Help file for the KryptoNiten - Copyright (c) 1989, 1994 by Alfa Data


                           
                         KryptoNiten  -  General Background

  The purpose of the KryptoNiten:
   * Encryption preserves data in a safe way by changing it a into coded form.
   * Decryption restores the encrypted data to its original form so it can be
     used.

  How the KryptoNiten works:
   * KryptoNiten uses the Data Encryption Standard (DES) - algorithm, which is
     an American standard for safe cryption.
   * KryptoNiten also offers a so called Privacy cryption for faster crypting.

  How you use the KryptoNiten:
   * Fill in the boxes on the screen. You can move between the boxes using the
     arrow keys or Return.
   * Type the name of the file that you want to encrypt in the top box.
   * To restore the data use the same PASSWORD as used for the encryption. 
   * Press F1 to start the DES Encryption, F2 to DES Decrypt.            
   * Press F3 to encrypt and decrypt with the Privacy cryption.
                                                                    



                                                               
      KryptoNiten  -  DES Encryption, DES Decryption och Privacy cryption

  Data Encryption Standard algorithm (DES)
   * DES was originally developed by IBM and is now-a-days standard in many 
     countries including the USA.
   * It provides a very high level of security and, therefore, it is most
     unlikely that even an experienced cryptologist could break the code.
   * Press F1 to encrypt the SOURCE file.
   * Press F2 to decrypt it.

  Privacy algoritm
   * Privacy cryption is much faster than DES, but is not as secure.
     An experienced cryptologist could probably break it in a couple of hours.
     The less experienced user would not, however, not able to do this.
   * Use the Privacy cryption for fast crypting of private, but not critically
     essential information.
   * Press F3 to encrypt data or decrypt earlier encrypted data.
                                            
                                                                             


                                                                              
                 KryptoNiten  -  SOURCE and DESTINATION

  What is the SOURCE:
   * The data which will be encrypted/decrypted is taken from the SOURCE.
     The SOURCE can either be a file on a disk or the CONSOLE.
   * The name of the file must be typed using standard DOS-commands ie the
     file name preceeded by the necessary path.
   * If a mistake is made whilst typing you can easily move between the boxes
     using the arrow keys and easily correct your mistake.

  What is the DESTINATION:
   * The DESTINATION is where the processed data is to be sent.
     It can be a file on a disk or the printer.

  If the DESTINATION is a file:
   * Type the file name in the middle box using standard DOS-commands.
     (Ex. C:\WP51\NASA.DOC)

  If the DESTINATION is the PRINTER:
   * Type PRINTER in the destination box. Ensure that the printer is on line
     and that there is paper in the tray.
   * Pressing Alt-P will show the destination "PRINTER" in the respective box.
                                                             


                                                                        
                     KryptoNiten  -  PASSWORD and Hide

  What is the PASSWORD:
   * The PASSWORD is a string of characters which the KryptoNiten uses to
     mathematically combine with the data taken from the SOURCE. Each PASSWORD
     is unique. This ensures that only the PASSWORD used to encrypt the
     data can be used to decrypt the same.

  How do I make a PASSWORD:
   * Any combination of characters (letters, digits and/or symbols) that can be
     typed in from the keyboard. You may NOT, however, use the Function keys or
     any other control keys.
   * The PASSWORD may contain up to 42 characters.

  CAUTION:
   * To prevent others seeing the PASSWORD being typed, you can Hide it by
     pressing F5. When, at a later stage, you wish to check for typographical
     errors you press F5 again to show the PASSWORD. The cursor cannot remain
     in the PASSWORD box when you want show the PASSWORD.
   * Remember your PASSWORD or you will be unable to retrieve your data.
                                                       



                KryptoNiten  -  Directory, Erase SOURCE and Copy

  Directory
   * Press F7 to wiew which files on the current drive. The chosen file will
     appear in the SOURCE box on the main menu. You can also check wether a
     file exists by typing its full path in the SOURCE box and then press <F7>.

  Erase the SOURCE
   * Pressing F8 will give you an option to erase the SOURCE file. This way
     you erase the file with the plain text leaving only the crypted file.
   * The SOURCE file is overwritten 10 times to make sure that no-one can
     retrieve the file. It IS possible to retrieve it, but only with special
     programs, not generally available to end-user. Even then it may be very
     difficult since KryptoNiten uses a tricky way of erasing the file.

  Copy
   * Press F9 to either Copy the SOURCE file to your printer or copy the
     SOURCE file to the file designated in the DESTINATION box.
     If there is no file typed in the DESTINATION box, the SOURCE file will
     automatically be sent to the printer.     
     


                       KryptoNiten  -  An example
                                                                             
  Suppose you want to encrypt the file SECRET.DOC which is stored in the
  directory DOCUMENT on the `C' drive.
  The encrypted file will then be stored as SECRET.CRY in the same directory.

  * In the SOURCE box (the top one) type: C:\DOCUMENT\SECRET.DOC.

  * In the DESTIONATION box type C:\DOCUMENT\SECRET.CRY.    

  * As there is somebody in the room with you and you do not want this person
    to see the PASSWORD you are about to type, you press F5 to Hide it.

  * Then you type the selected PASSWORD (Ex. fhj5«kF*78). The longer the
    PASSWORD the more secure the encryption will be.
    To check for typographical errors, when the person in the room is not
    watching, you press F5 again to view the PASSWORD.  
          
   * Press F1 to DES Encrypt the data.
                                 
   * Press F8 to Erase SOURCE.                                              
                                                                              