volkoff 0.1.45

Simple terminal based file encryption tool using AES-256-GCM

Volkoff

A secure file encryption tool using AES-256-GCM encryption.

Installation:

pip install volkoff

Launch with:

vk

Implementation Details

Encryption Process

1. Generates a 256-bit AES key for secure encryption
2. Creates a container format that includes:
   • File extension metadata
   • Original file contents
   • Unique 12-byte nonce for each encryption
3. Encrypts the entire container using AES-256-GCM
4. Returns the encryption key for secure storage

Decryption Process

1. Validates the provided encryption key
2. Extracts the nonce from the encrypted container
3. Decrypts the container to retrieve:
   • Original file extension
   • File contents
4. Reconstructs the file with original metadata

Security Features

• AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption
• Unique nonce generation per file
• Secure container format preserving file metadata
• Authentication to prevent tampering

Important Security Notes

• Store encryption keys securely - they cannot be recovered
• Maintain secure backups of encryption keys
• Verify successful decryption after encrypting critical files

Single key, Multiple Files

From 0.1.44 supports the VOLKOFF_KEY env variable and a new ch option where a folder will be compressed+encrypted.

The recommended aproach is to keep the key in a password manager and to temporarily set it in a terminal session.

• linux: export VOLKOFF_KEY=<key>
• Windows (CMD): set VOLKOFF_KEY=<key>
• Windows (PS): $Env:VOLKOFF_KEY = "<key>"

Disclaimer

The author and contributors are not responsible for any data loss or corruption that may occur while using this software. Users are strongly advised to:

• Keep secure backups of all important files before encryption
• Safely store encryption keys in multiple locations
• Test the decryption process on non-critical files first
• Verify successful decryption immediately after encryption