14 DAY TRIAL // Since secrecy and protection are our main concerns, there are lots of programs trying to make use of this vast area of interest. Encrypting the information has been the best method so far to protect our data and privacy in general. Whatever you are using, DES, AES, Blowfish or RSA encrypting algorithms (the one that is best for your needs), all having their strengths and weaknesses, the general feeling is that safety and protection are somehow provided.
An encryption algorithm uses a "key" (public or private), which is a binary number that is typically from 40 to 256 bits in length. The sender encrypts the information by combining the bits from the key with the bits from the data using a mathematical algorithm. At the other end, the receiver must possess the key to restore the message to its original form, otherwise the time it takes to break the encryption is directly proportional with the number of bits from the key.
Cryptainer LE is a privacy application which creates cyphertext and allows you to send secure data over email using two algorithms with different key strengths: AES on 256 and Blowfish on 448 bits. It is an easy-to-use software and you don't need a lot of experience to find out how to use it, as it has an effective Help file and hints are present everywhere.
It creates a fake new volume on your system which can be filled with up to 25 MB of data. If the size is too small (and indeed it is), you will have to pay for an upgraded edition of the software. Besides, this version is freeware and everybody can make good use of it. Check the features from all editions within the Cryptainer's Help menu and choose the one which suits you best.
First of all, you need to create a file on your HDD which is the actual vault. Its label will help you recognize it better. This is going to be the container where data will be stored. Set a password for it (which can be modified later) and choose one of the two algorithms provided which is more suitable for your files and folders. You can see the volume mounted using Windows Explorer. Add the information in there, click Load and the job is done. Easy. Remember that the data is not moved there, so a copy of the file will remain on your HDD.
With the cryptainer's volume unloaded, closing the program leaves you the only one able to retrieve the information locked inside; you, or the person who knows the secret password. If you wish to send an encrypted file via email, an EXE file format can be created by the program, but this method is not recommended as it can be an easy target for computer viruses. Instead, you can create a SIT file which has the size advantage in the first place (as it is an archive), and the receiver of the cyphertext will need a program (e.g. DeCypherIT ) to transform it in plaintext. This decypher can be found on the developer's website, so you won't have to spend unnecessary time browsing for it on the Internet. As an extra for SIT files, these compressed file types by Allume Systems (formerly Aladdin Systems) were originally for Mac only; now they work cross-platform, meaning SIT files can be created and opened on both Macintosh and Windows platforms.
As I said before, using this application is piece of cake. Drag and drop files on the application's main window and use the toolbar buttons to Load/Unload the container, send secure emails or browse for the files you wish to add in Windows Explorer mode. As the use of multi Cryptainer's volumes is allowed, you can check all their properties, rename a mounted volume or unload (view) them all, switch directly to the program's main window or change the password individually for each volume when they are closed (not loaded).
Checking the application's options, well there is nothing much for you to set as the Cryptainer LE comes with little customization. You can tick a checkbox for the program to shut down when you close its main window (otherwise will appear in system tray), and the bogus volume hotkey can be set within the F2-F8 range buttons.
The Mobile feature is very useful indeed, as you can install Cryptainer directory on a USB / removable drive as a standalone application. It can be carried and used on other computers without having to install the software on the host machine. For this feature to be enabled you will have to create an additional volume from Tools menu and specify the location where the files should be saved.
The Assistance menu is well developed and it will answer your most controversial questions about the software. It has pics included and guidelines for how you have to perform in order to achieve any "goals" the software can help you with. Unfortunately, English is the only language supported and there is no other alternative even on the publisher's website (for some application you can find additional language files to be installed, to prevent the download size).
Overall Cryptainer LE is a useful freeware tool for your computer and an easy-to-use application. It enables you to create a secure volume on your hard drive encrypting it with a key with different strengths using AES (256 bits) and Blowfish (448 bits) algorithms. Multiple volumes are allowed (up to 25MB in this edition) and the hints and Help menu leaves no room for error in what might concern you about this software and its capabilities.
The Good
Easy-to-use and handy application, Cryptainer LE is a free software with "protective" benefits in our daily life. It allows you to create 25MB multi volumes to hide your data within. Drag and drop is enabled for any files or folders you want to place in the Cryptainer Vault. These volumes can be transported (moved/copied) to any location.
It enables you to send EXE or SIT encrypted files via email, the latter being protected against viruses, as the former type is more vulnerable. Cryptainer offers on-the-fly disk encryption making sure that absolutely no one unauthorized can make use of the containers. It has a very nicely developed Assistance menu which answers most of your program-related questions.
The Bad
The files cannot be automatically "copied" into the vault as a contextual menu is unavailable. Password recovery method is not present in this edition and therefore it couldn't be tested, although it would have been nice to have it even if it's for 25MB vaults. The hints are not locked on the screen and they disappear quite quickly, so you have to "click" them again if you want to finish reading.
The Truth
Cryptainer LE is a simple and free application that creates encrypted virtual vaults and allows you to password protect them and hide any file within. You are the only one able to convert the data from cypher to plain text, being the unique keeper of the password. The encrypting key can be chosen using one of the two algorithms as you wish. The SIT file format that the program can create for moving encrypted files is accepted on the MAC platform as well, and this is a plus towards the portability for the two platforms.
Here are some snapshots of the application in action:
