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Encryption software

Intro - In general, encryption algorithms can fall into one of two categories: symmetric or single key ciphers and public key ciphers. A symmetric cipher will encrypt and decrypt the file using a single secret key. The sender encrypts the file using the secret key, and then the encrypted file is attached to a document and emailed. The receiver will have to have the secret key sent to them via a secure method.
Public key ciphers uses a "public key" algorithm that has two keys, a "public" encryption key and a secret "private" decryption key. This enables anyone to encrypt email and any attached file using that person’s public key. Only that person will be able to decrypt the email and attached file using their secret private key.

The following are some methods that are available:

PKZip - Version 2.04g shareware. By compressing a file using a password and the "-s" option with a password, for example: "pkzip newfilename.zip -spassword oldfilename.xxx" the file is emailed and the password is sent using a secure channel. Available from www.pkware.com for $47.00 Provides basic security only.

Winzip - Version 6.2 shareware. Create a new "archive", uncheck the "add dialog" option, and select "password" under the options menu, then compress the file. The file is emailed and the password is sent using a secure channel. Available from www.winzip.com for $29.00. Provides basic security only.

Kremlin - Version 1.21 shareware, has options to encrypt using several different algorithms, both symmetric and public key types available. Available from www.mach5.com for $10.00 Provides good security, depending on the key size and algorithm selected. Usage may be limited under US Government Arms Export Restrictions.

PGP - Version 5.0 shareware, uses a hybrid algorithm, the plaintext file is encrypted using the IDEA symmetric algorithm, and the key for the file is encrypted using an RSA public key algorithm. Users will have to exchange public keys. Available from www.pgp.com for free for private use, and for commercial users it sells for $49.00 Usage may be limited under US Government Arms Export Restrictions, so read the manual. Provides good security.

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