PKEY File – What is .pkey file and how to open it?
PKEY File Extension
PowerKey Encrypted File – file format by Elcor Software
PKEY is a proprietary file extension for encrypted files created using Elcor Software’s PowerKey encryption program. It secures sensitive data by encrypting it with a strong encryption algorithm, rendering it unreadable without the correct password or recovery key.
Definition and Purpose
A PKEY file is a type of encrypted file format that is used to securely store and protect sensitive data. It is commonly associated with PowerKey, a proprietary encryption software suite developed by Elcor Software. PKEY files leverage strong encryption algorithms, such as AES-256, to encrypt data, ensuring its confidentiality and protection against unauthorized access.
Usages and Applications
PKEY files are widely used for various purposes, including:
- Secure storage: Sensitive information, such as financial records, personal documents, and medical data, can be encrypted and stored in PKEY files to prevent unauthorized access or theft.
- Confidential communications: PKEY files can be utilized to encrypt email messages, ensuring that sensitive information is protected during transmission.
- Data sharing: PKEY files can enable secure data sharing among authorized parties. By encrypting data, it can be shared without compromising confidentiality or exposing it to unauthorized individuals.
Opening PKEY Files with PowerKeyViewer
PKEY files are encrypted using PowerKey, a proprietary encryption software developed by Elcor Software. To open PKEY files, you need the corresponding PowerKeyViewer program. PowerKeyViewer is a freeware tool that can be downloaded from Elcor Software’s website. Once installed, you can launch PowerKeyViewer and open the PKEY file by clicking on the “File” menu and selecting “Open.” You will then be prompted to enter the encryption password. After entering the correct password, the PKEY file will be decrypted and its contents will be displayed in the PowerKeyViewer interface.
Alternative Methods for Opening PKEY Files
If you do not have access to PowerKeyViewer, there are a few alternative methods you can try to open PKEY files. One option is to use a file converter. There are several online file converters that can convert PKEY files to a different format, such as ZIP or RAR. Once the file is converted, you can open it using a standard decompression tool. Another option is to use a third-party encryption tool that supports the PowerKey encryption algorithm. By importing the PKEY file into the third-party tool, you may be able to decrypt it and access its contents. However, it’s important to note that using third-party tools may compromise the security of your encrypted data.
File Format
PKEY files are encrypted archives that utilize the PowerKey encryption system, developed by Elcor Software. They serve as secure containers for storing sensitive data and are commonly employed to protect files ranging from confidential documents to personal information. PKEY files employ a robust encryption algorithm to encrypt data, ensuring the privacy and integrity of its contents.
Usage and Compatibility
PKEY files are primarily utilized with Elcor Software’s PowerKey Pro application, a comprehensive file encryption solution that allows users to encrypt and decrypt files, folders, and even entire drives. The PowerKey Pro software provides various encryption options and key management features, enabling users to customize the security level of their PKEY files. Additionally, PKEY files can be shared with other PowerKey Pro users, allowing for secure collaboration and data exchange.