Download: ClipboardCrypto.zip 21k
About MySecret: MySecret is a top-rated blowfish encryption utility that also includes compression. It is available as a separate download. See: http://www.di-mgt.com.au/mysecret.html. I designed and wrote ClipboardCrypto to address a couple of ideas I had concerning the MySecret encryption utility. I do not mind the name of the program, but I thought I might like to be able to change the header and footer tags of the resulting encoded text. One reason is to make it a little harder to discern what kind of encoded text that we are dealing with, when the encoded text might be viewed by outside parties.
The second idea I had was increase the security by adding several features that manipulate your password. The first feature is that your password is not used to encrypt your data, but instead a "hash value" of your password is used. The second feature to increase security is the inclusion of a "key file" feature. A key file adds additional security by using "multifactor authentication" (what you have, and what you know). What you *know* (and what your intended recipient needs to know) is your password. What you *have* that no one else has (except the person to which you are sending encrypted text), is a key file. The key file can be stored on your computer, or better yet, stored on a flash drive that you can carry in your pocket. When using the key file option, the hash of your password is combined with a hash value of the key file, to give you 200+ bits of random key data.
If you and your intended recipient both have the same keyfile, then you can even mention the password in plain text in the e-mail, and no one will be able to crack it. Not without the keyfile also.
Using the Program
When you start the ClipboardCrypto program, you are prompted to enter a password. You also have the option of using a key file. Using that key file option is much more secure. It is recommended that you create your own key files, rather than using the supplied examples. You can edit the INI file to specify the names of the key files and the paths to where they reside, either on your computer or a USB drive.
Once you press the OK button, a new password is generated for internal use. It will be used to encrypt and decrypt your text.
How to Create an Encrypted Message
You can use ClipboardCrypto as a message editor, in order to write a message. Run ClipboardCrypto, and type in your message. When you are finished with your message, press F5. ClipboardCrypto will encrypt your text and place the result on the clipboard, ready for you to paste into your e-mail, or website.
For additional security when communicating your encrypted text over the Internet, I recommend the site https://privnote.com/ This site takes your encrypted text, and generates a one-time-use URL, which you can copy and email to your recipient. This ensures that your message is deleted the moment it is read.
You do not have to use the ClipboardCrypto to enter your text. You can also enter your text in another application, and copy that text to the clipboard. Then go to the ClipboardCrypto application, and press F6. ClipboardCrypto can discern if the text is plain text or already encrypted, and will process the data, display the result, and also place the result on the clipboard. At no time does the ClipboardCrypto program write your text to a file or a temp file.
How to Decrypt a Received Message
Copy the received message text, including the .begin. and .end. tags, to the clipboard. Run the ClipboardCrypto program, and enter the agreed upon password, and optionally the path to the key file. Press Ok, and the internal key will be generated. Press F6 to decrypt the message. The message will be displayed in the text editor.
Download: ClipboardCrypto.zip 21k
If you find this utility useful, drop me a line. I would love to hear from you.
See my other freeware applications and utilities:
Alias
Robert's Podcatcher and MP3 Loader
exec32 Scripting Language
This page is located at http://home.comcast.net/~rschoolf/cc/clipboardcrypto.htm