Hermetic Stego 7.73

This software allows you to encrypt data into a bitmap file. Encryption can be done using a key of up to 64 characters in which case only the recipient of the message will be able to decrypt the content. However, you can choose not to use any key at all, and in that case anyone that knows that there is hidden data inside the bitmap can decrypt it.

The whole idea of this software is not to let anyone know that there is a message hidden inside the picture. This technique is called steganography. Steganography is the art and science of writing hidden messages in such a way that no one apart from the intended recipient knows of the existence of the message. Now you know where the name Hermetic Stego comes from.

The publisher of this program states that there is no statistical method of finding out that the bitmap file also contains an encrypted file. I agree with them, however if you take a deeper look at the encrypted file you will see that its size is unusually big. There is no way of knowing which software was used to hide the encrypted file so your files are pretty safe.

The purpose of this software is to encrypt a file so that it will pass any presence tests not really to encrypt it thoroughly. Unless you use the encryption key feature, which is only available in the registered version, you won't be sure that the data you want to send cannot be decrypted.

I was disappointed to see that there is no help for the application available offline. The only aid provided are some links to the publisher's website. It took me a couple of minutes to understand what each button on the user interface is for.

Pluses: Encryption key of up to 64 characters (512 bits) can be used.

Drawbacks / flaws: No user manual available offline. You can onlyhide data in BMP files.

In conclusion: This program is ok if you just want to hide the data, I wouldn't recommend it, though, for sensitive data.

version reviewed: 7.73