PlainText Crypto

This encryption/decryption utility works well for simple text files, but is not truly secure. The package is two tools: one for encryption and one for decryption. PlainText Crypto's bland interface is easy enough to navigate, but only accepts text entered into the program window or text files found on your PC. The utility could use a help file for clues on getting started. The program uses a secure algorithm, which masks text files into series of digits, but an encryption key file must be saved to decrypt the file. If the encryption key file is lost, it cannot be recreated. Since these files must be saved or given to others for decryption, this application isn't as secure as two-key encryption utilities. Unlike similar applications, you can't encrypt folders or multiple files at once, password-protect access to the application, or compress encrypted files. Since PlainText Crypto utilizes unique key files for decryption, any recipient will need to install the program and possess the appropriate key file. The feature set isn't remarkable, but this freeware program works just fine for users with occasional plain text encryption needs.