goSecure

[Mayo]

goSecure is a relatively new program that allows drag-and-drop file and folder encryption that is compatible with OS 10.4 and 10.5.

goSecure provides either 256-bit or 128-bit AES encryption options. Data can be compressed if desired and a default location can be designated for all encrypted data. There is also an option to automatically securely erase the original file after it has been encrypted- handy!

Instead of using drag-and-drop I like to use the expanded contextual menu capabilities of DragThing to create an "Open With..." command. All I have to do is control/click on a file or folder, select "Open with goSecure" and the encryption window opens automatically. (I have the right button on my Kensington Orbit programmed as control-click.) Otherwise leaving a goSecure alias on the desktop or dock allows quick access to the program. I prefer having encrypted files remain on the Desktop so I can put them where I want...

I have always preferred encrypting individual files and folders instead of using FileVault or encrypted disk images, which are a hassle to create using Disk Utility. And if data corruption occurs only one file/folder is affected instead of a whole bunch of data...

For years I have used Encryptor from SubRosaSoftware.  Unfortunately, Encryptor is no longer supported and there hasn't been an update for quite some time... The program still works with 10.5 but the encrypted files do not show up on the Desktop even though I can access them in the Desktop folder via a Finder window.

goSecure can be used to encrypt data on flash drives, iPods and portable Macs where it is most vulnerable to thieves. Encrypted data can be sent as an attachment in an e-mail message. goSecure is $20 and there is a free thirty day demo available.

[Xairbusdriver]

Last weeks MUG meeting we spent the last hour discussing encryption but in a more general, disk-wide way plus email. Many wanted to know of a easy and reliable method of encrypting a single file. Thanks for the info!

Just for grins, drag the goSecure application icon up onto the header of a Finder Window. Now drag a file up there and see if goSecure will 'do its thing.' I fear that these apps on the Finder header don't quite work the way an 'alias' does...TextEdit did open a text file that way but BBEdit did not. I hardly ever remember to put apps up there but it sound like a good way to use your new encrypting app. Just select the file and drag it onto the icon. Might help when you have a lot of windows open and can't see the Desktop. Just another way to keep from making the Dock too crowded.

[Mayo]

goSecure is 50% off through Thursday 7/3 at MacUpDate.  

I wish I had waited a couple more days to register it!