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AxCrypt - Sneakyone - 09-05-2024

AxCrypt: Comprehensive Setup and Usage Guide



1. Download and Install AxCrypt
  • Visit the official AxCrypt website.
  • Click on "Download" to get the free version or purchase a premium plan for advanced features.
  • Once the installer is downloaded, open the file and follow the installation instructions.
  • After installation, launch AxCrypt from your desktop or Start menu.
  • Create an account or log in using your existing credentials.

2. Understanding the AxCrypt Interface
  • The main interface of AxCrypt consists of several key elements:
     
    •  
    • File Encryption Section: Where you can encrypt or decrypt files and folders.
       
    • Recent Files List: Displays the files you have recently encrypted or decrypted.
       
    • Settings Menu: Allows you to manage your AxCrypt account, security options, and preferences.
       
  • The interface is user-friendly and streamlined to make encryption quick and efficient.

3. Encrypt a File or Folder
  • AxCrypt allows you to encrypt files and folders with just a few clicks.
  • To encrypt a file or folder:
     
    •  
    • Right-click the file or folder you want to encrypt.
       
    • From the context menu, select "AxCrypt > Encrypt".
       
    • Enter your AxCrypt password to apply encryption.
       
  • Once encrypted, the file will have a ".axx" extension and will be inaccessible without decryption.

4. Decrypt a File or Folder
  • To access an encrypted file, you will need to decrypt it using AxCrypt.
  • To decrypt a file:
     
    •  
    • Right-click the encrypted file (with the ".axx" extension).
       
    • Select "AxCrypt > Decrypt" from the context menu.
       
    • Enter your AxCrypt password to unlock the file.
       
  • Once decrypted, the file will return to its original format and can be accessed normally.

5. Secure File Sharing with AxCrypt
  • AxCrypt allows you to securely share encrypted files with other AxCrypt users.
  • To share an encrypted file:
     
    •  
    • Right-click the file you want to share and select "AxCrypt > Share Keys".
       
    • Enter the email address of the recipient (the recipient must also have an AxCrypt account).
       
  • The recipient will be able to decrypt the file using their AxCrypt password, but only after you have granted them access.

6. Use Key Sharing for Collaboration
  • AxCrypt's Key Sharing feature allows multiple users to decrypt the same file using their own passwords.
  • To use key sharing:
     
    •  
    • Encrypt the file as usual.
       
    • Right-click the file, select "Share Keys", and add the email addresses of the users you want to collaborate with.
       
  • Each user will be able to decrypt and access the file using their own AxCrypt password.

7. Password Management
  • AxCrypt allows you to securely store and manage passwords for your encrypted files.
  • To manage passwords:
     
    •  
    • Go to the "Settings" menu in AxCrypt.
       
    • Navigate to the "Password Management" section, where you can save, edit, or remove stored passwords.
       
  • This feature is especially useful for keeping track of multiple encryption passwords.

8. Change Encryption Password
  • You can update your encryption password to ensure your files remain secure over time.
  • To change your password:
     
    •  
    • Open AxCrypt and go to the "Settings" menu.
       
    • Select "Change Password" and enter your current password followed by your new password.
       
  • All new files you encrypt will use the updated password.

9. Create a Secured Folder
  • AxCrypt allows you to create a Secured Folder where all files will be automatically encrypted.
  • To create a secured folder:
     
    •  
    • Right-click a folder and select "AxCrypt > Secure Folder".
       
    • All files added to this folder will automatically be encrypted with your AxCrypt password.
       
  • This feature is useful for keeping sensitive files encrypted without needing to manually encrypt each file.

10. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
  • For added security, AxCrypt supports two-factor authentication (2FA) to protect your account.
  • To enable 2FA:
     
    •  
    • Go to your AxCrypt account settings via the AxCrypt Account Portal.
       
    • Enable 2FA by linking your account with a mobile authentication app (e.g., Google Authenticator).
       
  • With 2FA enabled, you will need to enter both your password and a time-sensitive authentication code to access your encrypted files.

11. Backup Encrypted Files
  • AxCrypt allows you to back up your encrypted files for added security.
  • To back up encrypted files:
     
    •  
    • Copy the ".axx" encrypted files to your backup location (external drive, cloud storage, etc.).
       
  • These files remain encrypted during the backup process and can only be accessed after decryption with AxCrypt.

12. Clean Up Encrypted Files
  • To securely delete sensitive files, AxCrypt includes a Secure File Deletion option.
  • To permanently delete a file:
     
    •  
    • Right-click the file and select "AxCrypt > Shred and Delete".
       
  • This will ensure that the file is securely erased and cannot be recovered by any data recovery software.



Key Features of AxCrypt
  • File Encryption: Encrypt individual files or entire folders with a strong password.
  • Secure File Sharing: Share encrypted files securely with other AxCrypt users.
  • Key Sharing: Collaborate by allowing multiple users to decrypt a file with their own passwords.
  • Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your account.
  • Password Management: Store and manage your encryption passwords within AxCrypt.
  • Automatic Encryption in Secured Folders: Automatically encrypt files added to specific folders.
  • File Shredding: Permanently delete files so they cannot be recovered.
  • Cross-Platform Support: AxCrypt works on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices.



Troubleshooting and Support
  • If AxCrypt is not encrypting files correctly, ensure that the file is not open in another program.
  • Double-check that your encryption password is correct if you cannot access an encrypted file.
  • Visit the AxCrypt Support Page for additional guides, FAQs, and assistance.
  • Contact AxCrypt support for help with account issues, file recovery, or advanced technical support.

Secure your sensitive data easily and efficiently with AxCrypt’s powerful encryption tools!