The multifaceted encryption tool zuluCrypt

Easy Operation

ZuluCrypt has a convenient interface that makes for uncomplicated operation (Figure 1). Nonetheless, you should take a look at the project documentation before starting. It takes you through the software's functions and explains some basic concepts. You can call the PDF document with the documentation via the menu with Help | Open ZuluCrypt.pdf .

Figure 1: The interface for the current version is tidy, and it comes in several languages.

At its most basic, zuluCrypt encrypts individual files without a container. This is somewhat comparable to GNU Privacy Guard (GnuPG) encryption. In order to encrypt a file using zuluCrypt, you should open the zC menu and select encrypt a file . Then you can specify the file you want to encrypt and a storage location. After you enter the password twice, the encrypted file will end up on the hard disk with the extension .zC . The original file will continue to exist (Figure 2).

Figure 2: You can use zuluCrypt to conveniently keep even individual files safe from prying eyes.

Decrypting works in a similar fashion. You should select the file and the target folder, enter the password, and decrypt the file. You can also move the file into the zuluCrypt window and open it there. The program will ask for the password and the key.

File or Partition?

If you are dealing with more than just a single file, you can use the container methods that zuluCrypt offers. A container will appear later in the file manager or in the terminal as a normal drive. You can create a container in either a file or its own partition. The choice depends on the amount of data that the container should hold. If you choose a partition as the basis, then the container will fill it completely and delete all previously existing data.

To install a container, click on the Create menu. Then choose between the options Encrypted Container in A File and Encrypted Container in a Hard Drive . During testing, zuluCrypt had to deal with a USB stick and create a 500MB container in a file. This can be put together with existing folders and files on the stick.