CrossCrypt is an open-source on-the-fly encryption program that is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and Linux computer operating systems. CrossCrypt allows a user to use virtual containers to encrypt data. The benefit of this sytem is that it allows a person to unencrypt a pool of data when it is needed to be used, and when closing the program the data is encrypted. This allows for programs to be run in the container with ease. The format of CrossCrypt container is fully compatible with Linux loopback device. Although this is an advantage, it unfortunately prevents implementation of random IVs (initialization vectors), and other features that cryptologists and several institutions (e.g., NIST) recommend for modern cryptographic software.
Comparison with similar programs
- CrossCrypt compared with TrueCrypt:
- CrossCrypt is compatible with Linux loopback device.
- TrueCrypt uses salt, random IVs (initialization vectors), and whitening, all of which increase the security of encrypted data.
- TrueCrypt provides two levels of plausible deniability, which might be useful in case an adversary forces the user to reveal the password:
- Hidden volume (more information may be found here (http://truecrypt.sourceforge.net/hiddenvolume.php)).
- No TrueCrypt volume can be identified (TrueCrypt volumes cannot be distinguished from random data).
Other encryption programs
On-the-fly
Regular
External links
