File Encryption Software

What Does File Encryption Software Mean?

File encryption software is a program designed to guard the contents of computer files via the use of algorithms and adjoining keys. The software is designed specifically for the purpose of protecting data in documents, applications and operating system (OS) files by scrambling that data with an algorithm before it is transferred. Only a user with the algorithm key can unscramble, or decrypt, the file.

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Techopedia Explains File Encryption Software

File encryption software primarily works with one or more encryption algorithms. Typically, each file is encrypted using a unique encryption key within the software. Similarly, the software also generates a decryption key that can only decrypt that on set of encrypted data.

The file encryption software itself is also protected by requiring the user to provide a valid user name and password for using its encryption services.

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Margaret Rouse

Margaret Rouse is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical, business audience. Over the past twenty years her explanations have appeared on TechTarget websites and she's been cited as an authority in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine and Discovery Magazine.Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages. If you have a suggestion for a new definition or how to improve a technical explanation, please email Margaret or contact her…