This feature-filled freeware application encrypts, decrypts, and displays many common file types, but the default deletion of unencrypted originals may cause some user woes. Zero Footprint Crypt's customizable tree-style interface gives users a welcome choice between two appearances and toolbars. The program offers six encryption algorithms for viewing common unencrypted image files. Most novice users will find all options of this program easy to use. Advanced users will quickly see the program has enough options and extra features to make this a daily-use utility. Unlike many similar utilities, encrypting a file with Zero Footprint Crypt deletes the original, but this feature is easily turned off in the program's option interface. This utility also can create encrypted files that are self-decrypting for those without the program. It can easily serve as a replacement file explorer. Most image and sound files are easily opened in the media-viewer window. The wipe feature merely deletes the file byte by byte and isn't up to Department of Defense security standards. This freeware surpasses many common and costly file-encryption utilities and would be a welcome addition to the privacy tools for any level of user.
One shouldn't take away something that one cannot give back, such as one's time.
Summary
My system runs on windows 7 ultimate 32 bit.
I installed the program and began to test it.
Created a folder on the desktop.
Pasted in this folder a text file and a jpg file.
Navigated to this folder through the navigation panel inside the ZFC interface.
The text file was not visible.
The program's built-in viewer previewed the image file.
Attempting to encrypt the file through the menu option and the toolbar icon gave back an error message that no item was selected.
Didn't expect such a thing on Cnet.
Easy and quick encryption.
chief_800
Pros
Very easy to use, even for novices.
Cons
After encrypting and then closing the program, when you re-open it should NOT go straight to the folder or files that you want to keep private. But it's not a difficult solution. Just go to a root directory and encrypt, decrypt a standard file.
Summary
Great program for home users!
Good Encryption
compuser123
Pros
The keys are very adequate for light protection.
Cons
File selection is very awkard I think a kindergardner could have done better.
Summary
If you don't mind the hassle of the file selection not a bad product.
Very user friendly
hhuffm1
Pros
This is a great piece of software. Did not take long to download or to install.
Cons
Summary
Does what it's supposed to and it's free
Original_SniperX
Pros
It's realy easy to use software and has a good encryption power. Also tells you your encryption passwords strengt.
Cons
Someone with a lot of experience (cracker) can easily crack the codes. Finecrypt however has an encryptionkey thats much harder to crack.
Summary
works fine and its free
kamankay
Pros
it's fast and secure
Cons
Summary
good free program but not up to the mark
ukgandhi
Pros
Does the job fine. no spyware
Cons
Application window would not close. Crashes while encrypting large files. Interface is annoying.
Summary
Absolutely Great
riki_fandozo
Pros
This is the easiest application for encryption that I have used. Absolutely great user interface and general feel. It is fast secure and does what it says.
<p>
<p>I have passed the application thru 4 different spyware and antivirus applications and found it to be 100% clean.
<p>
<p>If you need strong encrpytion and you need it for free, this is the application for you.
Cons
Summary
Very easy to use, fast and powerfule
Pros
Cons
Summary
Does what it says very well.
Good BUT...
Pros
Cons
Summary
I have to say that this is one of the useful encryption software that I have used recently. It might even stand up against some of the other encryption software out there on the retailer's shelves. As for the "BUT...", there is one thing that I'm quite unsure of this program... every time the software is launch it automatically initiate another application that it creates by itself in your profile's "local settings"' "Temp" folder (\Documents and Settings\...\Local Settings\Temp). The application is called "GLB1A2B.exe". There's no use deleting it because it will just recreate itself once "ZeroFootprint Crypts" is launch. According to my Norton AntiVirus and other Adware-Spyware Remover program (including the recent Yahoo! Anti-Spy software), "GLB1A2B.exe" is considered a TROJAN and should be removal IMMEDIATELY!
USE AT YOUR OWN RISK!
Secure your data with powerful encryption using the unique ZeroFootprint (no disk write) decryption.Chose from six powerful encryption algorithms to encrypt files and totally wipe the original file off the drive. The inbuilt viewers allow you to view many common types of files including movie, image and sound files. For the image files supported, you may choose to view these without decrypting them to a file (zero footprint). The process allows for maximum security as the (decrypted) file is never written to the HD.