Q: Quite simply, what is CE-Secure?
A: CE-Secure is an application that allows a user to create a number of encrypted Vaults within available space on your computers data storage devices. Think of these Vaults as safes that sit within a room in your house or office. The safe can be small or large, as Vaults within CE-Secure can be. But that safe must still be opened in order to put something inside of it. This is the same as what happens with data and a CE-Secure Vault. Your pass phrase opens the Vault and allows you to put things inside. In the case of Vaults, it is important data. With a safe, your valuables are protected by hardened steel and a combination lock. With a CE-Secure Vault, your data is protected by AES 256 bit encryption!
Q: At first glance, CE-Secure looks’ very easy to use. Is that true?
A: CE-Secure has been engineered from the ground up to be very user friendly while maintaining the high degree of data protection and security expected from an encryption application. We believe we have succeeded but we always appreciate the input of our users. Please feel free to contact us at ce-securehotline@cmsproducts.com.
Q: Are the buttons on the control console all that is required to use CE-Secure?
A: The control console provides a path to all of the functions required for CE-Secure. A cursor flyover for each button offers insight into what to expect from clicking that button.
- The Encrypt button does exactly that. It allows the user to select the location, vault name, size and pass phrase for each Vault that you create.
- The Unlock button shows you the Vaults that you have available to unlock and asks you to enter the correct pass phrase. This function also allows you to select various unlock options as well as to assign your choice of system drive letters to the unlocked Vault.
- The Lock button presents you with a listing of the Vaults that are currently unlocked on your computer. Select a Vault to lock and it becomes unavailable for use.
- The Settings button offers you the global options which can be used to automatically cause an unlocked Vault to close. Make your selections and these parameters are applied to all unlocked Vaults.
- The Pass Phrase button gives the user the opportunity to change the pass phrase required to unlock each particular Vault within the system. In order to use, Vaults must be locked and the current pass phrase must be entered in order to make a change.
That’s all there is to it…
Q: Is there any way to recover the data within a CE-Secure Vault if I forget my password?
A: There are no back doors into CE-Secure. This is done in order to achieve maximum security of your data. The best answer is to make your pass phrase something you simply will not forget, without being to obvious.
Q: In CE-Secure, the terms Unlock and Lock are used frequently in connection with Vaults. What do these terms mean?
A: Imagine a safe in a room. Your important possessions are inside. If you want to get into the safe, you need to unlock the safe, usually with a combination, which is like a pass phrase in CE-Secure. When you are finished using what’s in the safe, you need to lock it so the contents remain safe. Think of your Vault as a safe!
Q: Does CE-Secure need Microsoft Framework .Net 2.0?
A: Yes it does - .Net 2.0 must be installed on your computer prior to running CE-Secure. If installing CE-Secure from a CD, the installation procedure will test to see if .Net 2.0 is installed. If required, .Net 2.0 will be installed from the installation CD. If you have downloaded CE-Secure, you will be pointed to a link on the Microsoft website from which you can download .Net. This is a trusted application and is provided free of charge by Microsoft.
Q: How many computers can I use CE-Secure on?
A: The license agreement for CE-Secure states that the application can be used on up to two computer systems (for instance home & office). If you are using the program for mobile types of media and you wish to include the CE-Secure application with the mobile media, the correct program to include is the read-only version that can be downloaded for free from www.cmsproducts.com.
Q: What Microsoft operating systems are supported by CE-Secure?
A: CE-Secure supports’ Windows Vista, XP and 2000. The Pro version of CE-Secure additionally supports Windows 2000/2003 Server and allows the creation of even larger CE-Secure Vaults. The Pro version is available at www.cmsproducts.com.
Q: When a Vault is created with CE-Secure, what level of encryption is used?
A: CE-Secure uses state of the art AES 256 bit encryption. The encryption algorithms used in AES 256 bit are vastly superior to the AES 128 bit encryption typically used in web transactions.
Q: The main control console screen of CE-Secure mentions “Continuous Encryption”. What’s that?
A: The term “Continuous Encryption” is used in CE-Secure to emphasis that data stored in an encrypted Vault is always encrypted in that Vault, even when the Vault is unlocked. For instance, suppose you have and external data storage device attached to your computer and it has a CE-Secure Vault on it. You proceed to unlock the Vault and are working on the data. A bad person runs by and grabs the external data storage device and makes off. Even though the Vault was open and you were working on the Vault at the time it was grabbed, the bad person will not be able to access the data on the device because it is still encrypted at full strength!
Q: What is “on-the-fly” disk encryption and does’ CE-Secure support it?
A: This is a common encryption term and refers to both encrypting (writing encrypted data) and decrypting (reading encrypted data). What this means is that the encryption and decryption process is always done in the memory of the host computer and not on the data storage device on which the data exists. This is what makes the “Continuous Encryption” possible.
Q: If my CE-Secure Vault is located on external data storage device, does it matter what interface is used to connect the storage device to the computer?
A: While the most popular interface currently is USB 2.0, it makes no difference to CE-Secure what interface is used as long as Windows itself is able to see the external data storage device and assigns a system drive letter to it. We have tested on USB 1.1 & 2.0, FireWire 400/800, eSATA & express card, PCMCIA and flash card slots built into a computer. As long as Windows sees the drive, CE-Secure is good to go! Don’t forget, if a Vault is located on a piece of CD or DVD media, it also can be unlocked, given the same circumstances as above.
Q: What are the differences between the standard CE-Secure Vault Edition and the PRO version?
A: There are three basic additions that differentiate the Pro version. The first is that PRO allows the user to create, maintain and open CE-Secure Vaults on mapped network drives. The second is that PRO additionally supports Windows 2000/2003 Server Edition software. The final difference is that Pro allows you to create Vaults larger than the 4GB supported in the standard product.
Using CE-Secure:
Q: Can I run an application from within a CE-Secure Vault?
A: When a CE-Secure Vault is unlocked, it looks to the computer just like a standard data storage device with its own drive letter. If the application can run from something other than the system drive, then it should run fine from the unlocked Vault. Remember, the Vault must be unlocked to access the application stored within it!
Q: Can I display or play my photos, music or video files from within a CE-Secure Vault?
A: As long as the Vault is unlocked, it operates just like a standard data storage device – play away!
Q: Can anyone see the folder or file names that are in my CE-Secure Vault?
A: The folder and file names can only be seen when the Vault is unlocked. When the Vault is locked, the folder and file names of the data in the Vault are hidden.
Q: What types of storage devices support CE-Secure Vaults?
A: CE-Secure Vaults can exist on a wide variety of standard data storage devices. This includes internal and external hard disk drives, flash cards and solid state flash drives.
Q: Is there a limit on the number of Vaults that I can create with CE-Secure?
A: No, as long as you use the program on computers covered within the license agreement, you may make as many Vaults as you require. However, please remember that the number of Vaults you can unlock at one time is dependent on how many drive letters Windows shows available.
Q: Can I unlock CE-Secure Vaults on different computers?
A: The CE-Secure Vaults can be very mobile. Simply download the free read-only version of CE-Secure from www.cmsproducts.com. You can keep the read-only version on the mobile media or install it on as many computers as you like.
Q: If I have a CE-Secure Vault open on a mobile storage device, must I first lock the Vault before I disconnect the mobile device?
A: It is always preferable to use the CE-Secure application to lock the Vault in order to preserve data integrity within the Vault. However, should the mobile storage device be suddenly disconnected, the Vault(s) on that storage device will be locked and remain encrypted. Remember, some mobile storage devices do not write data to themselves as fast as others – thus disconnecting without locking the Vault could cause some data not yet written to the device to be lost.
Q: If I no longer need a certain Vault, how can I delete it to recover the space that was allocated?
A: Any CE-Secure Vault can be erased from within either the full or read-only version of the program. Should you choose, you can also use Windows explorer to delete the Vault. Once deleted, the Vault cannot be recovered by CE-Secure!
Q: I noticed that when I unlock a CE-Secure Vault, I am given a number of different options that can be applied to the Vault. Why is this?
A: These are simply options provided to CE-Secure users who may have different needs and requirements. Opening the Windows explorer window is a nice touch and lets you see right away what is in that Vault. These options only apply to that unlock cycle and can be changed each time the Vault is unlocked.
Q: Do all my Vaults need to have the same pass phrase?
A: No, pass phrases can be different for each Vault created. For instance, Dad and Mom can each create their own encrypted Vault with their own unique pass phrase.
Q: Can I easily change my pass phrase should the need arise?
A: Yes, simply click on the pass phrase button shown in the CE-Secure control console. In order to change a pass phrase, two things are required. First, the Vault you wish to change must be locked. Secondly, you must enter the existing pass phrase for that Vault. This is done in order to authenticate the ownership of the Vault. Once this is complete, you will be prompted to enter and reconfirm your new pass phrase. The new pass phrase is then required to unlock the Vault.
Q: When I clicked on the settings button within the CE-Secure control console, I was given a number of methods for automatically locking an unlocked Vault. Why is this necessary?
A: Although the data within the Vault is always encrypted, when the Vault is unlocked it can be viewed and accessed by anyone sitting at that computer. The choices shown are options that provide for the automatic locking of any unlocked CE-Secure Vaults attached to that computer. Although they are options only, these choices provide a measure of safety should you happen to leave your computer and forget that a Vault is open. In default mode, an unlocked Vault is set to automatically lock when the user locks off, If you select any of these options, it is applied globally to all CE-Secure Vaults attached to this computer. That is, you CANNOT select different auto-lock schemes for each Vault! You can apply as many of these options as required.
Q: When I encrypt a new Vault using the CE-Secure control console, it asks me to enter a Vault name? Where does that Vault name show up?
A: When CE-Secure creates’ a Vault, that Vault looks to Windows just like a simple file of the same size. That file is stored in the location that you selected when you created the Vault and its name is that which you chose when you created the Vault. It can be viewed using My Computer or Windows explorer. The Vault name is limited to 11 characters and it also becomes the name associated with the drive letter shown in My Computer when the Vault is unlocked.
Q: How small or large can a Vault be?
A: A Vault can be created as small as 1MB. The maximum size for a single Vault within this version of the program is 4GB. CE-Secure Professional is available with support for unlimited Vault size. Go to www.cmsproducts.com if you wish to upgrade to this version.
Q: Can I copy a locked CE-Secure Vault from one location to another?
A: Yes you can! Just drag and drop the Vault to the required location (space permitting). Even when copied, the Vault maintains all of its encrypted characteristics and strength.
Q: When I create a new CE-Secure Vault, I notice that there is a gauge type arrangement that tells me the relative strength of the pass phrase I have chosen. What is this all about?
A: The stronger your pass phrase, the more difficult, if not impossible, it becomes to break your pass phrase. The strength gauge reflects security parameters regarding how strong your pass phrase is. Clicking on the “What’s This?” button on that screen gives you access to some very good information concerning what constitutes a strong pass phrase. There is also a link to a web page with even more information on pass phrases. Remember, the stronger your pass phrase, the safer your data. Just make sure it is something you can remember!
Q: Does CE-Secure keep track of what Vaults are attached to this computer?
A: Yes, CE-Secure automatically keeps’ track of Vaults that are created on this computer only. If for instance, you have a mobile data storage device and you created a Vault on another computer, when the mobile device is attached to this computer it is necessary to use the “Browse” button in the unlock screens of CE-Secure in order to select that Vault. This only needs to be done the first time that Vault is seen by the computer and thereafter it will be automatically included in the Vault selections shown in the unlock screen.
Q: When I unlock a Vault, the program shows me a system drive letter and allows me to select from a more complete list. What is this?
A: CE-Secure keeps track of what system drive letters are available. When a Vault is first unlocked, the drive letter shown is the next letter that Windows has available to assign. By clicking on the scroll symbol next to that drive letter, you can elect to choose from any drive letter that the system shows available. The next time you unlock that Vault, CE-Secure remembers which drive letter you had previously selected and shows it as the default. Once again, you are free to select any available drive letter.
Q: Can I start CE-Secure automatically?
A: Yes you can. During the install of the program, you will be asked if you would like to automatically start CE-Secure when your computer boots up. If so, the CE-Secure icon will automatically appear in the system tray, located in the lower right of your screen and as an icon on your desktop.
Q: Can I create a Vault inside of another CE-Secure Vault that is currently unlocked?
A: Yes you can. A Vault inside a Vault operates just like a normal Vault. Just remember that you can only see the inner Vault when the outer Vault is unlocked. If you close the outer Vault, the inner Vault will automatically close.
Attaching Vaults to email:
Q: Why would I want to encrypt an email attachment?
A: It is not that difficult to get into someone’s email! Once in, they have access to all of your files, including attachments. With CE-Secure you can download the encrypted Vault to your local storage and it remains encrypted unless you open it with the pass phrase. It also remains encrypted as an attachment within your email client.
Q: Can I attach a locked CE-Secure Vault to an email?
A: Yes, as long as the size of the Vault does not exceed any limitations set by your email client. Obviously, small Vaults are best for this purpose. Simply create a small Vault, perhaps 2 or 3 MB, open the Vault and copy to it the files you with to securely email. Close the Vault and attach the Vault file to your email?
Q: If I email a CE-Secure Vault as an attachment, can the person who receives it open it?
A: Put a link in your email with the attachment which directs the receiver to www.cmsproducts.com where they can download a free copy of the read-only version of CE-Secure.
Q: Ok, the email has been received and the attached Vault as well as the read-only version of CE-Secure are in place. What about the pass phrase needed to unlock the Vault?
A: Good question. We recommend that you send the pass phrase to the email receiver via a separate email. You can also call and give them the pass phrase. We have also heard of instances where the sender and the receiver agree on a preset pass phrase that both of them know and encrypted Vaults can be securely sent back and forth, assuming that both sender and receiver have the full version of CE-Secure.
Using Vaults with CD/DVD media:
Q: Can I create a CE-Secure Vault directly on CD or DVD writable media?
A: No, because of the nature of the media, a CD-Secure Vault cannot be created directly on a writable CD or DVD. The only exception to this is DVD-RAM technology, which when formatted supports direct write.
Q: Can I drag & drop a locked CE-Secure Vault to writable CD or DVD media?
A: Yes you can. As long as the total size of the locked Vault does not exceed the available capacity of the optical media, the Vault can be copied to the media. This is a great way to securely archive encrypted data. The CE-Secure read-only application (available for free at www.cmsproducts.com ) can also be copied to the writable CD or DVD media, meaning the application travels with the encrypted Vault on the media. Just remember, the Vault must be locked prior to this copy. Also, the entire capacity of the encrypted Vault will be copied even if only a few files are contained within the encrypted Vault. If you intend to use this method, it is suggested that you plan ahead when creating new Vaults and allocating space to them.
CE-Secure Support:
Q: If I have a problem, how can I reach technical support for CE-Secure?
A: Technical support is available by email only. You can reach technical support by emailing your question to ce-securesupport@cmsproducts.com. We make every effort to answer your request in as short a period as possible. As is always the case with technical support, we appreciate your patience! |
