Copyright: © 2001 SecureAction Research, Pvt Ltd


Introduction

SecureAction Research sets for itself high standards in data security and protection and Advanced Encryption Plug-in for Windows Explorer is a reflection of our commitment to provide you our expertise in data security efficiently and economically. AEPE was developed specifically for the purposes of securing data and as you use this programme you will realise the many benefits it offers you.

This program was born out of a desire to protect our business files from curious eyes. For weeks We had looking for a comfortable, safe and reliable way to secure our private and business data.

We needed a special program to meet our requirements.

Hence, the birth of Advanced Encryption Plug-in for Windows Explorer!

SecureAction Research

(AEPE creator)


SHOP SecureAction

After registration (in 48 hours) you will receive Activation Code(s) and detailed instructions. This code will transform AEPE to fully registered version and enable all disabled features and will disable nag screen at start-up.

You can register your single personal copy of Advanced Encryption Pug-in for Explorer for US$24.95.

Choose one of our official reseller to buy AEPE:

        RegNow.com (All major credit cards are supported)

        https://www.regnow.com/softsell/nph-softsell.cgi?item=2528-9

        We recommend this reseller to all users from America (USA, Canada etc)

        ShareIt.com (All major credit cards are supported)

        http://shareit1.element5.com/product.html?productid=141830

        We recommend this reseller to all users from Europe (Germany, France, France, Portuguese etc, it has all order form in all major european languages and supports euro)


AEPE on Internet

Please visit our site in Internet -

http://www.secureaction.com (Corporate site)

http://www.secureaciton.com/ae_plugin (AEPE Site)

Every time you can find on our site information about new version of SecureAction's products, announces, new beta-versions, special offers and more.


Other products

Our company has several products that would be interested for you.

Secure Notes Organizer allows you to arrange your text-based information in a very convenient form - folders. Every folder can be represented as Tree, Calendar or Stack of Mini-Documents Arranging items using mouse Searching information in all database Instant saving changes and minimizing using ESC key Instant activating using one mouse click on icon in tray Protecting document by password Every Memoirs' document can be automatically protected by password after a user-defined period of inactivity Powerful and Handy Interface Multi-lingual interface (English, German, Russian, French, Dutch,Brazilian Portuguese

http://www.secureaction.com/notes - SNO site


Why encrypt?

While it is well known that letters can be intercepted and phone lines can

be tapped, it is not so well known that even e-mails can  be easily read. In

fact it is commonly believed that the login password provides privacy and

security.

This is not actually so!

Any employee of the Internet Service Provider (ISP) that you you use,

can tap into your e-mail at your end or that of the recipient with the use of

fairly basic equipment. Tapping can also be done by anyone who links up to

the dozens of Internet routers through which your message passes.

The mail can even be accessed by someone at the phone company's office or

a hacker who taps in through them.

There are also a number of more sophisticated methods and a wide range of

equipment by which all electronic communication can be intercepted. These

are used primarily by government agencies, but can also be employed by

business rivals and competitors.

Such agencies can also use specially designed softwares that can

automatically search all e-mails and faxes passing through a particular

phone network for keywords, or analyse phone calls digitally. So even if you

are using unlisted numbers, or public call offices and cybercafes, your

communication can be traced and intercepted by picking up commonly used

terms or phrases.

Hence, encryption, using SecureAction's AEPE software, is the only

guaranteed way to protect your privacy.


What is encryption?

Encrypting data means getting it transformed into a string of characters

undecipherable by others.

What  actually happens is that by using a secret-key i.e. the equivalent of

a code (see glossary), the cryptography system transforms your data into

gibberish. If the scrambling of the data is done properly, the original file

can only be unscrambled and read by someone who knows the secret key i.e.

the code used to encrypt the file.

Encrypting a file ensures that even if someone gets access to your computer

s/he would not be able to read the data stored there. Encrypted files can

safely be sent by e-mail or placed on a network with the assurance that the

data can be read only by those who were meant to have it.

Basic encryption systems have been used to protect secrets for many

centuries. But today's encryption methods are far more sophisticated and

reliable than ever before because the encryption code itself is a very complex

computational transformation that is only feasible with desktop machines

in the early 1990s


How does encryption work?

When you use encryption, your data gets converted into meaningless symbols

by using a key, which is nothing but the code that helps you to encrypt or

decrypt data.

The more random the method of key conversion, the stronger the encryption

will be. A pass phrase generally needs to be easy to remember, so it has

significantly less randomness than its length suggests. For example, a

20-letter English phrase, rather than having 20 x 8 = 160 bits of

randomness, only has about 20 x 2 = 40 bits of randomness.

So, cryptographic software converts a pass phrase into a key through a

process called ``hashing'' or ``key initialization.'' (see glossary)

At the heart of the process is the algorithm (see glossary), which is

devised so as to make deciphering the encrypted file impossible without

using the secret key. Some of the popular encryption algorithms include

Blowfish, DES, Diffie-Hellman, IDEA, RC4, RSA and Skipjack. Many of these

use 64 and 128 bit encryption systems i.e. devise keys of 2*64 or 2*128

length.

The Blowfish encryption algorithm on which GUIDESX is based was specially

designed to encrypt data on 32-bit microprocessor. It is significantly

faster than DES and GOST when implemented on 32-bit microprocessors, such as

the Pentium or Power PC.

GUIDESX software uses the Blowfish in Cipher Block Chaining Mode with

446-bit key length.


Is encryption safe?

An ordinary user may find it difficult to unscramble even a simple

algorithm. However, experts using sophisticated methods can employ a number

of means to break an algorithm. The most common of these is "brute force"

wherein  a number of computers are simultaneously employed to break the code

by a "trial and error" system which physically checks all possible

combinations.

However, a well developed encryption system can withstand even such brutal

attacks. Encryption based on the algorithms mentioned above are generally

immune to these kinds of attack assuming that no backdoors exist in the

programme. Calculations show that the period of time required to crack them

through brute force is gigantic. This table will give an idea of the

dimensions.

2 to power of           Approximates to

30                      Age of planet earth (in years)

33                      Probability of being killed by a lightning (per                         day)

61                      Lifetime of universe in seconds

170                     Amount of atoms on our planet

223                     Amount of atoms in our galaxy

446                     Amount of possible keys used by AEPE

2048                    Amount of possible keys

The probability of being killed by a lightning is 2³³ to 1, this is about

8.5 billion to 1.

Note: 128 bit keys generally provide maximum security. For most private and

commercial applications 60 bit key length is sufficient. Only 56 bit and

below keys can theoretically be broken by the "brute force" method.

To see how difficult this is let us look at estimates of the time required

using brute force to break symmetric ciphers assuming that:

i.      Every single computer (estimated at 3*108) on the earth is used full

time.

ii.     Every computer has the processing power of a PII 450Mhz. Then a single

(3DES) key can be brute forced in an average of 457,351,814,728 years.

The table below shows how long the various types of keys remain secure for.

A number of assumptions are made:

i.      The number of computers in the world is equal to 100 Billion (that's ten

for every single person on earth in the year 2014 - there are expected to be

10 billion people alive in 2014).

ii.     Each of the computers obey Moore's law  (the power and speed of

computers doubles approximately every 18 months) for the entire period of

cracking. (NOTE: this assumption may break current theories on speed of

light, quantum physics etc). In reality, Moore's Law is predicted to become

infeasible within 10 years or so.

Cipher  Effective	Years until break

Key Size	feasible with

500	              10             100,000

Supercomputers   Billion        Deep Crack

                                   computers      machines

                                         (PII 450)

3DES    112             61               44             45

CAST    128             85               65             69

IDEA    128             85               66             69


What can I do to be safe?

Each time you work with sensitive data, or wish to communicate with someone

else confidentially, you must use AEPE to protect your

files. (The Help Menu provides a step-by-step guide of how this is to be

done).

Ensure that all you stored information is also encrypted so that it is safe

from the eyes of snoopers, competitors or uninvited investigators.

And when getting rid of old files or data, don't just delete them, use the built in

Shred function in the programme to be absolutely safe.


Why AEPE?

·	Developed outside the US, hence does not attract the restrictions imposed by that country, which are basically designed to prevent the use of strong

·	·	encryption so that the government can easily access your personal data at any time.

·	Based on a non proprietary, open source, public domain encryption algorithm BLOWFISH. It is thought to be one of the strongest in existence and requires relatively little computing power (practically a 1 Mb file can be encrypted in 30 Seconds or less on most desktop machines).

·	·

·	Can incorporate additional algorithms as per client specifications.

·	·

·	Statistically impregnable against brute force attacks (1032  years for the fastest computer in existence to break the key - the age of the universe is 1018 years)

·	·

·	Built in file shredder - i.e. wiping the contents of the original pre-encrypted file beyond recovery to make sure that not even a trace remains after shredding. (matching and exceeding the specifications of the U.S. Department of Defence) to stop hardware recovery tools.

·	·

·	Built in compression of files to reduce size in transmission

·	·

·	No "back door" in the software - No access possible under any circumstances. If you do not remember the password you cannot access the

·	·	encrypted contents. There is no special procedure, secret code, or hidden entry method to fall back on.

·	GUIDESX encrypts every kind of file on every kind of medium, whether floppy disk, removable hard drive, zip drive, tape drive or other

·	·

·	It encrypts every kind of file and folder, whether spreadsheet, graphic, word processor or others

·	·

·	Ability to make self-decrypting files for sending to people who do not have AEPE. The program can be used to create self-extracting files. The

·	·	recipient can unlock the data by just starting the self-extracting file within Windows and entering the combination.

·	The only requirement for self-extracting files is that the recipients must be running some form of Microsoft Windows. All they need is a key to access the contents i.e. a totally secure system is possible without any modification of existing  mail systems using any mail system that supports file attachments.

·	·

·	Intuitive interface (Windows Shell Integration)

·	·

·	Designed to hide the complexities of encryption technology from the end user.

·	·


How to register AEPE?

This trial version of AEPE can be evaluated for the period of 30 days. After this period you must register software or AEPE from your computer or register it.

How to order

After you have registered this software you will have additional abilities:

1. Ability to use password's length longer than 3 symbols

2. Ability to shred/destroy files/folders larger than 200 kb

3. Ability to make self-extracting encrypted files (.exe) larger than 200 kb

4. Free upgrades to future versions


Introduction

Advanced Encryption Plug-in for Windows Explorer integrates with Windows Shell.

So, you can Encrypt/Decrypt/Shred/Make .exe files/Make ZIP archives directly from Windows Explorer context menu.

Directly on Desktop select several files

or open Windows Explorer by double-clicking My Computer or My Documents icon on your Desktop.

Then select several icons using your mouse and click it by using your Right mouse button.

You will see Windows Explorer's context menu.

Find and select "Advanced Encryption Plug-in" menu item.

And then choose one of commands: Encrypt, Decrypt, Make SFX, Shred or another option


Step 1

From Explorer context menu choose Advanced Encryption Plug-in submenu. (see introduction how to call context menu)

When you have selected "Encrypt.." menu item from Windows Explorer pop-up context menu, you will see an encryption dialog:

·	Choose encryption mode: 128 bit (DES encryption algorithm) or 448 bit (Blowfish encryption algorithm). We recommend to use DES for medium security level documents and Blowfish for top secret documents.

·	Type your password in Password field. We recommend you do not use a name of your wife, childs, dog, cat, etc.. as the password. Please use the password length at least six characters. And please remember - never tell your password to your friends!

·	Please keep in mind, we at SecureAction Research do not have "back doors" for this programm. We implemented strong mathematic cryptology algorithms to this program, and if you will forgot your password - nobody will be able to decrypt your documents!

·	In Riddle field enter the riddle for the password.

·	In "What to do with the source file" field, choose, what AEPE should to do with an original file - leave it alone (do not delete it), Delete It or Shred It (highly recommended for important documents, original files will be secure removed from your system)

·


Step 1

From Explorer context menu choose Advanced Encryption Plug-in submenu. (see introduction how to call context menu)

When you have selected "Decrypt.." menu item from Windows Explorer pop-up context menu, you will see an encryption dialog:

·	In File information field your'll see your files to be decrypted (program supports .desx and .blow files). It includes information about file size and riddle

·	In Password filed type your password to be used for decryption files

·	In "What to do with the source file" choose an option - what to do with the original file. You can choose "Delete It" to convert all files to not encrypted.

·


How to create encrypted .exe files


Step 1

From Explorer context menu choose Advanced Encryption Plug-in submenu. (see introduction how to call context menu)

AEPE can make Self-extracting encrypted files (TM). This option can be useful for users who do not have Advanced Encryption Plug-in for Explorer.

How does it work

·	Using AEPE, you make encrypted .exe files (encrypted with password) and send it to your friends or partners with using your favourite E-mail program like Outlook Express, Eudora, The Bat! etc

·	Your friend will receive this .exe file and he should run it. He will see a dialog:

·	·	·

·	Please take a note, that you do not need AEPE to decrypt SFX exe files!

·	·	·

How to make SFX files

When you have selected "Make SFX.." menu item from Windows Explorer pop-up context menu, you will see an encryption dialog:

·	In File information field your'll see your files to be decrypted (program supports .desx and .blow files). It includes information about file size and riddle

·	In Password filed type your password to be used for decryption files

·	In "What to do with the source file" choose an option - what to do with the original file. You can choose "Delete It" to convert all files to not encrypted.

·	·	·


Step 1

From Explorer context menu choose Advanced Encryption Plug-in submenu. (see introduction how to call context menu)

From this menu choose and select "Shred!" submenu.

See screenshot:

What is Shred

Built in file shredder is helpful for wiping the contents of the original pre-encrypted file beyond recovery to make sure that not even a trace remains after shredding. (matching and exceeding the specifications of the U.S. Department of Defence) to stop hardware recovery tools.


How to see contents of existing ZIP archives

From Windows Explorer window locate and doubleclick .zip file. AEPE will show you zip file's contents.


How to extract ZIP files

From Windows Explorer window locate and doubleclick .zip file. AEPE will show you zip file's contents.

In this window you'll be able to extract ZIP file contents

Press Extract all button to extract files from this zip archive


How to create new ZIP archives

In Windows Explorer window select several files/folders you wish to add into zip archive. Then call context menu by clicking selected files using your right mouse button.From this menu locate and choose "Add to ZIP archive' menu item. AEPE will create new ZIP archive immediately


Files

When you have selected "Settings.." menu item from Windows Explorer pop-up context menu, you will see an encryption dialog:

·	Check first checkbox to force program to mark encrypted files (after encryption) as hidden. The will be invisible in Explorer

·	Check second checkbox, to force program to dump all used passwords to single encrypted text file. This feature is very useful for logging your passwords. You will also able to decrypt this file (it is usual Blowfish encrypted file) and see used passwords

·


Shred

Overview

Built in file shredder is helpful for wiping the contents of the original pre-encrypted file beyond recovery to make sure that not even a trace remains after shredding. (matching and exceeding the specifications of the U.S. Department of Defence) to stop hardware recovery tools.

When you have selected "Settings.." menu item from Windows Explorer pop-up context menu, you will see an encryption dialog:

·	"Num of passes" chooses the number of shred passes. I.e. AEPE will shred files choosen number of times

·	"Buffer size" is buffer size used for shredding. AEPE wills this buffer with random data and erases files several times (num of passes)

·	"Reset file data" - this option is recommended. It will trouble the recovering file

·	"Force Windows to flush disk buffers" - this option is recommended. It will force Operating System do not cashe data, but directly write to your disk

·	"Delete shredded file". Usually, shredded file - is filled with random data (garbage). This option will force AEPE to delete this file. You can check off this option to knowledge how AEPE shred disk data

·	"Zap file name" - this option is highly recommended. It will completely erase the traces of file name from system FAT - File Allocation Table. It will make it sure, that original top secret file will not be recovered

·