logoEncrypting Files Using AxCrypt

  (10-23-07)                          Printer Friendly Version  
     

Documents, spreadsheets, databases, and other files that contain personal information or other sensitive information MUST BE encrypted when being transmitted to someone else (via email, CD, etc.) and should be encrypted when saved on local hard drives, CDs, Floppies, USB drives, and other non-central media. 

 

While WinZip works well for many users, some people have experienced problems when transmitting WinZip encrypted files to off-campus users.

 

An alternative free software encryption program, that is compatible with most computer systems, is AxCrypt. 

 

NOTE: Axcrypt software is NOT supported by the Sinclair IT Help Desk. Help files for the Axcrypt software are found at http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/Downloads.html.

 

Follow the instructions below to use AxCrypt to encrypt files.


I. Downloading and Installing AxCrypt

     
  1. Download AxCrypt from:
    http://www.axantum.com/AxCrypt/Downloads.html

    After download, double-click on the
    AxCrypt-Setup.exe icon
  
     
  1. You will see a dialogue box similar to the one shown at the right. 

    Click the “Run” button.
  

     
  1. You must agree to the license agreement before the install process will continue.
  

     
  1. If you want to receive email communication such as updates and new versions, enter a valid email address and select the communication type you are interested in.

    If you do not want to receive any email, leave the address block blank and select the “I do not wish to receive update notifications” radio button.

    Click Next.
  

  1. The program should begin to install. 

    This may take some time.
  

     
  1. You may or may not receive the message shown at the right. 

    You should click “Yes” to register the software if you do receive it. 

    NOTE: Clicking no sometimes stops the install process.
 

     
  1. Installation is complete. 

    If you want to see details of the installation, click “Show Details”, otherwise, click “Next”
  

     
  1. The Readme file will display by default unless you de-select the check box. 

    Click Finish.

    AxCrypt is should now be installed.
  

 

II. Encrypting a file for transmittal.

    
     
  1. The first step is to find and select the file or files you want to encrypt using Windows Explorer, then Right-Click the selected file(s) to bring up the menu.

    Mouse-over AxCrypt, to show the AxCrypt options.

    AxCrypt offers a number of options for encrypting files. Selecting “Encrypt” will encrypt the original file, deleting the unencrypted version. 

    “Encrypt a copy” leaves the original unencrypted file intact.

    The recommended option for transmitting a file to someone else is to “Encrypt copy to .EXE” as this allows the receiver to decrypt the file without installing AxCrypt on his/her system. 

    Click “Encrypt copy to .EXE”
  


 

 
  1. The next step is to assign the password. 

    The encryption provided is only effective if the password is effective.  Minimum recommendations are 8 characters with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

    NOTE: This is a password you are going to have to share with the file recipient, so be careful NOT to use the same password you use for your personal information or accounts.

    Click OK to encrypt the file(s).
  

 

 
  1. You should now see an encrypted file similar to the one shown at right. 

    You can transfer this file via CD, USB, or other physical media.

    However, before you can send via email, follow steps 4-6 below.


  

  1. To send the file as an email attachment, you must rename the file extension to something that is not executable (.EXE) as nearly all email software blocks executable attachments.

    To rename the file, right-click on the encrypted file and select (left-click) Rename.
  

  1. Select the extension and change to a non-executable such as .txt
  

  1. You will likely see this warning. 

    Click Yes.

    You should now be able to email the renamed file as an email attachment. 

    Be sure to contact (phone recommended) the intended recipient and tell them they will need to rename the extension to .EXE upon receipt. 

    Also ensure the individual knows the password.

    Do NOT send the password via email! Email is not a secure way to send passwords.
 

 

 

III. Decrypting an AxCrypt .EXE file    
     
  1. The first step to decrypting a file received as an email attachment is to save the file to a folder on your PC. 

    Do not try to decrypt the attachment from within the email message or program.

  

 

 
  1. To decrypt the AxCrypt file, you need to rename the file so it has an executable (.EXE) extension.

    Right-click on the file and select (left-click) the Rename option from the menu.
  

  1. Erase the current extension and change it to .EXE (it is not case sensitive).

    You may or may not see a banner warning you about changing file extensions, click “Yes” to change it.

  

 

 

 
  1. Open the renamed file by double-clicking, or by right-clicking and selecting “Open”
  

 

 

 
  1. You should receive a password prompt like the one shown at the right.

    Enter the password you received from the individual who encrypted/transmitted the file.
  

 

 
  1. If the encrypted file contains multiple items, you may be prompted to specify a location to decrypt the files.  

    You can click the “Browse” button for options.

    Click Decrypt.
  

 
  1. You should see the decrypted file(s) in the location you specified.