Now way will i ever buy this software have any of you tried to purchase it for your own use the entire process in laughable ive waited 5 hours just for a simple demo activation number. so I can over write giveaways I planned on buying it after i do but forget it their process leaves alot to be desired. and id hate to have to go over all this everytime i buy it

IMHO ALL encryption software should be open source, so you can examine the code to look for back doors in the software. I wouldn't use ANY encryption software that isn't open source, period.

If you don't mind the authors coding a back door into your encryption programs, then go ahead and use closed source, but you can never examine the code to see for sure.

And you can bet you @$$ back doors are being put into all kinds of security software these days, in this age of 'so-called' anti-terrorism.


#16 Edu,

It's possible someone could get your password if you use something too easy to figure out. Use more complex passwords. But also beware of keyloggers that could be used to acquire you passwords. An anti-keylogger could be helpful in this case, such as Snoopfree.

No. 24 Phil - WOW ! You seem to be quite knowlegable in the way of assembling Hard Drives. Thanks For the lesson-I copied and saved it for futuer Reference--You know, just in case I ever feel the need to add some hard drive space or something. ;) Oh yes and thanx GOTD! Wether I can use it or not-It's always nice to get some Kind of Nifty High Tech Soaftware! You know what would really be nice--A Free Screen Saver Program ( Wink,Wink ) lol

Hello everyone!

I'd first like to thank GotD for including a graphic link to my new web site. This will be for the reviews I provide each day for their products. Thank you!

I will mostly be reviewing the games on GGotD, but will occasionally review other software showcased here on GotD also.

Today's review is completed and available to read at:
Swan Reviews (Almost!) Everything

All comments welcomed. :)

Have a wonderful day all!
~ Swan

I spent more time than usual testing this one. Most worrying about this program is the question about what might happen to files if one loses this program.

Yes, AES encryption - not a very long key, so it would not be hard to decrypt files encrypted with this, and no real control over the generation of keys. Without knowing HOW the key is generated, how long it is, and so forth, even basic decryption will be way out of the realm of the abilities of most computer users.

Even without HideBlade, I found it impossible to locate the actual file encrypted using BladeBox. I have three different encryption programs (PGP, Steganos and Invisible Secrets - they all handle AES encryption), and not one would touch the file created with BladeBox.

As far as I can tell, one would not be able to recover any files encrypted or hidden with BladeBox.

Too dangerous for a time limited giveaway. I can see someone having thier data held hostage until they pay the ransom of buying a copy of the program (which is way too expensive, BTW).

I recommend passing on this one.

Besides the well-known TrueCrypt exists also a FreeOTFE encrypted virtual disk:
http://freeotfe.org/
(OTFE is a acronym of OnTheFlyEncryption).
Separately exists a great GUI for some (better say: multiGUI) cryptodisk software (including TrueCrypt) of the same author:
http://sdean12.org/CrossCryptGUI.htm
...and IMO definitely worth to read comments about comparison:
http://sdean12.org/Comparison_OTFCrypto.htm
...and stumps in implementations of cryptodisks:
http://sdean12.org/CertainOTFESecurityFlaws.htm

#33, yes AES is a standard encryption scheme, but that in no way ensures that every implementation is the same. If Bladebox and eg, Truecrypt handle passwords differently (which they certainly do), it doesn't matter whit that the encryption schemes are the same.

Interesting piece of software, nice install and setup. But... I can't really test it because i have nothing to encrypt. Looks pretty cool tho :P.

Hi,

I may have noticed something annoying : you cannot use a container on a another PC than the one where it was created. You have to "export" it first. If I have a big container on a removable USB HDD, I have to export it first, duplicating the volume used on the HDD, to be able to use it somewhere else. If this is confirmed, this would be a major drawback.

Worse, if you create a container, copy the created file, deleted the container from within the interface, it seems you cannot import it anymore or access it, even from your PC.

Too bad because I find it very easy to use.

aba (#15) - Even if that happens, you can still use the trial version. Don't be so paranoid about using encryption tools. Sheesh.
And even if you couldn't... what, you can use free stuff, but you can't give a little money, eh?

For those who are worried about your data becoming inaccessible if your installation becomes corupt (e.g comments #9 and #15), please read commment #12. AES is a global standard; there are tons of programs (including free ones, like those mentioned on this board) that can decrypt your files provided you still have the password. In fact, I expect that for most people it will be easier to find encryption software capable of opening AES-encrypted files than to find something to open 80's era WordPerfect files without corruption.

So don't worry, folks. You are much more likely to lose your files in the drive failure that corrupts your BladeBox installation than to be unable to decrypt the AES file the program made.

Something else to consider: even if you use this software and are very careful with your passwords during its usage, what happens in three years when your hard drive crashes and you lose this free software? Will TrueCrypt allow you to recover the data encrypted by this software? You will have to pay for a new licensed copy of the software in order to get to your data. Software like this shouldn't be given away on a time-limited basis like this. If it's to be given away, it should be given away all the time, not just for one day. I don't mind paying for software, mind you .. I just don't like *having* to buy software in order to get to my own data.

I have looked at the companies web site and have read up on the product. I have been using Steganos SAFE for over 3 years and will stick with it. It is a paid software but works well and is fast.

If you want a free tool, then just go with TrueCrypt:
http://www.truecrypt.org/

My 2 cents

#22, Truecrypt *does* have dynamic size volumes.

Read comments by #15 before you download!!

Doesn't work at all. ("Error 5 Access Denied", logged in as admin user)
Piece of crap. I'd better just stick to encrypted RAR archives or use some free alternative which doesn't need it's own "special" files. (such as Truecrypt) and doesn't install unwanted kernel drivers to my system. (such as that HideBlade). Better buy WinRAR. RAR doesn't need kernel level drivers to work (even though it uses the same AES encryption) and doesn't make unneeded changes to your driverletters.
Will wait for next day, maybe something better becomes available.

Just to mention to those commenting about the dynamic size function. As mentioned in my review, while it is a great concept, if you are looking to use the honeypot function because you feel there is a risk of being forced to give up your password, I would recommend using a fixed-size partition. My logic here is that if you give a 'honeypot' password, and then disables the HideBlade function with your forced password, compares the file size of they honeypot files and sees that the actual container is significantly larger and an odd-size, they may question whether or not you gave them the honeypot password or not. If you use a fixed-size drive, it may be less-likely that your offering of the honeypot may be compromised; The biggest flaw here with the honeypot though is just the mention of the honeypot in the helpfile or the new volume wizard is a risk in itself. Really, the honeypot functionality should be handled totally differently to minimize the risk of a honeypot password even potentially being realized by an outside force.

Hello all! Today's 15-Minute Review is up! Check it out!

http://www.bladedthoth.com/reviews/15mrs/bladebox-extreme-personal-edition-v4-0-1-44/

Why pay for something small like this?
when you can download a free opensource app like "BlowFish Advanced CS"
http://www.lassekolb.info/bfacs.htm

I have been using it for a long time, it has a few really strong algorithims and a pretty decent interface and "right click" option. a must for any paranoid geek like me :)

# 14 Anyone who writes down their codes are just asking for trouble, and any "Patents" that you "Write" should be backed up to disk, and placed in a fire proof safe. I have a couple of "Patents" but they're 99% drawings. So I'm wondering what kind of "Patents" require just "Writing" except for formulas for various things.
# 15 Below is a way I constantly make sure I never lose any of these great free programs

Adding a secondary hard drive and copying the original using xxclone http://www.xxclone.com/idwnload.htm The second one down, personal edition.

First remove the side cover on your computer after you've
unplug the computers power and press on the power button to clear out any left over power.
Always be sure to rub yourself with a regular dryer fabric sheet to remove static from your body (I also use rubber surgical gloves). Then touch the case periodically to insure that you’re keeping all static free.

Look for the ribbon connector coming from the motherboard to the main hard drive. Most of these have a secondary (Slave) plug.

You’ll find the jumper (a small plug) on the new hard drive. Look on the hard drive cover and place this on the slave setting.

Then plug in the second ribbon plug (The one after the main hard drive) If you only have one plug, you can acquire a ribbon with a second plug fairly cheap.

Lay the new hard drive on anything that isn’t metal such as a wad of paper towels on the solid side.

Plug in the computers main power, and start the system. On most computers the plug n play will detect the new hard drive, if not run the disk that comes with it.

Click on my computer, then locate the new drive. Right click on it and click on Format. Format the drive with NTFS for newer machines, if your running ME or 98 use the Fat32 option. Once the drive is formatted run XXClone

Select backup the entire volume by copying files from scratch option
You’ll notice the source volume, and the target volume (Disk) in the top two windows. Be sure that these are different. And unplug any external backup drives
DO NOT COPY THE System Recovery Drive, Usually Drive D:

Click start and when finished you’ll get a window asking to make the volume self bootable
Click on Make bootable, and select the three windows MBR ETC then start

Once the program is finished, shut down the system, unplug the power cord, press the power button.

Then unplug both drives and replace the old with the new after setting the jumper to master or cable select. If you have trouble opening your case just Google the type of computer and type it in with “case removal” after it.

Then just do the same thing with the old drive when you want to update the hard drive. CAUTION: Some hard drives contain the system recovery partition. So it’s better to always save that drive as a sure recovery drive, and use two drives that are the same make (Though not necessary) to do the rotation of backing up the freebie program hard drives. Cloning only the C: drives

In the end you'll have one secure drive (The original) and two drives that you can rotate every so oten always keeping a backup of all of the great freeebies we get from GAOTD.

There's no such thing as too much security, so I'll download this and give it a try. Thanks GAOTD for an other great offering

I downloaded it and tried it. Arcane and much more trouble than it's worth. I dumped it.

I do wonder how they came to the number of 50 USD for a license of something that has less security then some of the freeware alternatives.

The main thing it has that Truecrypt doesn't have is the dynamic size volumes. Then again, in itself it already means that instead of hidden an unknown amount of data it means that it shows how much date is actually being hidden. Not something that the very security conscience would like.

To BackDream (commenter #17) you would do well to update your site webpages. It really doesn't look all that professional to use a simplistic template where the copyright gets mentioned on each and every page, especially if the dates for that copyright aren't up to date.
Neither does it bode well that the conversion rate that is used between USD and Euro dates back to almost half a year ago.

It didn't install overhere, probably because I'm running on vista 64 bit OS.

but another problem showed up also, I can't uninstall it either, after uninstallation, I get back to this site telling me that I succesfully activated this version, while I didn't even got a chance to activate it in the first place.

Maybe you can put on the site if it's compatible with 64 bit OS's the publisher of the program should know this, anyway.... I don't know what to do next.

For those using McAfee Siteadvisor, please note that it is an ADVISOR. If you check the site report for liveye.net, it mentions links to other sites with bad "stuff" (mostly software download sites). The downloads from liveye.net were clean, including BladeBox eXtreme.
I'm not paranoid! Which of my enemies told you that?

wonderful program it has one feaure most dont have the ablility to grow and shrink with the files you ahve in it. How ever it causes my xp to blue screen alot and i mean alot. 3 times in half an hour.

Yes, I agree with comment 15. Think before you download, everyone, do you'all want to risk this kind of happenings?

Please, don't just blindly look at the SiteAdvisor, try to understand it. Our site only has links to sites that gave our software an award. And the same SiteAdvisor says our software is absolutely free from viruses, backdoors and any other harmful code:
http://www.siteadvisor.com/sites/liveye.net/downloads/

I have not yet used encryption software and must admit I am a bit technology-challenged. Question - won't it be easier for the other guy to figure out the password instead of decrypting the data?

What if you have computer trouble and have to reinstall BladeBox? The activation date will have expired and you will be unable to decrypt your data without purchasing it.

Encryption software would be nice because I write patents. To forget a code would really suck thou.
But, the ad above says nothing about "how many byte encryption?". So, I am not interested... besides-> I keep my passwords written down and stored in 4 different places 'using my own code mental code with written reminder message'. To encrypt stuff, having more codes to right down would just be more overwhelming. Besides, The government could crack it anyhow-> and find out about my space modulator... lol

macafee siteadvisor rates it in RED. so better not to download it. tapash .india

No 8. I agree with you that remembering your password is essential, but I can assure you AES is a standard encryption scheme. This encryption scheme is so well known it is taught in the standard security curricula globally.

If you are referring to the encrypted file type, you would also be correct. Years from now, the program should still work on the desired computer architecture. That is one factor that I did not consider. BRAVO!

...ohh there is another that I have used as well - TrueCrypt.

This is also a great piece of software. Also freeware, employs the strongest KNOWN symmetric encryption schemes.

It is not so easy for the novice user, but for those that are knowledgeable this software is GREAT.

(You could do what I do is to simply type into Google "secure your USB drive" - the first site that comes up is a tut, that should teach you how to use it).

Also I forgot to mention, using any encryption software, I is VITAL THAT YOU REMEMBER YOUR PASSWORD. There is no back-door - hence the encryption in the first place. You forget your password, your data is garbage.

Do not waste your time downloading this, its no use.

Before you start using this application, think about this. In some cases you will want to be able to open your saved files many years from now. If you choose a format that is not standard, please keep backups in a universal format! It is quite appropriate to encrypt your documents on your laptop that you carry with you. Laptops do get stolen and you will not want the thief to be able to access all your files. But please do keep a copy in a standard format in a safe place. I still can access most of my WordPerfect files I produced in the eighties, but only because I did not encrypt my archive copies using un unknown format. The only WorDPerfect file I cannot read anymore, is the one that I encrypted and then erased the two bytes that hold the match for the password: I wrote those two bytes on a piece of paper and lost it.

Better of with Cryptainer LE for 25MB storage faults or if your file requirements are larger you make a ZIP Archive and use AxCrypt.

I esp. like Cryptainer LE, as it is VERY easy to use and has become a routine procedure instead of some long-winded procedure.

PS> AES is good, but not the strongest symmetric encryption scheme. Do your research guys, don't be sucked into their stupid marketing hype.

looks good... you can read a review of it here http://www.softsea.com/review/BladeBox-eXtreme.html

Looks cool. But for someone like me that has nothing really important on their computer, not really necessary.

Open source alternative: TrueCrypt (http://www.truecrypt.org/)
Short how-to manual: http://lifehacker.com/software/top/geek-to-live--encrypt-your-data-178005.php

Download, install, and register easily. Great work! Thanks anyway.

haha another one but ill try it ^_^

hhmmmmm...don't think I'm gonna unload this into my registry

Check this site report!?!

CilyPudi in the USA

Meglio TrueCrypt che è opensource!!!

Questi software proprietari potrebbero contenere schifezze come backdoor, keylogger, ecc ecc.