PVAMU
ENCRYPTION
TRAINING
By
LOUIS MORGAN, CISSP
PVAMU ENCRYPTION
• PVAMU uses a shareware software - Axantum
Software AB / AxCrypt.
• Administrative rights are needed to install the
program, contact the Helpdesk to have it installed.
Installation
Click link based on your computer type. Most of PCs are still 32-bit… if you know
your pc is 64-bit select the second line
Installation
Click save" then "Click OK" to save the file to your PC.
Installation
Click "Run" and follow the prompts until the installation is complete.
Using
AXCRYPT
About Encryption
• Please note that encryption does not protect you
from data loss.
• Regular backup copying is the only method that
will do this.
About AxCrypt
• There are NO BACKDOORS into AxCrypt.
• If you forget your passphrase (password), your
documents are likely to be irretrievably lost.
• Write it down or print it, and keep it in a safe
place.
Context Menu
• Once the program is installed on your PC you can
encrypt and decrypt files
• If you right-click on a file in Windows Explorer you
will see a menu of AxCrypt choices available for
the document or file. (see the next slide)
Context Menu
The right-click
menu is where
you will find most
of AxCrypt’s
functionality.
Encrypting Files
To encrypt a file:
• Right-click the file and
select “Encrypt copy to
.EXE”.
• Encrypt to .EXE allows
the person receiving the
file to open it even if they
do not have AxCrypt
installed on their PC.
Encrypting Files
• You will be asked to provide
a passphrase and optionally
a key-file.
• Using a key-file is beyond the
scope of this guide.
• Check “Remember this for
Decryption”.
Encrypting Files
• Enter your pass phrase
a second time for
verification.
• It is very important that
you remember this pass
phrase.
• Click ‘OK’.
Encrypting Files
• Ax Crypt will create a self-decrypting file that will
prompt for a password when you double click on
the file.
Selecting an Encrypted Document
The encrypted document:
• Will have an .EXE
extension
• Will be shown with the
AxCrypt icon
E-mailing an Encrypted File
• If the person to whom you are sending the file
does not have to have the program installed…
• The person receiving file must be given the pass
code (normally by telephone call) to be able to
open the file.
E-mailing an Encrypted File
• Most email programs block or filter an .EXE or an
encrypted file.
• When sending the file by email, rename the .EXE
to .txt, and tell the recipient to change the .txt
back to .EXE before opening the file.
E-mailing an Encrypted File
• Attach the renamed .txt
encrypted file to the e-mail and
send it to the recipient!
• Call the recipient with the pass
code so they can decrypt and
view the file.
• tell the recipient to change the
.txt back to .EXE before the file
is opened
Decrypting an Encrypted File
• To decrypt the file,
double-click on the
file.
• It opens with its own
decrypt application.
• Click “More…”
Decrypting an Encrypted File
• Click “Browse…” and
select where you want to
put the decrypted file.
• Click “OK”.
Decrypting an Encrypted File
• Click “Decrypt”
• The file will be put in the
folder you selected.
• It will be restored to its
original name and
contents.
Summary
• AxCrypt may be used to encrypt and decrypt files
containing sensitive information using your
desktop or laptop.
• If you forget the encryption code – you lose
access to the file!!!!
Questions?
• If you have any questions or need help: Call
the Information Security Officer at (936)261-2126.
• E-mail lamorgan@pvamu.edu