Professional Data Security (PDS) Operation

CONTENTS: ======================================== 1. Extract the Zip file. 2. Create a new KeyStore. 3. Create a new Key. 4. Create a new File. 5. Edit a Keystore Passphrase. 6. Edit Encryption Key Properties.

1. Extract the Zip file ======================================== Do *not* execute the application (JAR) from the Zip file. Instead, extract the Zip file to a filesystem (ideally a thumbdrive). While the application will "work" from a Zip file, you will lose portability between systems. Please see the Release Notes -> Known Issues for additional details.

2. Create a new Keystore ======================================== Select File -> New -> KeyStore

At the pop-up, click the File Chooser in the KeyStore Name area.

In the File Name text field, type the name of the Keystore to be created (in this case I used "mykeystore") and then click Open.

The name of the new keystore will appear. Next, type in a passphrase and click Create.

You have now created a KeyStore. The KeyStore is located in a subdirectory of the install directory.

3. Create a new Key ======================================== Select File -> New -> Key

At the popup, type in the Key Alias that will refer to the new key into the Key Alias textbox. Click to select the type of Key to be created. Type in a passphrase and confirmation passphrase for the new key. Note: Optionally, the Key passphrase can be the same as the KeyStore passphrase. Associate the Key with a KeyStore by clicking the File Chooser in the KeyStore Association area.

The KeyStore you created in the last step should be seen. Select that KeyStore or any other you may have created.

The selected KeyStore name will now be visible in the Dialog. Type in the current passphrase for the Keystore then click Create. Note: This application will support a default key.

Your KeyStore now holds one Key, and this key is your Default Key.

4. Create a new File ======================================== Select File -> New -> File from the menu (or the lightning icon).

Open the FileChooser in the Filename area.

Navigate to the directory where the File will be created. Type the name of the file to be created into the File Name textarea. Click Open.

The name of your new file will be displayed. Open the FileChooser in the Associate File with an Encryption Key area. If using the Default Key simply click "Create" - otherwise navigate via the utility to locate the desired KeyStore and Key Alias.

At the prompt provide the appropriate authorization and press Accept. Note that if the KeyStore and Key have the same passphrase you may select "Yes" (the default) and only provide the KeyStore passphrase.

Congratulations!!! You have created a file. You may now provide your confidential data and save it.

Additionally, you may wish to encrypt your existing files:

5. Edit a Keystore Passphrase. ======================================== Select File -> Edit -> KeyStore -> Change Passphrase

Acknowledge that you have a backup of the keystore.

Select the KeyStore to modify. Provide the current and the new passphrase. Select Modify.

6. Edit Encryption Key Properties.    Properties include:       a. Set a key to be the default key       b. Change a key passphrase       c. Delete a key ======================================== Select File -> Edit -> KeyStore -> Change Passphrase

Navigate to the keystore containing the key

Provide the Keystore authentication.

Select the key to modify and select the desired modification from the bottom of dialog.

Complete the remaining prompts to modify the key.

For encryption, note that: 1. When an existing file is encrypted, the original is not modified or deleted. 2. After encrypting an existing file, a "PDS file" (PDS header followed by encoded/encrypted data) is created in the same directory as the original file. The PDS file has the same file name but with the extension of ".PDS" appended to it. For decryption, note that: 1. When a PDS file is decrypted, that PDS file is not modified or deleted. 2. After decrypting a PDS file, a original (decrypted) form of the file is created in the same directory as the PDS file. If another copy of the original exists, a prompt is presented before overwriting it. Enjoy, and tell your friends !!! -Brett (brett at etpenguin dot com)