NokVAULT

nokVAULT is a software application designed as a personal electronic safe and file encryption tool for protecting and hiding sensitive and confidential computer data, files, and programs.

Infobox Software
name = nokVAULT



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developer = nokVAULT Corp.
released =
latest release version =
latest release date = June 30, 2008
latest preview version =
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programming language = C,C++, Assembler
operating system = Windows XP, Windows Vista
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size = 5.3 MB
language = English, Portuguese
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license = nokVAULT EULA
website = [http://www.nokvault.com nokVAULT.com]

According to the company website [http://www.nokvault.com nokvault.com] , the software’s proprietary operating Kernel (computer science) and installation-unique file system creates an encrypted “file vault” independent of the computer’s host operating system. nokVAULT employs anti-reverse-engineering techniques and application memory buffer encryption to obstruct attempts to compromise the protected files within the vault, and makes encrypted data resistant to unauthorized scanning utilities, hackers and forensic tools.

A unique feature is dynamic on-the-fly Filesystem-level encryption and decryption that automatically retains the original security settings of files after use or modification. The feature avoids the need to decrypt and encrypt with every use, and also enables on-the-fly file decryption of entire software applications and file directories for immediate utilization.

nokVAULT offers users a choice of AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) with up to 256-bit key size, or Blowfish encryption with up to 512-bit key size. The nokVAULT File Encryption software includes on-the-fly encryption feature, a key management system to help users keep track of the encryption keys associated with various files, and a secure erase feature that permanently deletes files and any linked traces to files to make then unrecoverable by any recovery tool or utility. Compatible with 32-bit versions of Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista operating systems, nokVAULT is an Internet-distributed licensed product also available in a full-featured free trial version.

Security Kernel

The nokVAULT software is based on the company’s proprietary nokKERNEL foundation technology, a parallel kernel that coexists with the host operating system. The company claims having the nokKERNEL installed parallel to the operating system during the reboot process instead of running on the host operating system is a major security advantage, maintaining that the independent kernel is less vulnerable to attacks, and avoids inheriting security flaws associated with the host operating system.

Dynamic Encryption Algorithms

nokVAULT supports two encryption methods of encryption, the first using proprietary dynamic encryption and second using known non-proprietary encryption ciphers: AES, and Blowfish. Encrypting a file in-place secures the file contents, and disables any unauthorized accessibility to the file. Encrypted in-place files will remain visible as files located within the host operating system, but cannot be accessed or opened without a key. Adding a file to the secure-area vault will automatically encrypt the file, and make it invisible to the host operating system when the vault is closed.

Using proprietary dynamic algorithm generators, Brent MacLean, [http://www.jbm.net/pages.asp?pgidx=86&menu=Dynamic%20file%20encryption http://www.jbm.net] . June 21, 2008 "DYNAMIC FILE ENCRYPTION". Retrieved on 2008-08-27.] nokVAULT renders the secure-area vault undetectable by anyone using the computer. nokVAULT-protected files are accessible only with the encryption key password or the unique nokVAULT product license password. The company states that nokVAULT has no “back door” password access, and that operating system or computer hardware administrative privileges or security policies applied to files grant no access to nokVAULT-protected files.

Out of Operating System Secure Storage

nokVAULT uses an out of OS secure file system and kernel to handle dynamic encryption algorithm generation, file encryption and file decryption procedures. All files located within nokVAULT’s secure-area vault are invisible, inaccessible, and untraceable to users, operating system administrators, and computer super-users. The result is a File Encryption solution that hides files where no intruder or hacker can see them. Brent MacLean, [http://www.jbm.net/pages.asp?pgidx=86&menu=Dynamic%20file%20encryption http://www.jbm.net] . June 21, 2008 "DYNAMIC FILE ENCRYPTION". Retrieved on 2008-08-27.]

Operation

Using a Microsoft Windows drag-and-drop user interface, the nokVAULT application enables persistent encryption of files located anywhere in computer folders, disks and removable devices, with encrypted data and files remaining secure wherever they reside until accessed with specific designated key policy. nokVAULT’s installation-unique encrypted file system creates a secure-area “vault” that cannot be accessed or detected by the host operating system or hard drive utilities.

nokVAULT offers a key management system to create, organize, and manage many different encryption settings and key policies. An encryption setting can be constant for all encrypted files, or can be changed for each file encrypted, functionality useful for exporting encrypted files and sharing keys with other people. nokVAULT’s key management system enables viewing all keys created, and the associated files secured using a specific key policy.

nokVAULT can be configured to automatically close and secure the vault after a designated period of user inactivity, when the computer is idle, or when the computer enters sleep modes, hibernation, or shutdown.

ee also

*Cryptographic software
*Kernel (computer science)
*Encryption software
*Information security

References