Cryptex

Sure enough you can obtain a whole variety of files over the web in case you lose them, but you might need to put a lock on particular items to keep them safe. Luckily, a computer can be fitted with various tools in this regard, and Cryptex is a suitable example, letting you encrypt files, or contents of entire folders.

The first time you run the application you’re asked to set a master password. It’s a good idea to remember it, or you aren’t able to decrypt locked files later on. It can be changed from the options panel at any given moment. Sadly, you can’t have different profiles created, in case multiple individuals use the same account.

As far as the visual design is concerned, it’s wrapped around a pretty intuitive layout, with a side panel providing quick access to actions, while the center area shows all configured actions according to name, item path, type of action, as well as pwd status.

By default the application asks for a new encryption password every time you create a new action. However, it’s possible to use an automatic password mode, which means it’s enough to remember just the profile password for all operations. Actions are straightforward, counting as encrypt, decrypt, and decrypt in memory, which provides temporary access to locked items.

A mandatory requirement is the target item, which can either be a folder or file. Unfortunately, the application isn’t able to encrypt items larger than 30 MB, which has a considerable impact on overall practicality. This means it mostly comes in handy for securing documents. One last note is that your computer needs to be fitted with .NET Framework for the program to function.

On an ending note, Cryptex is a reliable application overall, but it’s mostly useful for securing your documents, given the rather poor file size support. Encryption methods are either based on the master password or individual ones, while accepted files have no limit to format, and can even be folders.