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User Documentation for Secure File Transmission and Encryption

Topic: Secure File Transmission and Encryption
Audience: Students, Faculty and Staff
Creation Date: August 5, 2011
Author: Chitralekha Gopalaiah

What is encryption?



Where is encryption used?

Encryption is commonly used in protecting information within many kinds of civilian systems.

  • Encryption is also used to protect data in transit, for example data being transferred via networks (e.g. the Internet, e-commerce), mobile telephones, wireless microphones, wireless intercom systems, Bluetooth devices and bank automatic teller machines. Encrypting data in transit also helps to secure it as it is often difficult to physically secure all access to networks.
  • Digital signature and encryption must be applied at message creation time (i.e. on the same device it has been composed) to avoid tampering. Otherwise any node between the sender and the encryption agent could potentially tamper it.

Under what circumstances do I need secure file transmissions?

If you are sending or receiving data classified as Confidential under University Policy #860 Information Security, you need to have the permission of the data steward and you need to use a process for "secure file transmission."

What is a secure file transmission?


How is the transmission encrypted?

File Transmission
In practice, there are several types of file transmissions most users perform, including the transmission of files through SFTP (secure file transfer protocol), submitting forms by a Web server, and sending e-mail. Information transferred in this way should be encrypted before transmission. Transferring unencrypted files with these methods means the files travel as plain text, ready to be intercepted and interpreted by anyone. Many PGP programs exist to allow a user to encrypt a file. Other stronger methods exist for purchase, including products made by RSA security. The advantage of using these programs is that the encryption can be tested before the file is sent, ensuring its usefulness. usefulness.

The final encrypted transmission method is SSL (secure sockets layer). SSL is a method of encrypting all the communications between computers. It is used to encrypt and decrypt communications between a Web browser and a Web server. Whenever you use URLs beginning with https://, you're using SSL. SSL is included with security capable Netscape browsers. SSL uses technology based on the commercially available public key encryption products of RSA, Inc. SSL itself is an open standard, and the algorithms are free to all. SSL libraries can be used to encrypt all traffic among computers, because the encryption occurs at a level that makes it transparent to both the user and any programs he or she is running.

How do I encrypt and decrypt a file?


1. Download and follow the instructions to install the software:





6. To decrypt files, use the following format:
gpg -o decrypted_file_name file_to_decrypt.pgp

Does Oakland university use any tool for transmission and enrcyption of files?

Yes, We use GoAnywhere tool for encryption, decryption and transmission of files, which in turn uses PGP encryption and decryption. Help document for GoAnywhere can be found at https://goanywhere.oakland.edu/goanywhere/webhelp/goanywhere.htm

Who do I contact for assistance?

Contact database application team for any questions
Lakshmi Maktala (maktala@oakland.edu)
Chitra Gopalaiah (gopalaia@oakalnd.edu)
Milus Earl Jones (ejones@oakland.edu)

For further help, please email <<MailTo(helpdesk@oakland.edu)>>, visit us at 202 Kresge Library or call (248)370-4357 Monday-Friday, 8 am - 5 pm.