Encdroid, an open-source file manager released by developer GitHub last June, offers Android file encryption to users who want to keep their files secure. According to Tech Republic, the app is compatible with cloud storage providers like Dropbox and Google Drive, as well as with the device's local storage. Encdroid's WordPress website also states that files created and encrypted by Encdroid are accessible via Windows, Mac OS, and Linux computer devices.
Encdroid is available on Google Play for download.
Encrypting files using the app is easy, as shown in Tech Republic's tutorial. Below are different processes users can do with Encdroid:
Linking Encdroid with an Account
The user will see a Volume List window the first time they run Encdroid on their Android device. The screen will read "No EncFS volumes configured. Choose 'Import Volume' or 'Create Volume' from the menu to add volumes." The menu could be accessed by tapping the three dots that are aligned vertically are on the upper right hand side of the screen.
According to Encroid's blog, people can use it with a number of accounts. Open the menu and choose Accounts. The user will be led to a page showing what Dropbox and Google accounts are linked. If none are linked, the status will display as "Not linked to any account," and there will be a button below that says "Link to an acccount." Click on the button, select the Dropbox or Google account to be linked, and tap OK.
Creating a New Encrypted Folder
Going back to the volume list, a user can now view the folders in their linked cloud storage. Tap the menu button > Create Volume. Choose the linked account (or local drive) where the new encrypted folder will be created, and tap the plus (+) sign on the upper right hand corner. Provide a name and password for the folder, and tap OK.
The newly created folder will appear on the list of folders in the chosen storage, with a locked padlock icon beside it. To unlock and use, simply tap on the folder and enter the password. The padlock icon will appear unlocked beside the folder name if login is successful. Files and folders can now be added to this encrypted folder for secure storage.
Decrypting Files
To read the encrypted files, users must download an EncF decryptor or use OpenSSL. Tech Republic gives this example command for decrypting a file:
openssl enc -aes256 -d -in ENCRYPTED_FILE_NAME -outfile.jpg
The user will have to enter the password created when encrypting the file to continue.
A note for those who will use Encdroid: do not save the passwords created. This will ensure that the files stay safe, and that no one else can access them but the user who created it.
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