Frequently Asked Questions: RamcWin data files (WOK files):
Q: Do newer versions of the RamcWin software read files created
with older versions?
A: Yes. If an attempt is made to open a file that was created
with an older version of RamcWin, the
user will be prompted as to whether the file should be updated.
If the user responds with a No, the file
cannot be read. If the user responds with a Yes, then the file
will be upgraded providing the correct password is
entered. The new file will replace the old one, however a backup
of the old file will remain in the
same directory.
Q: If I delete a WOK file from my diskette or hard drive, can it
be recovered?
A: This depends on how active the storage media has been since
the deletion. If the media has been used
at all since the file deletion, the contents of the file are no
longer guaranteed to be identical. Often,
some parts of the data can be recovered, but not 100%. In order
to ensure that deleted files are not recoverable
under any circumstances, use the `Secure Delete' option in the
File menu of RamcWin. This option destroys the
contents of files before deleting them.
Q: Should I use a password when creating my WOK files, or should
I leave it blank?
A: Your WOK files are encrypted based on the password you select
during file creation. It is important
that you use a `good' password, and keep it private. If your
situation is one that requires no
confidentiality of data, then a password is not required.
Q: What makes up a good password?
A: Passwords should be at least eight characters in length, and
up to a maximum of 70. More
importantly, passwords should contain non-alphabetic characters
such as numbers and symbols. Passwords of this type
maximize the effort required by anybody trying to open files
without your consent. Keep in mind as well
that passwords ARE case-sensitive.
Q: Are all WOK files encrypted by default?
A: Yes. WOK data files are always encrypted using a 128-bit
encryption algorithm. Even if a password is
not specified when creating a new file, a default password is
used and the file is still encrypted.
Q: How secure is 128-bit encryption? Is this perfect security?
A: Although encryption strength measured in bits is not
guaranteed to be perfectly secure, it falls
into a category known as Computationally Secure. In short this
means that the contents of the file can be
determined, as long as the time and resources are available. Each
additional bit used for the
encryption means that twice as much time is required if the same
amount of computing resource is available. For
example, assume that the extraction of data from a 64-bit
encrypted WOK takes one second. For each bit
beyond this (up to 128), the time doubles. So, if you are able to
crack a 64-bit WOK in one second,
then it will only take 5.85 billion centuries for 128 bits. In
reality however, cracking a 64-bit encrypted WOK
is expected to take approximately 4000 years on a high powered
personal computer, so the figure for 128
bits is grossly underestimated.
Q: I am entering my password correctly, but the file still does
not open.
A: In several cases, users have accidentally had the CAPS LOCK on
while trying to enter their
passwords. Because passwords are case sensitive, the files will
not open. Be sure that the CAPS LOCK is in the
same state as when the file was created. Also, different
keyboards may have special symbols in different
places. If you are not on the same computer, or have changed
keyboards, be sure to check for these changes.
Finally, certain foreign language keyboards make use of drivers
to modify the keyboard functions. Once
again, these things should be in the same state as when the
password was originally entered.
Q: I have some data stored in my WOK files, but I have forgotten
the password.
A: This is a common problem, however it normally means that the
data is lost forever (exception; see
next question). Try all of the passwords that you can remember,
making sure that the computer is in the same
state as when the file was created.
Q: I have legal access to the contents of one or more WOK files,
but do not have the corresponding
password. Can I see the data that is stored inside?
A: This may be possible, however it is only available under
certain circumstances.
1. You own the file, and have forgotten the password. Ownership
will be verified based on your
RamcWin serial number.
2. You are the manager (or another senior person) of a group of
users in control of WOK files. For
whatever reason, you are unable to obtain the correct password,
however are still responsible for the
contents of each file.
3. You work for a government agency and have the right to inspect
information contained within these
files.
Depending largely on the password that protects the WOK file, it
may be possible for E-Scan to recover
the contents for you. The procedure is possible using a special
set of tools available only to E-Scan,
designed specifically for WOK files. These tools are a
combination of hardware and software, and require that a
trained technician be present. Although the original passwords
cannot ever be recovered, the contents
of the file may be decrypted and printed.
The length of time required is usually 2-6 months for each WOK
file, although several files can be
worked on simultaneously. Due to the time and resource required
for this procedure, a cost is associated with
each WOK file.
Costs:
Individual WOK file: $5000
Simultaneous WOK files (each, up to 9 total): $3500
Mass-recovery (10-19 files, flat rate): $35000
Mass-recovery (20-50 files, flat rate): $75000
If the data cannot be successfully recovered from your WOK
file(s), then a refund of 75% (on a file by
file basis) will be made. Note however that this may change for
mass-recovery situations, and will be
addressed if required.
To arrange for a data recovery contract, please contact Kelly
Hererra at E-Scan Technologies.
Toll free USA: (800) 653-4254 Canada: (800) 219-5178
International: (951) 270-1911 or (951) 270-0043
Email: kelly@e-scan.com
