FIRA

There are various ways to protect files and multiple encryption methods, all designed to keep essential documents safe in an age of digital theft. FIRA is a Java based application that allows users to encrypt their files and keep them secure, by converting any file into the bitmap image format, making them undecipherable or even recognizable.

Encryption is an extremely complicated computer science that can be daunting to some users, however FIRA manages to make it quite simple. The interface is very direct, with only three different tabs, one of which only containing general information about the application.

When it comes to encrypting, users simply select the data file, the carrier file, then a custom password which must be remembered, then users can encrypt. The process is monitored by a progress bar, making it clear how quickly the program is working, with almost identical process for decryption.

Since FIRA needs a password to function, for those who use the software regularly, sooner or later they will need to store their passwords somewhere safe. The program doesn't offer anywhere to record them and users might end up needing to encrypt their encryption passwords, which will also need a password.

The slightly circular security problem is a minor issue, one that most users will be able to overcome with their own solutions. Still, FIRA could provide more options in general, such as different strength encryptions, although that doesn't take away from the novel approach the application takes to encryption. Many people would not recognize the files produced by FIRA for anything other than random images, making them secure in an entirely different way from regular encryption.

There is no doubt that FIRA could be expanded in several ways, with various improvements and additional features available that could be included. That being said, while the program is not perfect, it is a solid tool for encryption that takes a more unique approach than standard encryption, hiding files beyond most people's sight. FIRA is a very clever encryption tool that should not be underestimated despite its limited design.