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Installation
Q:
What are Cypherus’ system requirements?
A: Pentium Processor, 5MB of disk space
and 16MB of RAM.
Q:
What operating systems does Cypherus support?
A: Microsoft Windows 95, 98, Me, NT and
2000.
Q:
How do I get the full version of Cypherus 1.5?
A: Go to www.cypherus.com and Click Order
Now. You must create a My Cypherus account to purchase Cypherus. Once
we have processed your order, you will be given access to Cypherus downloads,
updates, patches and our growing collection of Cypherus Skins.
Q:
How do I download the software?
A: Go to www.cypherus.com and login to
My Cypherus. Once logged in, go to the Products page and click Downloads
from the site navigation menu. Click [Cypherus Version 1.5] to begin
the download. Choose [Save this program to disk] and then select the
location to save cypherus.exe. Click [OK]. The installation file is
a 4.3 MB download.
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Q:
How do I install Cypherus once it is downloaded?
A: There are several ways to install Cypherus.
The Cypherus installation file will automatically begin the installation
process once the file is executed.
Method A:
- Locate the file
cypherus.exe.
- Double click
the file icon to begin the installation process.
- Cypherus.exe
will extract the files needed to continue.
Method B:
- Go to the Start
menu.
- Select [Run].
- Click [Browse]
to locate the file cypherus.exe or type the location of the file.
- Cypherus.exe
will extract the files needed to continue.
Continue with installation:
- Click [Next]
at the Welcome screen.
- Read the Software
License Agreement. By clicking [Yes] you agree to accept the terms
of the Software License Agreement. Click [Yes] to continue or [No]
to exit the installation.
- Enter your Name,
Company Name (if no company, type "None") and Serial Number. You serial
number is listed on your purchase confirmation page and is also sent
in your confirmation email. You must enter the serial number exactly
as it appears. Click [Next].
- Choose the destination
folder for the application. The default is the "c:\Program Files\Cypherus"
directory. Click [Browse] to select a different directory or [Next]
to continue with the default selected.
- Choose the Program
Folder Group to place the Cypherus program icons. The default is a
new group called "Cypherus." Click [Next] to proceed.
- The Cypherus
installation will be completed. Click [Finish] to complete.
- You will need
to reboot your system before you can use Cypherus. Choose [Yes] to
reboot now or [No] to reboot at a later time.
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Q:
Now that Cypherus is installed, how do I begin using the program?
A: Each user will need a unique user account
in Cypherus. Launch Cypherus by double-clicking the Cypherus logo on
your desktop. Before the application begins, you must login to Cypherus.
Click [New] to create a user account.
Q:
How do I exit the installation once it has started?
A: Click [Cancel] anytime during installation
to exit.
Q:
How do I upgrade from the 30-day Evaluation Version to Version 1.5?
A: You must uninstall the evaluation version
before installing version 1.5. It is highly suggested that you perform
a backup of your Key Manager files before uninstall (see "How do I backup
my Key Manager files?"). If you do not back up your Key Manager files,
you will not be able to open your encrypted files.
To upgrade from
the 30-day Evaluation Version to Version 1.5:
- Backup your Key
Manager files.
- Uninstall Cypherus
Evaluation copy.
- Go to Control
Panel -> Add/Remove Program.
- Click [Cypherus].
- Click [Add/Remove].
- Restart Computer
(if necessary).
- Install Cypherus
Version 1.5 (see "How do I install Cypherus once it is downloaded?"
or "How do install Cypherus from CD Rom?")
- Create a user
account (see "Now that Cypherus is installed, how do I begin using
the program?").
- Import your Key
Manager files (see "How do I restore my backup keys for Cypherus?").
Q:
How can I back up my Cypherus keys?
A: Cypherus recommends making frequent
backups of your keys and storing them in a safe place away from your
computer or any magnetic device. Key backups can be performed very easily.
From the [Key Manager] pull down menu, select [Backup]. Choose the directory
or drive to store your backup to (Cypherus recommends a floppy disk
for backup), name your backup file and select [Save].
Q:
How do I restore my backup keys for Cypherus?
A: In the event that your original keys
are lost or corrupted, or you are required to reinstall Cypherus for
any reason, you will find that upon re-installation your original keys
are not in the Key Manager. This is to prevent unauthorized access to
your keys through uninstall procedures. You can restore your keys if
you have backed them up to another directory or disk. To do this, first
open the Key Manger. From the [Key Manager] pull-down, select [Import]
and point to the location where you have stored your backup file. Next,
enter the password for this backup file and select [OK]. Your keys will
then be restored to the Cypherus Key Manager.
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User Accounts
Q:
Why do I need a user account to use Cypherus?
A: In order to take advantage of the Cypherus
Key Manager, each user must have a secure database in which their personal
information is stored. When you create your account, Cypherus generates
a Key Manager database and an optional public/private key pair for use
with email and document delivery. All encryption information and Cypherus
settings are contained within your database, which is encrypted for
your protection. This database cannot be recovered if your password
is forgotten. There are no backdoors built into Cypherus. Please make
sure to use the backup feature on the Key Manager.
Q:
How do I create a new user account?
A: Run the Cypherus program (see How do
I open Cypherus?). Before Cypherus can be used, each user must login
to the program. The Login screen prompts for username and password.
To create a new user, click the [New] button. Enter the desired Username
and Password for this account (these are the only required fields to
create an account). The following options are not required to create
an account but are very useful and recommended. The Cypherus Business
Card contains your personal contact information. This Business Card
can be sent to other Cypherus users and added directly to their Key
Manager Address Book. Cypherus Key Server Registration allows you to
register your email address with a public key to the Cypherus Public
Key Server. Simply enter your email address and Cypherus will do the
rest. For more information on the use of the Cypherus Public Key Server
click here.
Q:
Does Cypherus send any information about me over the Internet for marketing
or other purposes?
A: We respect your privacy. The answer
is an emphatic NO. The only information sent over the Internet by Cypherus
is information required to register your email and public key to the
Cypherus Public Key Server.
Q:
I cannot remember my Cypherus password, what can I do?
A: Cypherus offers strong security. There
are no backdoors or other ways into the program. Therefore, a lost password
means lost information. We suggest that you choose a password that will
not be forgotten. We know it seems impossible not to forget passwords.
For that reason we included a small but very useful feature in the Cypherus
Key Manager. You can securely manage and store your many Internet, email
and credit card passwords in the Cypherus Key Manager. You no longer
need to remember so many passwords, write them on post-its or put them
in a spreadsheet. The more you use Cypherus to manage your passwords,
the less likely it is you will forget the password to Cypherus. Your
Cypherus password is the only password you will need to remember.
Q:
How do I back up my Key Manager files?
A: Login to Cypherus and launch the Key
Manager. Select [Key Manager] from the File Menu in the Key Manager
interface. Select [Backup] from the drop down list. Name the backup
file and choose the location to save the file. Enter a password to secure
your backup files (it can be the same as your Cypherus login password).
Click [OK] to backup the files.
Q:
How do I import my old Key Manager files?
A: First, you must have a user account
in Cypherus to import your Key Manager files. Once you have logged into
Cypherus, launch the Key Manager. Select [Key Manager] from the File
Menu in the Key Manager interface. Select [Import] from the drop down
list. Choose the format of the backed up Key Manager file and enter
the password for the file. Locate the file you wish to import and click
[Open]. Your old Key Manager data will be imported. The imported information
includes encryption keys, your address book, public/private key information,
personal passwords, personal business card and your Cypherus settings.
Q:
How do I delete my user account?
A: From the Cypherus login screen, enter
username and password. Click [Delete]. You will be prompted with a warning
that all your Key Manager information will be lost if you delete the
account. It is advised that you backup your Key Manager before deleting
an account if you wish to save any of the keys needed to open archives
encrypted by that particular user.
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Cypherus Key Server
Q:
Why should I register a public key to the Cypherus Public Key Server?
A: The Cypherus Public Key Server allows
you to post your email address with a set of associated public keys.
Once you are listed on the Cypherus Key Server, other Cypherus users
can easily send you encrypted email. Someone who does not have your
email address already cannot use the Key Server to look up your address.
When you receive encrypted email from someone, as the owner of the private
key that is paired with the registered public key, only you will be
able to view the file.
Q:
How do I register a public key to the Cypherus Key Server?
A: When first using Cypherus, you must
create a user account. Each Cypherus user will have a unique Key Manager
database that will store and manage all encryption keys. From the NEW
user screen, you have the option to register your email and public key
with the Cypherus Key Server. To register, enter your valid email address
under "Cypherus Key Server Registration" and check the box next to "Add
an entry for myself on the Key Server". Cypherus will then generate
a public/private key pair, upload and register your email address and
public key, and store your private key in the Cypherus Key Manager.
Once your email and public key have been registered, the Cypherus Public
Key Server will send an automatic confirmation email to the register
email address. This email will confirm the status of this address to
the Public Key Server and your Cypherus Key Manager. The confirmation
email will ask the recipient to click a link in order to confirm that
it is indeed the correct address. Once the address is confirmed, it
will be housed on the Cypherus Public Key Server.
Q:
I did not register myself on the Cypherus Public Key Server when I created
my Cypherus account. How do I register now?
A: To register a new email address to the
Cypherus Public Key Server, go to Cypherus [Settings]. In the left option
tree menu, choose [Key Server]. You will then see a list of your registered
email addresses, the associated private keys, the dates they were created
and their strength (bit size). To add a new (or additional) email address,
click [ADD]. Enter the email address and click [OK]. Cypherus will then
generate a public/private key pair, upload and register your email address
and public key, storing the private key in your Cypherus Key Manager.
Once your email and public key have been registered, the Cypherus Public
Key Server will send an automatic confirmation email to the register
email address. This email will confirm the status of this address to
the Public Key Server and your Cypherus Key Manager. The confirmation
email will ask the recipient to click a link in order to confirm that
it is indeed the correct address. Once the address is confirmed, it
will be housed on the Cypherus Public Key Server.
Q:
What is in an encrypted message?
A: The encrypted email contains an encrypted
attachment and instructions on how to open the encrypted file. Cypherus
encrypts file attachments using the powerful Blowfish algorithm (up
to 448 bit key size) and uses the Diffie-Hellman encryption algorithm
to transmit the encryption key. This encrypted file attachment (.cyp
file) can contain any number of files and supports encryption of any
Windows compatible file format. Along with encrypting the files, Cypherus
also compresses them during the process.
Q:
How do I open an encrypted message that was sent using my public key?
A: Save the attachment (a .cyp file) to
your local or remote drive. Open the .cyp file. (Please see "How do
I open an encrypted file?") Once you are logged into the Key Manager,
Cypherus will automatically decrypt and open the file for you.
Q:
Now that the file is opened, how do I view the files inside?
A: Once the encrypted file is opened, you
will be able to view the contents of the .cyp file. From this point
on, Cypherus works similar to a compressed archive. Extract and save
a file from within the .cyp file to your local or remote drive. The
file is now decrypted and available to view/edit as a normal file. You
can also access any of the files in the archive by double clicking on
them directly in the Cypherus interface or by dragging and dropping
the icons into another folder.
Q:
The members of my family all use the same computer at home. Can I register
more than one email address to the Cypherus Public Key Server?
A: Yes. Cypherus allows you to register
multiple addresses to the Public Key Server, giving different individuals
using the same computer their own personal public-private key pair.
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Cypherus
Key Manager
Q:
How do I remember all of the different passwords I use for my encrypted
archives?
A: One of Cypherus' primary features is
a key manager, which provides a secure location to store all of your
archive keys as well as any personal passwords or contacts you use regularly
and want to keep secure.
Q:
What is the Cypherus Key Manager and how do I use it?
A: The Key Manager automatically stores
and organizes all of your keys for your encrypted archives and private
email interactions in a secure location that only you have access when
you login to Cypherus. It also provides a secure location for storing
personal passwords and private contacts. It keeps all of your keys safe
from prying eyes by protecting them behind strong encryption.
Q:
How do I change my Cypherus login password?
A: You can change your Cypherus password
using the Cypherus Key Manager. Open the Key Manager and select Change
Password from the Key Manger pull-down menu. In the change password
window, enter the original password in the first dialogue box, then
enter the new password in the second and third dialogue boxes. Select
OK. Cypherus will now use your new password the next time you login.
Q:
How do I enter new contacts into my Cypherus address book?
A: Open the Key Manager. While [Address
Book] is highlighted, select [New] from the [Edit] pull-down menu. The
contact editor window will appear. Fill in the appropriate fields with
your contact information. When you have completed the entry, select
OK. Note that there are four pages, accessible by the tabs at the top,
with different fields to store a wide range of information for each
contact.
Q:
Does the Cypherus Key Manager’s address book synchronize with MS Outlook
or any other PIM software?
A: Cypherus is compatible with Outlook
and any other MAPI compliant email client However, in an effort to keep
Cypherus as secure as possible and prevent the propagation of viruses
similar to the Melissa virus, which can attack your personal address
book and potentially send out viruses to everyone on your list of contacts,
the Cypherus address book isolates itself from the other programs and
their data. Entries have to be entered from the Cypherus contact editor
in the Key Manager.
Q:
How can I back up my Cypherus keys?
A: Cypherus recommends making frequent
backups of your keys and storing them in a safe place away from your
computer or any magnetic device. Key backups can be performed very easily.
From the [Key Manager] pull down menu, select [Backup]. Choose the directory
or drive to store your backup to (Cypherus recommends a floppy disk
for backup), name your backup file and select [Save].
Q:
How do I restore my backup keys for Cypherus?
A: In the event that your original keys
are lost or corrupted, or you are required to reinstall Cypherus for
any reason, you will find that upon re-installation your original keys
are not in the Key Manager. This is to prevent unauthorized access to
your keys through install procedures. You can restore your keys if you
have backed them up to another directory or disk. To do this, first
open the Key Manger. From the [Key Manager] pull-down, select [Import]
and point to the location where you have stored your backup file. Next,
enter the password for this backup file and select [OK]. Your keys will
be restored to the Cypherus Key Manager.
Q:
What is the Cypherus Business Card?
A: The Cypherus Business Card is your own
personal contact information that can be sent to other Cypherus users
and automatically entered into their Cypherus address book.
Q:
How do I view a password or key for an archive I created or an email
I have sent?
A: Open up the Cypherus Key Manager. First,
highlight the icon for the item whose password you would like to view
(i.e. Personal Password, Address Book, or Secure Emails...), then select
[Show Password] from the [Edit] pull-down menu.
Q:
Can I delete keys and passwords that I no longer want or for archives
that are gone?
A: All keys or passwords can be deleted
from the Cypherus Key Manager by highlighting the selected key or password,
selecting Delete from the [Edit] pull-down, and confirming your choice
by selecting [OK]. WARNING: Archives with deleted keys will be unrecoverable.
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Encryption
Q:
Why would I want to encrypt my files or folders?
A: None of us would send sensitive personal
or corporate information through the mail on a post card, but this is
essentially what we are doing when sending unencrypted email and file
attachments over the Internet. Individuals, as well as major corporations
in the legal, financial and health care spheres can now harness the
power of encryption - once reserved exclusively for governmental and
military agencies - as a tool to safeguard sensitive data and communications.
Now when you send or store sensitive documents that contain personal
or client information, proprietary data or intellectual property, you
can be confident in the knowledge that NO ONE will have unauthorized
access to your information.
Q:
What is a .cyp file?
A: Cypherus creates files that work similar
to folders. When you create .cyp file, you now have the ability to add
files and/or folders to this secured archive. The contents are encrypted
on the fly as they are added to the .cyp file. Each .cyp archive can
contain a single file, or if you prefer to group a number of files to
store or send together, you can add an unlimited number of files and
folders to each.
Q:
How do I create a new empty archive?
A: Click [New] on the Cypherus menu. You
will now have to name your secured archive. You can also control how
the key is created for the archive. Click on [Settings]. There are three
options to choose from: [Generate Random Key], [User Defined Key], and
[From Key Manager].
Q:
What do the different settings for creating a new archive do?
A: "Generate Random Key" will allow Cypherus
to make a key for the archive. "User Defined Key" will allow you to
enter your own key. "Selecting From Key Manager" will give you the ability
to select a key that you have used before that is stored in the Key
Manager.
Q:
How do I add files to an archive?
A: There are a variety of ways to add files
to an archive. 1) You can click [Add] to browse and select the files
that you want to add. When you find the right one just click [Add].
2) You can right click on the archive and highlight Add. This method
will give you the same window as the first option. Just find the file
you want to add and click [Add]. 3) The easiest way to add a file to
an archive is to drag and drop the file into the main window. Click
and hold on the file you want to add. Drag it into the archive and release
the mouse button. 4) You can also use the Cypherus Wizard to add additional
files to an archive. Click [Wizard]. Select [Encrypt]. Follow the onscreen
prompts for instruction. (Note: The Wizard is a step-by-step tutorial
on how to use the basic functions of Cypherus. It is recommended that
first time users of Cypherus use the Wizard to become familiar with
the different features of the program).
Q:
How do I know when a file is encrypted?
A: A copy of a file is encrypted as soon
as it is added to an archive. Depending on your security level setting
the original file may be automatically shredded after encryption. If
you have this setting activated it will shred the original copy of the
file after it has been encrypted, leaving only one encrypted copy of
the file and increasing security in the process.
Q:
I read that I could encrypt entire folders at one time. How do I do
this?
A: If you use the AutoEncryptaur you will
be able to encrypt entire folders quickly and easily. AutoEncryptaur
is explained in more detail under the AutoEncryptaur heading.
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Decryption
Q:
What do I do in order to access all of my secure files?
A: You need to be logged on to Cypherus
in order to open any files you have encrypted through Cypherus. Once
you are logged on, you can open any Cypherus archive that you have created
(.cyp file), and from there decryption can be done any number of ways.
Q:
What is the Extract button for?
A: [Extract] is used to decrypt and save
files that are contained in an open archive. Once you click [Extract]
you will be asked where you want to save the file. Choose a folder and
click [OK].
Q:
Is Extract different from Remove?
A: Yes. Remove will delete the file from
the archive without first saving it to your computer in a decrypted
form. Extract will decrypt and save the file onto your computer, but
will keep a copy of the file in encrypted form within the archive itself.
Q:
What happens when I drag-and-drop a file from the Cypherus interface?
A: When you drag a file out of Cypherus
and drop it into another folder (or your Desktop), the file will be
decrypted and saved. This is another method for extracting files from
a secured archive.
Q:
Can I use the right click functionality to decrypt files?
A: Yes. If you right click in the archive
and highlight Extract this will do the exact same thing as hitting the
[Extract] button.
Q:
How else can I decrypt files that are in an archive?
A: The simplest way to decrypt and access
a file that is contained in an open archive is to simply double click
on it. As long as "Enable document view from archive" is selected in
[Settings], you can decrypt and open a file from within an open archive
this way.
Q:
What is a self-decrypting archive?
A: A self-decrypting archive is an archive
that will open itself without Cypherus. It is an executable file (.exe)
that will perform the decryption entirely on its own. All that you have
to do is double click on the archive icon. You will be asked to enter
the key for the archive and the location where you would like to save
the file(s). This feature is meant for exchanging encrypted files with
someone who does not have Cypherus.
Q:
When I try to open a Cypherus archive, I get the message "The supplied
key is invalid." What am I doing wrong?
A: There are a couple of ways in which
you will get this error when trying to open an archive. This message
comes up when the key for the archive is not contained in your Key Manager.
This could be because you are logged in as a different user from the
one that created the archive (if you have multiple user accounts). If
this is the case, log out and log back in as the appropriate user. Another
reason for getting this error is that you may not have imported your
old backed up Key Manager file if you have recently upgraded to a newer
version of Cypherus. To do this, open the Key Manager, and under [Key
Manager], select [Import...]. Now choose the version you previously
had installed from which you backed up your old Key Manager and enter
the password you used to secure it. Finally, browse to select the backed
up file. This will update your key manager to contain the keys for all
of your archives created with the previous version.
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E-Mail
Q: Why should I send encrypted email in the first
place?
A: Email is an important tool in communication.
An increasing number of people use email to conduct business, maintain
relationships and transfer files. Important information is transferred
through email because it is a fast, cheap and efficient form of communication.
Many people and businesses do not yet realize that there are also several
negatives associated with email. When you send an email, it is sent
like a postcard - exposed and open to be viewed. When you click SEND,
your email does not go directly from your computer to your recipient's
computer. It may bounce off of any number of servers before it reaches
its final destination. While that message is traveling across the Internet,
it is vulnerable to interception.
Q:
How do I send an encrypted archive as an email attachment?
A: Open an encrypted archive (.cyp file)
or create a new archive. Click on the [Email] button and enter the recipient's
email address. Make sure to check off whether or not the person has
Cypherus. Also check the option to include information from your Business
Card if you would like that to be sent. Click [Send].
Q:
How do I open an encrypted archive that was sent as an attachment?
A: Open the email. Save the archive to
your hard drive by double clicking on the attachment. Once the archive
has been saved, double click on it to open it in Cypherus. You can now
view the files from the archive. You will have to extract the files
in order to make changes to them.
Q:
Does the person to whom I am sending a secure email need to have a copy
of Cypherus?
A: No the person does not. If the recipient
does not have Cypherus, first create the secured archive that you wish
to send. Click the [Email] button and select the option "Recipient does
not have Cypherus OR does not use the Key Server". This option creates
and sends a self-decrypting archive. Enter the recipient's email address,
supply an encryption key for the self-decrypting archive and then click
[Send] to send the encrypted archive through your default email client.
Because this type of communication does not use the Cypherus Key Server,
the encryption key will not be transparent to the user and must be entered
manually. In this scenario, you and the recipient without Cypherus must
agree upon a key that you are going to use. You will need to communicate
this key to the recipient (by phone, verbally or in a separate email).
Once you have established a key with a person who does not have Cypherus,
you may continue to use this key each time you send them a self-decrypting
archive if you so choose.
Q:
How do I send an encrypted email with encrypted text in the body of
the email?
A: Open the Text Encryptaur. Type your
message into the text box. Enter the key at the bottom. Click on [Send].
Enter the address and a subject and click on [Send] in the new window.
The message will now be sent using your default mail client. You will
have to use a different email or other form of communication to send
the key to the recipient. The recipient must have a version of Cypherus
Text Encryptaur to decrypt the message. (See Text Encryptaur FAQ for
more information)
Q:
What happens to my email after it is sent to my default mail client?
A: Cypherus will determine the default
mail client on your computer. It will send the email through the program
instantly if the program is correctly configured to send email automatically
once it is sent to the Outbox.
Q:
What email programs does Cypherus support?
A: Cypherus supports any MAPI compliant
email program. This list includes, but is not limited to, Microsoft
Outlook Express, Outlook 97, 98 and 2000, Qualcomm Eudora and Netscape
Messenger.
Q:
I have not set up a mail client to use email.
How do I use Cypherus for email?
A: Microsoft Windows comes with a version
of Outlook Express installed. To configure your mail client, you must
have: 1) a valid email address, 2) the username and password for that
address, 3) POP information and 4) SMTP information. Cypherus uses this
information once it is properly configured to send the email through
your mail client.
Q:
Can I use Cypherus with my online email service such as Yahoo or Hotmail?
A: Yes you can, but you can only send self-decrypting archives and .cyp
files. In order to take advantage of the Cypherus Public Key Server
you must use a MAPI compliant email client on your computer. Cypherus
currently does not support web based email services such as Yahoo or
Hotmail. Be sure to look for our web based encryption service in the
near future.
Q:
How do I open a self-decrypting archive?
A: First double click on the file. Choose
[Browse] and select the location where the decrypted file will be saved.
Enter the password for the archive. Click [OK]. The file will then be
decrypted and saved in the selected location.
Q:
Does the recipient need Cypherus to open a self-decrypting archive?
A: No. The file is an executable that decrypts
the archive automatically. It takes the input from the limited interface
provided and runs the decryption algorithm. It is a self-sufficient
file. However, the user MUST be running Windows 95, 98, Me, NT or 2000.
Q:
What does the Cypherus Business Card do for me?
A: The business card allows certain information
that you provide to be automatically stored in the recipient's Address
Book in their Key Manager. The recipient must have Cypherus in order
to use this option. Information that can be included here are things
such as your name, home or work address and email address. The information
is not sent automatically - you must choose this option. When the recipient
opens an encrypted message sent from you, this information is included
in the archive and automatically inserted into their Address Book. This
feature can only be used in conjunction with the Public Key Server feature
of Cypherus email. From the email window, check the Business Card box
to activate this feature.
Q: How
do I enter information on my Business Card?
A: Open the Key Manager. Click on [Key
Manager] from the File Menu and select [Business Card]. You can now
enter information - no fields are required. The information that is
sent is determined by what you choose. This is intended as an added
convenience for users who communicate frequently with each other, and
is not used in any way by Cypherus.
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Autoencryptaur
Q: What
does the Autoencryptaur do?
A: Autoencryptaur allows for quick and
easy encryption and decryption of groups of files. It is intended to
organize files and documents that you open and edit often, but want
to be secured when you finish work or leave your workstation. It also
makes decryption an easy one-click step to access all the important
files that you use and work with the most.
Q:
How is Autoencryptaur different from the main Cypherus encryption/decryption
utility?
A: Autoencryptaur groups together many
files and manages the security of the entire group as a whole. It is
also quicker and in some ways easier than the main Cypherus utility.
Autoencryptaur performs the encryption processes transparently on files
and folders in the designated group. This group can contain files and
folders in different locations. Once the group is locked, all files
and folders are secured and the originals are shredded. When the group
is unlocked, all files are decrypted and placed in their original locations.
You can rest assured that Autoencryptaur has made all of your most frequently
used documents safe.
Q: How
do I get started using Autoencryptaur?
A: Open Autoencryptaur by right clicking
the system tray icon and selecting [Launch] [Autoencryptaur] or by choosing
the Autoencryptaur button from the Tools task bar. Log on to Cypherus
if you have not already. Autoencryptaur will prompt you to enter the
name of group you want to create. If not, click the blue plus to create
a new group. Now you can start adding files or entire directories to
the group. Although these files and folders may reside in different
locations on your computer, Autoencryptaur will remember their location.
Then, all you need to do is select [Lock] to secure the group. Select
[Unlock] to gain access to it again.
Q:
If it is that easy to encrypt and decrypt large groups of files, how
does Autoencryptaur still maintain my privacy and security?
A: You cannot utilize any of the utilities
in Autoencryptaur without first logging into Cypherus.
Q:
What happens "behind the scenes" of Autoencryptaur?
A: When you select [Lock], Autoencryptaur
takes all of the files that you have added to that group, encrypts them
using the same Blowfish algorithm that Cypherus uses and saves the entire
group as a .cyp file. It then shreds the originals of all the files
(you can choose whether or not to be prompted before completing the
shredding in [Settings] - "Archive"). Now only an encrypted version
of each file exists. When the file is unlocked, Autoencryptaur decrypts
the .cyp file and places the contents in their original directories.
The files are now available to edit and view. To secure the files anew,
choose [Lock] and the contents will be encrypted securely once again.
Q:
How does Autoencryptaur make the encryption process easier?
A: Autoencryptaur was designed to make
on-the-fly encryption of entire groups of files as easy as encrypting
an individual file or folder. Once you have your group(s) set up, all
you need to do is [Lock] them when you plan on leaving your desk. It
doesn't matter if you have worked with or modified the files in anyway
since the last time you encrypted and decrypted them. When sitting down
to work on these files, selecting [Unlock] allows you access to all
of your files in the same place you saved them when you last finished
working with them. Autoencryptaur also provides even easier access to
on-the-fly encryption. Using the system tray icon for Cypherus (the
little key near the clock on your computer desktop), you can choose
[encrypt] or [decrypt] and then choose which group you wish to secure
or allow access (provided you are logged on to Cypherus). This allows
you to quickly and easily secure all of your files before you shut down
your computer or leave your workstation and then to reopen them when
you return.
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Shredder
Q:
Is it necessary to shred the originals of files after they have been
encrypted?
A: The purpose of shredder is to completely
eliminate files from your hard drive so that they are completely unrecoverable
by any means. If you wish to secure a file by encrypting it, shredding
the original is recommended - in order to get rid of any trace of the
file except for the encrypted version. Since the encrypted version is
in an unreadable form, the only way to obtain the file in the original
format is through decryption, which can only be done when logged into
Cypherus and given the proper decryption key.
Q:
How does the shredder actually delete files permanently on my hard drive?
A: When deleting a file or document from
your hard drive using normal the data is actually still present on your
hard drive (even after emptying your recycle bin). A header marking
the space for that particular document is simply removed, letting your
computer know that the space in question is now available to be written
over. However, the data is still there and the information can still
be obtained using a variety of methods, including undelete programs.
The Cypherus shredder writes over the entire file with random bit data,
covering up the previous data with each pass. You can select the number
of passes the shredder will perform in the Cypherus Settings (up to
35 passes). The more passes the shredder makes, the more difficult it
is to reacquire any part of the original file data.
Q:
What happens if I decide to shred an archive?
A: As when shredding a paper file, the
Cypherus shredder will destroy the information that makes up that file.
The primary difference is that Cypherus completely wipes the data, whereas
a paper shredded leaves traces of the paper to later be pieced together.
If you encrypt a file before shredding, the only remnants of the file
are contained with the secure archive of that file.
Q:
How can I make Cypherus shred the originals of files I encrypt without
prompting me to confirm that I want to shred the files every time?
A: The only way you can make the shredder
shred without prompting you is when using Autoencryptaur. To do this,
check the box that says "Shred original files without prompting on Autoencrypt"
in Settings under Miscellaneous. Cypherus prompts for shredding after
encryption to make sure your really want to shred the files. Once a
file has been shredded, there is no way to recover it.
Q:
How many different ways can I use the shredder?
A: There are multiple ways that you can
shred files. The shred bar in the main menu options and the shred button
in the Tools task bar open the shredder in the same way. You can right
click on a file in Cypherus and choose "Shred original" or you can right
click on any file through Windows Explorer and choose "Shred file(s)".
Another way to shred documents is to select "Shred originals of files
after encryption" in the Settings options.
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Text Encryptaur
Q:
What would I use the Text Encryptaur for?
A: Text Encryptaur encrypts small text
messages. It does not encrypt or save files. You can use it to write
a message and send it securely through email. However, this feature
only works when the recipient also has Cypherus. The encryption key
must be communicated to the recipient in order for them to decrypt the
message text.
Q:
Are there limitations as to how much Text Encryptaur can encrypt?
A: Text Encryptaur can encrypt messages
up to 4096 characters long. This should be enough for most email messages.
Q:
How do you send an email using Text Encryptaur?
A: First type your message in the Text
Encryptaur window. Next, type in a password at the bottom. Be sure to
remember the password or record it in the Key Manager. (Note: You will
have to enter the password into the Key Manager yourself. It is not
automatically stored). Click on [Encrypt]. The message will now appear
in encrypted form. Now click [Send] and enter the email address and
subject of the email. Once you have done this, click on the [Send] button
in the new window. The email has now been sent. The recipient will need
the password to open the email. It is recommended that you exchange
the password in a separate form of communication.
Q:
How do I decrypt an email that was sent using Text Encryptaur?
A: Open the email message. Highlight the
encrypted text and copy it to the clipboard. Paste the text into the
Text Encryptaur text box and enter the encryption key at the bottom.
The text will be decrypted and legible in the text box.
Q:
What else can I do with Text Encryptaur?
A: Text Encryptaur is a perfect utility
for doing private interactions through instant messaging programs. A
common password needs to be exchanged between the two parties beforehand.
Then Text Encryptaur can be used to encrypt and decrypt the messages
by cutting and pasting them from Text Encryptaur into the IM utility
and vice-versa. Throughout the interaction, you can avoid having to
enter the password for every encryption/decryption by checking the "Don't
clear password" box.
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Settings
Q:
What do the different Security Level settings do?
A: The different levels set your key size
and shredding level. They also determine whether you can view documents
in the archive and if files will be automatically shredded after encryption.
If you choose to shred files after encryption then the files will only
be accessible through Cypherus. This ensures that the only existing
copy of the file is safely encrypted.
Q:
How do I change the information that is displayed in Cypherus?
A: Go to "Appearance" in the Settings tree
menu. You will now be able to change what information is displayed about
the file by checking or unchecking the boxes to the left of the choices.
"Original File" shows what folder the file came from. "Path" shows the
location from where the file will be extracted. "Ratio" will show what
percentage of the file is compressed. You can also compare the compressed
size to the original size to see how much the file was compressed.
Q:
What are 'skins'?
A: The skin is the basic appearance of
the user interface of Cypherus. You can change it by highlighting a
different one in the Cypherus Settings (Appearance) under Current Skin.
You can also import skins that you design or find them in other directories
or drives by clicking on [Import Skin].
Q:
What difference does the default directory make?
A: The default directory determines where
certain files are automatically saved. The Temp Directory concerns files
that are re-keyed (e.g. an archive that is sent in an email). These
files are backed up so that if there is any problem while re-keying
them you do not risk losing any of your data. The files that are saved
here can only be opened using their corresponding key. The Encrypted
Files Directory determines where files will be saved once they are encrypted.
Q:
What do the Key Server settings show me?
A: Key Server settings show the email addresses
that have been registered and the public keys corresponding to them.
These keys are used for archive key exchange between Cypherus users
for secure email correspondence. It shows when the keys were created
and the strength for each key (bit size). Each user is given 4 keys
of different strengths, from a 512-bit key to a 4096-bit key. The same
keys are listed for each of the different email addresses that a user
registers on the Key Server.
Q:
What is the Wizard for?
A: The Wizard will walk you through the
basic features of Cypherus. It will show you, step by step, how to encrypt,
decrypt or email files. Simply follow the on-screen prompts.
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System Tray
Q:
What is the System Tray?
A: The System Tray is at the bottom of
your computer screen. It holds the icons for certain programs so that
you can access those programs quickly. The Key icon in the system tray
is used to quickly access Cypherus and its key features.
Q: How do I use the
System Tray?
A: To open Cypherus simply double click
on the Key icon. If you prefer, you can right click on the Key and select
Launch. This will give you the option to start Cypherus, Autoencryptaur,
Text Encryptaur or the Key Manager. You will be prompted to log on if
you haven't done so already. You can also use the System Tray to change
the settings for Cypherus, or to Autoencrypt or Autodecrypt an existing
group from Autoencryptaur. To use these features, right click on the
Key to display the menu list. Highlight Autoencrypt/Autodecrypt and
then highlight which group you want to lock/unlock. There is an icon
next to the group indicating whether or not a group is already encrypted.
If you see the lock icon, then the group is encrypted. Otherwise, the
contents of that group are available to view and edit.
Q:What
do the different colors of the Cypherus System Tray Icon indicate?
A: The colors of the Key icon show your
Cypherus Login status. Red = Logged Out Green = Logged On. If you are
logged on, you will have access to your Key Manager, which allows you
to secure files and emails without the hassle of memorizing 128, 256
and 448 random encryption keys. The Key Manager also allows you to securely
manage your numerous Internet and personal passwords.
Q: Why am I logged
out of Cypherus when my screen saver is activated?
A: Check to see if Cypherus is set to Logout
when the screen saver is activated. You can do this by opening the Settings
and highlighting Miscellaneous. If the box next to [Autologout on Screensaver]
is checked, you will automatically be logged out when your screensaver
becomes active.
Q: How do I disable the Cypherus System
Tray Icon?
A: The System Tray Icon provides many useful
features, but if you prefer to disable it, simply login to Cypherus,
go to [Settings] - [Miscellaneous]. Uncheck [Show System Tray Icon]
to disable this feature. Q: Why does Cypherus
have programs (CyphTray.exe and Keymanager.exe) running in the background
at all times?
A: Both these applications must run at startup for specific reasons.
CyphTray.exe controls the information flow between the different Cypherus
components. This program will run despite the disabling of the System
Tray icon. Keymanager.exe runs to diminish load time and make accessing
your private Key Manager information faster and more secure. You needn't
worry about these programs performing malicious acts while silently
running in the background. They simply make using Cypherus more effective
and efficient.
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