Need to encrypt a private file, or maybe the entire folder of private files? AxCrpyt might be the solution for you. AxCrpyt is a free and open source encrpytion software that integrated into Windows Explorer so you can encrypt and decrypt your files fast and easy.

Using AxCrypt is very easy. After you have installed the program, right click on a selection of files or folders that you want to encrypt and choose Encrypt.

Encrypting files or folders

There are two encryption options available. The first one is using the common password method (passphrase), and the second one is using a key-file, which provides you maximum protection of your information since your files are protected by the full 128-bit strength of AES – currently considered unfeasible to break.

2 encryption options

Encrypt using key-file. You can create the key file in the AxCrypt right click menu

The encryption process involves 3 steps. First your file will be encrypted using your passphrase or key-file. Next the encrypted file integrity checksum will be calculated to check whether the encrypted file is corrupt or not. Then the original file will be shredded and deleted so no one can recover it, leaving the file in the encrypted form only.

Files encrypted with AxCrypt can be identified with .axx extension.

If you plan to send the encrypted files to other person, there are two options available to decrypt the files if the person does not want to install AxCrypt.

The first option is you can just send the encrypted .axx files, and attach the portable AxCrypt decrypter. To create the portable decrypter, open AxCrypt from start menu, choose File > Create Decrypter Here….

The second option is you can encrypt the files and turn them into self-decrypter executables. 100kb will be added to the size of the files if you are creating a self-decrypter executable.

Creating self-decrypt executable

Self-decrypt executables

Self-decrypt executable interface

AxCrypt is free and open source. AxCrypt can run on Windows 2000, 2003, XP and Vista. It also supports Unicode characters in folder and file name. The only trade in for this software (and other encryption software) is the time needed to encrypt and decrypt the files.

[Download: AxCrypt]