File Encryption in Windows

PCN recommends the use of Androsa FileProtector for your encryption needs. Androsa is a freware program that supports multiple encryption levels including AES 256. Androsa also has the ability to create a self decrypting archive. The self decrypting archive is useful if you would like to send a file to someone securely and access the file without needing to install Androsa themselves. All they would have to do is enter the password you set originally on the file and the archive will “unpack” itself on their computer.

• To use this software it will need to be installed on your machine. Please contact PCN and we will install it for you. If you are using an unsupported machine we can tell you where to find the software.

• Once you have the software installed, its use differs between 64bit and 32bit systems.

Once the software has been installed on a 32bit machine it can be accessed simply by right clicking on the file you wish to encrypt.

1. Right click on the file or folder you wish to encrypt
2. 
3. Select Androsa File Protector System from the menu.
4. This opens a dialog box. Here you can select the level of encryption you would like to use and input a password to secure the file.
5. 
6. The Advanced tab and the Security tab contain additional settings such as a password hint, and the ability to create a self-decrypting archive.
7. If you don't want the unencrypted original, check the Delete source file checkbox.
8. 
9. Once you are satisfied with the settings and have set a password, click Protect and the file(s) will be encrypted.

Once the software has been installed on a 64bit machine it can be accessed simply by double clicking on the shortcut to Androsa FileProtector.

1. Click » File» Add Files/Folders and select the items you would like to have encrypted. This can also be accomplished by dragging and dropping the files into the list window of the program.
2. Next click » Protect/Restore/Create SDX and select Protect.
3. This opens a dialog box. Here you can select the level of encryption you would like to use and input a password to secure the file.
4. 
5. The Advanced tab and the Security tab contain additional settings such as a password hint, and the ability to create a self-decrypting archive.
6. If you don't want the unencrypted original, check the Delete source file checkbox.
7. 
8. Once you are satisfied with the settings and have set a password, click Protect and the file(s) will be encrypted.

To decrypt a file:

1. open Androsa
2. Add the files to decrypt to the list
3. Select Restore
4. Input the proper password
5. Click the restore button

For a 32bit machine, the above steps can also be accomplished by right clicking the file and selecting Androsa FileProtector from the menu.