Using the Key Manager

The Key Manager allows you to add, edit and delete keys. It also allows you to import and export keys for use with other users of the program. Keys are used to 'unlock' files and messages. Without the appropriate key and password, it is not possible to view a message or file if it has been encrypted.

 

Adding a Key

DataHush comes with one key pre-installed. It is called '<Public>'. This key is for use with any other users of the program. You can encrypt a message or file on this key and add a password. The password can be communicated by other means, and the recipient can just use the public key and password to access the message.

For more privacy, you can add your own keys to the system. To add a new key, select the 'Key Manager' option from the main menu and click the <Add New> button. The following dialog will appear:

Enter a name for your new key, a description that will help you remember the usage of the key. Choose the type of encryption you wish and the key length(if available) and generate a new key by clicking the <Generate Key> button. Click on the <Save> button and you should see the following message appear:

If you have provided incorrect information, or you have chosen a key name that is already in use, you will get the following warning message:

 

Exporting a Key

Keys will only be generally useful, if someone else also has the key. To get the key to them, you need to export the key and deliver it to them. To export a key, select the <Export> button from the Key Manager screen. This will bring up the following dialog. Enter the name of the key file to be created. The default file extension is '.cpk'

Click on the <Ok> button and the file will be created containing your key information. You can copy this file to a disk, or e-mail the contents of the file (as an encrypted message) to another user of the DataHush software, they can import the key and you can use this key to further protect your correspondence. Only those people in possession of the key will be able to decrypt on that key. This allows you to send messages that do not require a password, but are still protected from prying eyes.

 

Importing a Key

To import a key, select the <Import> button from the Key Manager screen. This will bring up the following dialog. Enter the name of the key file to be imported. Remember, the default file extension is '.cpk'

Choose the name of the key file and press <Ok>. When you check the list box on the Key Manager screen, you should see that the new Key has been added.

Editing a Key

If you wish to add further descriptive information to a key, or change the key, you can click on the <Edit> button of the Key Manager. This will bring up the key for editing. Notice that you can not change the name of a key once it has been entered.