Encrypting Archives

CuteZIP can encrypt and password protect archives using both the industry standard PKZIP encryption format as well as Twofish strong encryption.
Users have two encryption options. PKZIP encryption is more compatible with other ZIP clients, however, it does not provide absolute protection against determined individuals with advanced cryptographic tools. For strong protection, Twofish offers 128-bit encryption. Make sure that the recipent can open your encrypted archives by creating a self-extracting encrypted archive (defined below) or verifying that the recipient of the file has CuteZIP available.
 

Opening Encrypted Archives

  1. Double-click on an archive or choose File > Open Archive from CuteZIP’s Menu bar .
  2. Once CuteZIP opens, you will notice that the archive's contents are encrypted by the small padlock icon superimposed over each file icon.
  3. Extract as you normally would.
  4. You will be prompted for the password.
  5. Enter the correct password so that CuteZIP will extract the contents correctly.
 

Choosing the Encryption Type

Archives can be encrypted using industry standard PKZIP encryption or Twofish 128-bit strong encryption. CuteZIP’s default is PKZIP encryption. If you want to change CuteZIP’s encryption method from PKZIP to Twofish, then do the following:
  1. Go to CuteZIP’s settings by choosing Edit > Settings from the Menu bar.
  2. Click on Compress on the left side.
  3. On the right side, choose either When encrypting, use PKZIP compatible compression or When encrypting, use Twofish compatible compression. Both can not be selected at the same time.
 

Creating Encrypted Archives

  1. Create a new archive or open an existing archive. There must be files in the archive in order for the encryption functionality to work.
  2. From the Menu bar choose Tools > Encrypt Archive.
  3. Enter a password that is at least five characters.
 

Creating Encrypted Self-Extracting (SFX) Archives

You can take full advantage of CuteZIP’s compression and encryption even if the recipient does not have access to CuteZIP by creating an encrypted SFX archive. CuteZIP will create an executable (.exe) file that can be double-clicked and launched by any one with a Windows based PC. Recipients need only the password to open the file. To create an encrypted SFX archive perform the following:
  1. Create a new archive or open an existing archive. There must be files in the archive in order for the encryption and SFX functionality to work.
  2. From the Menu bar choose Tools > Create Encrypted Self-Extracting (SFX) Archive.
  3. Enter a password that is at least five characters.
 

Note

CuteZIP will use the encryption type you have chosen in CuteZIP Settings under Compress > Encrypt Options.