File Encrypt Decrypt – It’s Not as Difficult as You Think

Suppose you’re looking for a simple yet effective method to protect your files from prying eyes. In that case, file encrypt decrypt is the way to go. But many people don’t know how to use it properly. 

This article will discuss what file encryption and decryption are and their importance. We will also discuss how you can easily use software like UltraEdit to do this process for you.

What is encryption?

What is decryption?

Why should you use file encrypt decrypt?

What are the different types of encryption?

How can you use key splitting to ensure strong encryption?

How do I use UltraEdit to do file encrypt decrypt?

Do you want to ensure your privacy and data safety?

What is encryption?

Before we go any further, let’s first understand what encryption is. An encryption process is when you convert plaintext into ciphertext. 

A plaintext is a string of characters that represent the original message. Meanwhile, a ciphertext is a string of characters representing the encrypted message.

In the encryption process, you scramble the plaintext into a form that only someone with access to the key can translate back to plaintext. You can only decrypt the text to the original with the proper key. 

The key you need to decrypt the ciphertext is called a ‘cipher key’. Both parties involved in the encryption process must keep the cipher key secret. If the key gets compromised, all data stored can also be exposed.

What is decryption?

Decryption is the opposite of encryption: converting ciphertext into plain text, which anyone can read without restriction or limitation. The decryption process will involve a cipher key kept secret by parties involved in the decryption process. 

Without the proper key, the decryption process will fail. Then, all data stored on an encrypted file will become unreadable and inaccessible.

Now that we’ve learned about encryption and decryption, let’s discuss why it’s important to encrypt and decrypt your files.

Why should you use file encrypt decrypt?

As you might already guess, encrypting and decrypting files is essential to protect your data from being stolen. Once someone steals the data, they can use it to harm you.

In the worst-case scenario, the thief can make a copy of your file and sell it to another party who will then use it for their benefit. In addition, someone can hack into your computer or laptop, access your files through an infected drive, and use them to commit crimes against you or others. 

You can only avoid these problems by encrypting your files with a vital cipher key. Therefore, it would be best to use an encryption tool to encrypt and decrypt your files.

Anyone with access to the decryption key can access the plain text even though you haven’t decrypted the files. That’s why you need to keep your key secret.

Experiencing this situation could be terrible, so you should ensure that no one can steal your files or access them through an infected drive.

What are the different types of encryption?

There are two main types of encryption: symmetric and asymmetric.

Symmetric encryption involves using a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. For example, we use symmetric ciphers in such widely used PGP and SSH. 

Symmetric encryption uses a single key to encrypt and decrypt data. If you lose your key, it will compromise all your data.

Asymmetric encryption involves using a public key and a private key. You can share public keys openly, but only people with access to the corresponding private keys can decrypt files using those keys.

Mostly, symmetric ciphers are faster than asymmetric ciphers. However, asymmetric ciphers are more secure because they require two keys to be shared. 

SSL applications use both symmetric and asymmetric encryptions. One key is not enough to decrypt data in asymmetric ciphers.

How can you use key splitting to ensure strong encryption?

After learning about symmetric and asymmetric encryption, you’re now ready to learn how to make sure your files are more secure by implementing key splitting.

Key splitting is a great way to increase the security of your files by breaking the key down into multiple pieces. Then you can transmit these pieces over a network.

Now, you may wonder what exactly key splitting is? How can it prevent unauthorized access to your files?

Key splitting is a technique that allows you to split your keys into smaller chunks and use them as many times as you need. In other words, you can create multiple copies of your encryption keys. 

The technique helps prevent any one piece of information from being decrypted without permission. In addition, we can use the extra copies for different purposes or backup purposes if necessary. 

No one piece of information can unlock all your files at once. Instead, you need all parts to gain access to them. As a result, it makes it much more difficult for hackers or other online criminals who wish to access your data. 

So, even if one key is compromised, the rest of the keys would still protect your data.

Now that we’ve gone over three common methods to secure your files, let’s discuss how you can easily encrypt and decrypt your files with an encryption software tool.

How do I use UltraEdit to do file encrypt decrypt?

The built-in encryption feature in UltraEdit makes it easy for you to encrypt or decrypt files with a few simple steps. This section will show you how to encrypt and decrypt files with UltraEdit.

To begin, open UltraEdit and select the ‘File’ menu. Next, find your desired file by clicking the ‘Open’ tool. Finally, search the file you want once the dialogue window appears.

Now, your desired file is open.

Next, you will need to encrypt the file. Go back to the ‘File’ menu. Select ‘Encryption > Encrypt File’.

The selection will open a new dialog window, showing the file name you will encrypt. Make sure it is correct. You can also add multiple files to be encrypted. Just use the ‘Browse’ button to do so.

If you have already included all the files you want to encrypt, it’s time to begin the process. First, type your preferred passphrase in the ‘Passphrase’ field. A passphrase is a password or the key you can use to decrypt your files later.

Memorize the passphrase you chose, because UltraEdit and your computer will not store the passphrase anywhere on their system.

Once you finish the encryption process, UltraEdit can create a separate file to replace the original file you’ve encrypted. The file extension will be .UENC. If you want to replace the original file, check the ‘Replace Encrypted File If Exists’ box. 

UltraEdit will prompt you to delete the original file if you don’t check it after clicking OK. You can agree or reject the prompt by clicking ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.

After that, a new window will show you the encryption process. Once completed, you can close the window.

To decrypt the file again, you can open the encrypted file using UltraEdit and input the encryption key (passphrase). Now you can re-access the file.

Do you want to ensure your privacy and data safety?

Cryptography and cybersecurity have never been more accessible. UltraEdit is a full-featured text editor that provides file encryption and decryption tools.

You will no longer worry about data loss or privacy breaches with UltraEdit. Try UltraEdit now and take the step to secure your information.