method:

• Click the "Encrypt" button to begin the encryption process
• A progress indicator will show the encryption status
• When complete, your browser will automatically download the encrypted file
• The encrypted file will have the same name as your original file with ".encrypted" added to the end

Decrypting Your Files

1. Select the Encrypted File

To decrypt a previously encrypted file:

• Upload the encrypted file (with the ".encrypted" extension) using the same interface
• The tool will automatically detect that you're working with an encrypted file

2. Enter Your Password

Enter the same password you used during encryption. Remember that:

• Passwords are case-sensitive
• There is no password recovery option
• The tool will not be able to decrypt the file with an incorrect password

3. Decrypt and Download

After entering your password:

• Click the "Decrypt" button
• The tool will process the file and verify the password
• If successful, your browser will download the original, decrypted file
• If unsuccessful (wrong password), you'll receive an error message

Understanding the Security Features

AES-256 Encryption

Our tool implements several advanced security features:

• AES-256 encryption: Virtually unbreakable with current technology
• Random salt generation: Prevents pre-computed attacks even if the same password is used multiple times
• Initialization vector (IV): Ensures the same file encrypted twice produces different outputs
• GCM mode: Provides authentication to detect tampering with the encrypted file

Client-Side Processing

All encryption and decryption happens directly in your browser:

• Your files never leave your device
• Your password is never transmitted over the internet
• No server-side storage of your files or encryption keys
• Works even when offline after the initial page load

Best Practices for File Encryption

Password Management

To maximize security:

• Use a different password for each important encrypted file
• Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords
• Never store your password in the same location as your encrypted files
• Consider splitting very sensitive passwords across multiple secure channels

Secure File Handling

After encryption:

• Securely delete the original unencrypted file (use secure deletion tools)
• Keep backups of encrypted files in separate locations
• Verify that you can successfully decrypt files before deleting originals
• Consider using encrypted storage for your encrypted files for an extra layer of protection

Sharing Encrypted Files

When sharing encrypted files:

• Never send the password in the same channel as the encrypted file
• Use a separate, secure communication method for sharing the password
• Consider time-limited password sharing services for one-time access
• Instruct recipients on how to properly decrypt and handle the sensitive information

Limitations and Considerations

While our File Encryption Tool provides strong security, be aware of these limitations:

• Maximum file size is limited to 100MB due to browser constraints
• No password recovery option if you forget your password
• Browser compatibility may vary for older browsers
• Encryption strength depends on the quality of your password
• No protection against malware already on your device

Conclusion

Our File Encryption Tool provides a simple yet powerful way to protect your sensitive files using industry-standard encryption. By following the guidelines in this guide, you can ensure your personal and professional data remains secure and private.

Remember that encryption is just one part of a comprehensive security strategy. Always keep your devices updated, use antivirus software, and follow good security practices to protect your digital life.