SUMMARY
NoteSafe allows private and confidential information to be grouped together in a single document. NoteSafe is an alternative to having individual files of sensitive information spread all over a computer or network of computers. NoteSafe encrypts the entire information record so NoteSafe documents can be sent by email and uploaded onto the Internet without risk of information theft. See the user guide below for more detailed instructions on running NoteSafe.
PREVIOUS VERSION
The previous version of NoteSafe, version 1.00, is available
here. Previous NoteSafe files cannot be opened with the new version.
Introduction
NoteSafe is a Windows application that stores your secret information in a single data
file. The single data file ("NoteSafe file") can be stored on your hard
disk, memory stick or on a remote Internet site. Access to your NoteSafe file
is only possible with the correct set of encryption details, including a password,
codeword and algorithm phrase.
Password
The password can be up to 20 characters long. To open the NoteSafe file you will need to enter your complete password. The password is case sensitive.
Codeword
The codeword is made up of 10 uppercase (A-Z) and numeric (0-9) characters. To
open your NoteSafe file you will enter three characters from your codeword. These will be selected using the codeword selector disk, which uses mouse input
only, and makes it more difficult for keyboard spy software to pick up your encryption details.
Algorithm
NoteSafe uses a sandwich encryption technique,
which is a series of encryption methods performed one after the other. The
algorithm phrase, for example, "chewing gum", is converted character by character
into the series of established encryption methods. Without the correct algorithm phrase, the
NoteSafe file cannot be opened.
The location of your NoteSafe file
NoteSafe files can be stored locally, for example on your hard disk, or remotely,
on an Internet website.
Locally stored files can be stored on the hard disk of your computer, or on a memory
stick that you carry between computers
Remote files are stored on an Internet website, giving access to your secure data
from any computer with Internet access. To store a file remotely requires two additional
pieces
of information - the HTTP address and the FTP address. The HTTP address
is used to download the file from the Internet without using any passwords.
The FTP address is used to upload the NoteSafe file when the NoteSafe application
closes.
The username and password used for FTP upload is stored in the NoteSafe file.
Files stored on your hard disk and memory stick are more secure than those stored
on the Internet, as anyone can download your NoteSafe file from the Internet, and
start trying to hack into
it. Please read the Secrecy Guildelines before using
NoteSafe.
Secrecy Guidelines
Please consider the following, especially if you decide to store your file remotely:
Do not access your NoteSafe file from unsafe terminals, such as those in hotel lobbies
and Internet cafes.
Use large, obscure and mixed case passwords.
Make sure your computer is protected with the latest anti-virus software to
protect you from keystoke logging software.
Disguise your file with a deceptive name. For example, avoid file names such
as "mysecretdata.dat", and favour file names such as "toplogo.gif". Assume
that everyone has access to your NoteSafe, and that the encryption details are the
only thing preventing hackers getting to your data. Do not rely on file-hiding
as a form of security.
Opening NoteSafe Files
The first screen displayed when NoteSafe starts is the window for opening your NoteSafe
file.
Location
Enter the location of your NoteSafe file. If the file is stored on one of
your disks, enter the disk file location. If the file is stored on the Internet,
enter the http address.
Password
Enter the password for your NoteSafe file. The red-orange-green bars indicate
how strong your password is. The strongest password will be of 12 characters
or more, and will consist of a mixture of upper-case characters (A-Z), lower-case
characters (a-z) and number characters (0-9).
Codword
Enter three characters of the codeword. In the above example, characters 2,
8 and 9 are requested.
Algorithm
Enter your algorithm phrase.
When the encryption details have been entered, click the "Open" button.
Creating
NoteSafe Files
To create a new NoteSafe file, click the "Create a new NoteSafe" at the bottom of
the "Open NoteSafe File" window.
Before creating a new NoteSafe file, decide if you want to store the file
locally
or remotley. If you want to store your file locally, check the "Local file..."
option at the top of the form, otherwise check the "Remote file..." option.
For local files, enter the location of the local file.
For remote files, enter the following details:
FTP Location
This is the address of your file on an Internet server, including the "ftp://" prefix,
the name of the server, "www.mycompany.com" and the path of the file.
Username
The FTP username.
Password
The FTP password.
HTTP Location
The http location of the file. This could be a different entry to the FTP
location, but the important thing is that both the FTP location and the HTTP location
point to the same file.
Finally, enter the encryption details for your new NoteSafe file.
Password
Enter the password for your NoteSafe file. The red-orange-green bars indicate
how strong your password is. The strongest password will be of 12 characters
or more, and will consist of a mixture of upper-case characters (A-Z), lower-case
characters (a-z) and number characters (0-9).
Codeword
Enter a ten charcter codeword, consisting of upper-case letters and numbers.
Algorithm
Enter your algorithm phrase.
Click the "Create" button to create your file.
Managing Folders
The document is currently being updated.
Creating Notes
The document is currently being updated.
Application Options
The document is currently being updated.
Text Editor
The document is currently being updated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I have lost my password, codeword and algorithm. If I send you my NoteSafe
file, can you unlock it?
No. The password, codeword and algorithm are not stored in the NoteSafe file.
How secure is NoteSafe?
In our opinion the sandwich encryption
method is strong enough to protect your data from strangers who do not know your
encryption details. However, it is not strong enough to protect you from national
intelligence agencies.
The main vulnerability to your NoteSafe is from strangers finding out your encryption
details, by monitoring your keystrokes, recording your computer usage on a video
camera, or by asking you what your password is.
SOFTWARE SUPPORT
All users of Broccoli products are entitled to email support for both licensed and freeware products.
The Product Report Form is provided for reporting minor bugs and requests for enhancements. For other support issues, please contact us by email.
NoteSafe 2.01 (861Kb)
