First steps

First steps

This topic describes how you can accomplish some simple tasks with Steganos II Security Suite. All descriptions assume that you have just started the program.

Steganos stores encrypted files and folders in Steganos encrypted files. If you want to Steganos can hide files and folders in other unsuspicious files. These files are called carrier files.

Encrypt files

Click on Hide / Encrypt.
Now the Secure Space can receive all files that are to be encrypted. Put all the files that you want to encrypt into the secure space. Select the files in the Steganos Explorer and click on .
You will be asked if you want to wipe the original files from your hard drive. Click on Yes if you want the original files to be wiped. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as often as you want. Of course you can also move and/or copy folders into the Secure Space.
Click on if not already activated.
Click when all desired files are in the Secure Space. In the following dialog select a file name for the Steganos encrypted file. Steganos encrypted files have the extension SEF. Click on OK when finished.
The password dialog is displayed. Enter the password to be used to encrypt the data and confirm your input in the second edit field. While you enter the password Steganos rates the quality of the password. The higher the amount of bits is the more secure is your password. Click on OK to proceed.
Finished. Your data is now encrypted.

Decrypt encrypted files

Click on Unhide/Decrypt.
In the dialog choose the Steganos encrypted file (SEF-file) you want to decrypt. Click on OK when finished.
The password dialog is displayed. Enter the password which was used to encrypt the data into the SEF-file. Note that passwords are case sensitive. Click on OK when finished.
If the correct password is entered the file is decrypted and it's contents is displayed in the Secure Space.
You may use you files and folders directly in the Secure Space without having to copy them from this place. Double click the files you want to open. You can add additional files to the SEF-file.
When you are finished click on . The SEF-file will be encrypted with the entered password and the Secure Space is closed.

Hide files

Go through steps 1 to 3 as described in the Encrypt files section.
Click on if not already activated.
Click when all desired files are in the Secure Space. The carrier file wizard is displayed.
Select Automatic carrier file search and click on Next. Click on Search.
Steganos searches your computer for files that can carry all files in the Secure Space. Choose a carrier file and click Finish. If no carrier files are found click here.
Proceed with step 6 as described at Encrypt files.

Decrypt hidden files

Proceed as described in the Decrypt encrypted files section and choose a carrier file that carries encrypted data in spite of an SEF-file.

Wipe files

Steganos II Security Suite can wipe files and folders at any time. Select the files to be wiped in the Windows Explorer.
Click the right mouse button on one of the selected files. Choose wipe... from the Steganos sub menu. The Steganos Shredder is executed and displays a list of all selected files. Confirm your selection by clicking on Wipe... and click on Yes.
Finished. The selected files are irrevocably wiped.

Manage passwords

Store all your passwords in one encrypted file. Remember only one password for accessing all other passwords. Click on Password Management in the component bar.
Click on to add a new password entry to the password list. The edit password dialog appears.
Enter a short description of the password, e.g. AttachΘ case code. Into the password field enter the password, PIN, or code. Click on OK.
Click on . Enter a name and location for the Steganos encrypted file that should contain the password list. These files have the extension SEF. Click on OK.
The password dialog is displayed. Enter the password to be used to encrypt the data and confirm your input in the second edit field. While you enter the password Steganos rates the quality of the password. The higher the amount of bits is the more secure is your password. Click on OK to proceed.
You will be asked if you want to use the saved file as your standard password file. Click on Yes. From now on this file will be opened when you start the Password Management - after entering the correct password, of course.