When someone wants to send you a file, they encrypt it with your public key, and you decrypt it with your private key. DropKey stores your private key in your system keychain, and you never need to manage this at all. Other controls include a share button (the iOS-like arrow coming out of a box) for handing out your public key in various ways, and a gear icon that provides access to preferences, a key manager for viewing and verifying other people’s public keys, online help, and the Quit command.ĭropKey uses public-key cryptography, which starts with a process that creates both a public key that you can share and a private key to which only you have access. Click it, and a dialog reveals a drag-and-drop area into which you can put files and a space to enter recipients, who are matched from your Address Book. (Note: I offered the developers free advice while beta testing DropKey, especially about key verification, but received no compensation and have no financial or other interest in the success of the application.)ĭropKey and Public Key Crypto Basics - After you install and launch DropKey, it appears as an icon in your menu bar. DropKey is also secure and powerful enough that security wonks will like it, too. It’s a dead simple way to exchange encrypted files with other people without a lot of overhead or fuss in making the exchange work securely. Rather, you know you want privacy and security, but you likely don’t care about the details.Ī new software product, DropKey 1.0 from WellRedApps, should therefore merit your attention, at least if you’re running Mac OS X 10.7 Lion, which it requires. No one but security wonks like me and TidBITS Security Editor Rich Mogull has any interest in the stuff that makes transactions and communications safe from snoopers. Of course, you’re not really thinking that. I know what you’re thinking: you need more encryption in your life. #1642: How to identify phishing attacks, new iPhone and iPad passcode requirements.
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