File Encryptionizer FAQ - Desktop Edition
- How does whole file encryption work?
- What is "client-side" encryption?
- What kinds of files can be encrypted?
- What is a "desktop database"?
- Can I use Encryptionizer Desktop to protect my source code?
- Can Encryptionizer Desktop be used with SQL Server?
- How is Encryptionizer different from other encryption tools?
- What documentation is included?
- What encryption algorithms and key lengths do you use?
- Who needs to know the encryption key(s)?
- What development platforms do you support?
How does whole file encryption work?
You start by using an included utility or API to encrypt a file. You then use another utility or API to secure your application with the Encryptionizer engine. This allows your application, and no other, to access your encrypted databases. Encryptionizer decrypts data on-the-fly completely transparently so that your application "thinks" it is using "normal" databases and files. Little or no programming is required. What's more, data is never decrypted on the disk, only in the server's RAM.
topWhat is "client-side" encryption?
It is encryption that takes place at the client machine as opposed to the server machine, as in Encryptionizer for SQL Server. Thus, data is encrypted all the way from the file server to the workstation.
topWhat kinds of files can be encrypted?
While Encryptionizer is primarily designed to protect desktop database files (DBF, FPT, CDX, MDX, MDB, DBC, etc), it can be used to protect pretty much any kind of file, including desktop database files; this includes document files (DOC, TXT, etc.) and graphics files (GIF, JPG, etc.) just to name a few.
topWhat is a "desktop database"?
A desktop database is one in which the workstation is performing file i/o when accessing data files. For example, MS Access (MDB), Visual FoxPro (DBF), Delphi (DBC) all perform file i/o at the workstation, even if the file resides on a server. This is contrasted with a client-server database, such as SQL Server, where the workstation is simply sending requests to the server.
A development platform such as Visual FoxPro or MS Access can function as both a desktop database, and as a client for a client-server database, such as SQL Server.
topCan I use Encryptionizer Desktop to protect my source code?
Currently you can use Encryptionizer Desktop to protect source code for applications written in Visual FoxPro and in Microsoft Access.
topCan Encryptionizer Desktop be used with SQL Server?
Yes, Encryptionizer APIs can be used to encrypt specific fields or columns in a table. SQL Server will simply interpret them as binary fields. The data will be decrypted at the workstation.
topHow is Encryptionizer different from other encryption tools?
Most encryption tools are designed to encrypt an entire directory or drive. Encryptionizer encrypts the files and databases used by an application. Generic encryption tools, such as those that encrypt an entire directory or drive, are usually suitable for small standalone systems and require the user to enter a key anytime the directory is accessed. In addition, Encryptionizer can be easily included in an application, which is not the case with a tool that encrypts an entire directory or drive. In addition, Encryptionizer's unique while file encryption allows you to protect an existing application even if the source code is unavailable.
topWhat documentation is included?
For users of whole file encryption, the electronic user guide will be all you will need. Programmers using the APIs also have an electronic API reference, sample scripts, and sample programs.
topWhat encryption algorithms and key lengths do you use?
See technical specs for Encryptionizer Desktop.
topWho needs to know the encryption key(s)?
Only the person who originally encrypts the database needs to know the key(s). This is usually the DBA or an administrator of some kind. Our "Secret Sharing Protocol" allows you to split a key among two or more people so that no single person knows the entire key.
topWhat development platforms do you support?
See technical specs for Encryptionizer Desktop.
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