You have a folder of tax records, client files or personal documents, and you want to lock it with a password. You also want to email some of those files without asking the recipient to install anything. Secure IT from Cypherix is built for that job. It encrypts and compresses files and folders in one step, and it includes a shredder for wiping the originals.
Quick facts
- Platform: Windows, both 32-bit and 64-bit
- Price: $29.95
- Trial: free, fully functional 30-day version
- Encryption: 448-bit Blowfish, with AES also supported
- Delivery: instant electronic delivery
Key features
Encrypt and compress in a single pass
Secure IT compresses data while it encrypts it, so you don't need a separate zip tool. It handles files, folders and any type of data, whether spreadsheets, graphics or word-processor documents.
448-bit Blowfish, with AES as an option
The program uses Blowfish at a 448-bit key strength. Blowfish is an open, public-domain algorithm. If you'd rather use the US government standard, AES is supported as well. The vendor says there are no back doors, so a lost password means the data can't be recovered.
A built-in shredder that removes the leftovers
Deleting a file normally removes only its entry in the file allocation table, so undelete tools can often bring it back. The file shredder overwrites the data so the originals can't be recovered after you encrypt them.
Send encrypted email attachments to people without the software
The secure e-mail module creates self-extracting encrypted files. The recipient needs only the password, not a copy of Secure IT. You still have to pass the password to them separately.
Command line processing for batch jobs
You can encrypt and compress from the DOS prompt. You can also group a series of encryption and decryption commands into one or more batch files, which suits routine jobs such as nightly backups.
Works on any rewritable media
It encrypts files on floppy disks, removable hard drives, zip drives and tape drives, as well as on your main disk. The vendor says a 1 MB file encrypts in a second or two on most desktop machines.
Who it's for
Secure IT suits you if you want file-by-file and folder-level protection on a Windows PC at a low one-time price. That covers home users with private documents and small offices that email sensitive attachments. Because it can be scripted, it also works for people who like batch files. If you need to encrypt a whole disk or want a mounted virtual drive, look at the vendor's Cryptainer line instead.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Encryption, compression and shredding in one program
- Self-decrypting email attachments that need no software on the recipient's side
- Blowfish and AES both available
- Command line support for automation
- A free 30-day trial that is fully functional
- DeCypherIT, a free utility from the vendor, decrypts files made by Secure IT and Cryptainer
Cons
- Windows only
- The trial is described as a miniature version, so it may not match the full product exactly
- No back door means a forgotten password can't be recovered
- Works on individual files and folders rather than whole disks
What users say
"Great value encryption software." (Top Ten Reviews)
"Cypherix SecureIT handles the task of encrypting and decrypting your files and folders, and can even create self-decrypting executable files." (PC Magazine)
FAQs
Can the person I email decrypt the file without Secure IT?
Yes. The secure e-mail module builds a self-extracting encrypted file. The recipient needs only the password.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. The vendor offers a free, fully functional 30-day trial version.
Which encryption does it use?
It uses Blowfish at 448 bits. It also supports AES.
Can I decrypt files without the full program?
The vendor's free DeCypherIT utility decrypts files generated by Secure IT and Cryptainer.
Can it securely delete the originals?
Yes. The built-in shredder overwrites data so that undelete tools can't recover it.
System requirements
- Processor and memory: X586 systems or better with 32 MB RAM
- Operating systems: Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 and Windows 11