Exces: Simple File Encrypting
In the past, I have never really had a use for applications that encrypt files into disk images. I usually do most of my work on an iMac, so there aren’t many people in my home who have access to it. Recently, I bought an iBook, which means that now there is more of a chance others can get their hands on my computer. I knew that I would feel safer knowing that my files were protected from others who had somehow gained access to my computer.
My search for a simple application that could encrypt my files into a disk image ended as soon as it started. Earlier this year, I purchased the MacHeist/Skunkworks/MUPromo bundle, which landed me Exces.
Exces is a very simple program. When you first open it up, you are greeted with very minimal buttons. There is a button to create a new “vault” or open an existing one. Clicking “New” will let you choose the location to save the “vault,” and then the password you will later use to unlock it. Drag the files you want encrypted onto the window that pops up, click lock, and your files are then encrypted using the AES encryption standard. When creating your password, you also have access to Mac OS X’s built in Password Assistant, which ensures your password will be strong.
I have found Exces to be very good at what it does. It is a very minimal application, and doesn’t do anymore than you would expect it to. The only thing that may be a problem with Exces, is that the “vaults” are restricted to 10GB. This isn’t a problem for me, as I only need megabytes, but it may be for some of you. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to create an encrypted disk image, I recommend you try Exces. Exces is available for $14.95 USD from SeoSoft.
I’m also a Macheist bundle customer and haven’t had the chance to use Exces just yet. Although I use a Macbook as my primary computer, I’ve installed a copy of Undercover and the firmware password to make sure that any thief that should take my computer will be in for a surprise if he/she tries to use it. I created a guest account that will enable the bandit to log in and mess around long enough for their position to be disclosed if an internet connection is made. Having said this, I’ll stillprobably utilize Exces to encrypt some sensitive data.
Updated my gravatar. Just seeing how they are stored on your site. Interesting….it looks like they’re grabbed from gravatar and stored locally. That makes sense, though.
…or maybe not.. oh well. Sorry for the extra posts.
Why can’t you just create a FileVault encrypted .sparseimage from within Disk Utility? I don’t see what this app brings to the table, especially with a file size limit.
@Cook – Disk Utility deals with the entire disk. Execs allows you to encrypt select files.
@DMB – Thanks for the heads up about Undercover. I use iAlertU now, but it won’t stop anyone or enable me to recover it like Undercover claims. I’ll have to check it out.
@Cook: I have read a few tutorials on how to use Disk Utility to create encrypted images, but I find it quicker just to use Exces. Plus, as I got it as part of a bundle, I may as well use it right?
How does this compare with BitClamp? I realise BC hasn’t been released yet, but perhaps Daniel Greg (or Miles Evans, who posted the BitClamp story) could give us a hint?
I just had my apartment burgled on wednesday, and am thankful that I had my MacBook Pro with me, and that the thieves didn’t bother with my old windows box.
I am well insured, but the thought of all those sensitive data out in the wild, just scares me … I can’t imagine how many passwords I’d have to change because my computers would be compromised, so I am looking into encryption for all sorts of stuff.
For my windows box, truecrypt will be the weapon of choice … and I guess I’ll give Exces a try on my mac. Thanks for the tip!
@Bruce A
Heres your hint
BitClamp is more flexible, offering more algorithms of different strengths and speeds.
BitClamp offers a couple of neat features such as “covert files” and optional compression that Exces doesnt.
BitClamp is cross-platform with a free decryptor so someone doesnt have to pay for it to unencrypt something you send them. Also windows support means great flexibility – although this wont be out on launch.
Check the site for updates and *cough* specifically 1st November
http://www.bitclamp.com now forwards to the site.
Thanks for responding! Ah, and looking at your site I see you’ve announced pricing. Excellent. I look forward to giving it a spin!
Thanks again!
No worries Bruce. I cant give away everything just yet but we have a nice deal with a Mac Promoter lined up for you guys. First week BitClamp will be just $10!
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Just wanted to mention that you have a bad link to the official exces application. You link us to http://www.excessapp.com/ when it should be http://www.excesapp.com/ (you have an extra “s” in there). You also list it twice.
Just wanted to mention it.
THank-you Darrell, fixed.
[...] reviewed Exces recently but I have some updated thoughts as [...]
I like this program. I would have bought a copy if I hadn’t previously purchases knox for the mac
http://www.knoxformac.com/