We have just released version 2.5 of "Folder Crypt", the tool for the encryption of Windows files and folders.

This tool lets the user 'password protect' the normal browsing functionality of the Windows file-system, placing a severe barrier to personal data intrusion. Based on a true, binary encryption of the Windows file and folder contents, the process of encryption is not reversible.

Folder Crypt adopts the latest industry standard in encryption. User must supply a password or passphrase which is converted into a series of bytes with SHA384 hash algorithm. These bytes are then taken as the key and initialization vector for the encryption method, that can be the old, but solid, Data Encryption Standard (DES or 3DES), or the new American Encryption Standard (also known as Rijndael). Data can be encrypted also with the ARCFour method, compatible with the RC4(TM) algorithm that is one of the most popular encryption algorithms available, proprietary of RSA Security Inc.

While implementing complex encryption methods, Folder Crypt is very easy to use. Fully integrated with MS Windows shell, with just one click it's possible to password protect any Windows folder or set of files. The decryption can be made by right clicking on a locked folder and entering the right password. Besides, all encrypted archives can be compressed to save space on disk.

Folder Crypt takes full advantage of the new Microsoft Smart Client technology, which guarantees algorithm correctness and an extraordinary robustness.

The new version comes with full Microsoft .NET v2.0 support and a completely revised user interface.

Folder Crypt is available for evaluation through the best software downloading sites, such as Tucows and CNET download.com.