🔒 file-lock

Encrypt individual files and directories using AES

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📃 Program Description

The file-lock program allows you to encrypt or decrypt a single file or a full directory.

• Encryption can be performed using a user-provided key, or a new key can be generated automatically.
  • The key should be stored in a file, with only the first 16 bytes being used.
  • If a new key is generated, it will be saved in the Downloads/target/ folder.

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📝 Notes

• Hidden files are skipped during encryption and decryption.
• In CBC mode, the file size will increase by 16 bytes after encryption due to the inclusion of the Initialization Vector (IV).

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✅ Verified File Types

The program supports encryption and decryption for all common file types, including:

• PDF
• PNG
• DOCX
• MP4

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⚠️ Caution

Please keep the following important points in mind:

• Decrypted files will replace the original files.
  Ensure that you have backups of any important data before performing decryption.

• No recovery is possible without the key used for encryption.
  Do not modify or lose your key file.

• Do not open the key file directly.
  It is recommended to set the key file to read-only mode for added security.

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🔑 Key Generation

• The key generation process is cryptographically secure, ensuring that the generated key is strong and unpredictable.
• However, there are limits to how many keys can be generated within a short period. For large requests for new keys in a short timeframe, the process may time out.

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📖 Guide

• Absolute Paths: All file and directory paths must be absolute.

  • On Linux and Mac, end the directory path with /* (e.g., /home/user/files/*).
  • On Windows, end the directory path with a backslash (e.g., C:\Users\user\files\).

• Key Size Matching: Ensure the key size matches the expected size.

  • If the chosen key size is larger than the key file size, the program will throw an error.
  • If the chosen key size is smaller than the key file size, the program will use only part of the key.

• Test Before Using:

  • Run multiple rounds of tests to encrypt and decrypt some files to verify program.
  • First choose not to replace files during encryption!

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📖 Tutorial

Follow these steps to get started with file-lock:

Compile (Unix)

./run.sh

Compiling on Windows

# Manually compile 3 files:
# following files must be compiled:
#   (gcc) src/AES.cpp src/fileHandler.cpp src/main.cpp

Run program + example run

./enc

⚠️ Important Security Advice

• Always backup your encrypted files before attempting decryption.
• Keep your key file secure and do not share it with untrusted parties. It is vital to maintain control of the key to ensure the security of your encrypted data.

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⚠️ Disclaimer

By using this program, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• The author is not responsible for any damaged files or data loss that may occur during encryption or decryption.
• It is your responsibility to ensure that all files and directories are correctly backed up before performing encryption.
• The program is provided as-is, and the author makes no warranties regarding its functionality or safety.
• Use at your own risk. The author is not liable for any loss, damage, or other consequences arising from the use of this program.

For support or feedback, feel free to open an issue.