Private Folder

Private Folder (PFO) is a container file system format and Windows file system implementation that allows users to store sensitive or private data in an encrypted and password protected folder.

Private Folder support is included in the Pismo File Mount Audit Package.

Features

• Password based strong encryption
• Compression
• Fault tolerant
• Intuitive operation
• Large file support, even on FAT32 formatted media

While locked, a Private Folder is a container file, similar to an ISO or ZIP archive. The contents are strong encrypted and inaccessible without the password needed to generate the encryption key.

When unlocked using the correct password, a Private Folder becomes a normal file system folder, directly accessible using any application. No archive utility or shell extension are required to access contained files.

Executable files and documents can be opened directly in an unlocked Private Folder, never needing to be copied out to unprotected storage.

Private Folders can be stored on any media including:

• network
• compact flash devices
• internal and external hard drives
• CD/DVD

Limitations of alternative technologies

Windows file system security.

• Files are accessible to anyone with physical access to the machine or media.
• In business settings, files are accessible to IT employees.
• Files are unprotected when transferred on portable media or over the internet.

NTFS Encrypted File System.

• File names and sizes are visible even when file is encrypted.
• Files are unprotected when transferred on portable media or over the internet.
• In business settings, files are usually accessible to IT employees.

Partition and whole media encryption.

• Cannot mix private and public files on one partition or media.
• All users of system have access to private files while the partition or media are mounted.

Virtual disk based encryption.

• Requires pre-configuring maximum amount of data that can be stored on a virtual disk when it is initialized.
• Unused space within the virtual disk cannot be reclaimed.
• Requires access through a separate drive letter.
• All users of system have access to private files while the virtual disk is mounted.

Encrypted archives.

• Some solutions expose file names and sizes of encrypted files.
• Files must be copied to unprotected storage when accessed.

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