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1990-12-01
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Cypher 2.1
Data Encryptor
Written & Copyright (C) 1990 by Sean Robins
________________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
Cypher 2.1 is a data encryption program which uses a proprietary algorithm to
encrypt any kind of data or program file. Cypher is designed to provide quick
and easy data encryption, avoiding the biggest fault of typical encryption
systems, the inconvenience of use.
Cypher is the copyrighted property of its author and is distributed under the
shareware concept; its free distribution is authorized and encouraged. If,
after using Cypher for sixty (60) days, you find that you are satisfied, please
register it with the author using the registration form contained in the file
REGISTER.FRM, enclosing a check or money order for $10.00. Commercial users of
this program, that is, anyone using this in connection with a trade or
business, are required to register after thirty (30) days of use. Other
shareware authors may submit a copy of one of their own creations in lieu of
payment of the registration fee.
USE AND APPLICATION
Cypher is simple to use. It is called from the command line, like a DOS
command, with two parameters, the filename and the password/encryption key,
as: CYPHER <FILENAME.EXT> <PASSWORD>
For example:
CYPHER SEPT90.WKS ANOTHERRAINYDAY
will encrypt a file called SEPT90.WKS using the password ANOTHERRAINYDAY. It
is important to note that Cypher uses the password in a case-sensitive manner,
that is, ANOTHERRAINYDAY is different from anotherrainyday, and one will
produce different results than the other.
The password used may be as long as 128 characters, but in no event, should
it be less than eight characters. This is also a decided advantage over many
other encryption programs, which typically use passwords of no more than
eight characters.
The process for decrypting a file is precisely the same as that for
encrypting, except that the file starts out in an encrypted form.
It cannot be stressed more heavily the necessity for remembering the password
used in an encryption. The author of Cypher has no means whatsoever for
recovering data from a cyphertext file if the password has been lost or
forgotten.
One other thing that must be kept in mind when using Cypher, it is possible
to encrypt an already encrypted file. If, for example, Cypher is run on an
already encrypted file, using a password different from that originally used,
either intentionally or mistakenly, the cyphertext will be encrypted again.
If this was a mistake, and you realize your mistake in time, the error can
be reversed by simply running Cypher on the file again using the mistaken
password, and again using the correct password.
For additional security, the original plaintext file is overwritten prior to
deletion, when encrypting; the cyphertext file is likewise overwritten prior
to deletion when decrypting.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT SECURITY
The purpose of Cypher, most obviously, is to protect private, sensitive or
valuable data and information from prying eyes. What is less obvious, in
many instances, are the common-sense measures that can, nay, must be taken to
make any security program effective.
(1) Keep your encryption password(s) confidential; don't share them,
and don't leave copies of them lying about. If possible, don't
commit passwords to writing at all (but, remember, if you lose or
forget your password, your data is gone forever).
(2) Limit the physical access to your computer; a locked office door
can go a long way to keeping your data safe.
(3) Choose passwords that have no particular significance; don't use
names, birthdates, common words, and so on. The best passwords
are those which make no sense whatsoever, and which are at least
eight characters.
(4) Don't leave your PC up and runmning, particularly while it is
running a program that is accessing sensitive information.
(5) If possible, implement a software or hardware security system on
your PC, such as a passworded access system.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
No warranty of any kind is implied or should be inferred in the provision of
the Cypher Data Encryptor. Use Cypher at your own risk. No warranty of
suitability for any purpose is made.
The final word on warranties is this: There are none.
THANK YOU
Thank you for trying Cypher 2.1 Data Encryptor. If you have and comments or
questions, please address them to the author:
Sean Robins
2100 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, Pa. 19103