User Manual
User Manual
Securing your digital world is no longer a challenge. DataShield is a modern desktop security application designed to empower you to protect your sensitive files and securely manage passwords immediately, reliably, and professionally.
DataShield protects files using modern AES-256 authenticated encryption together with Argon2id password-based key derivation. PassVault securely stores usernames, passwords, notes, license keys, and other sensitive information.
The application combines:
Premium users enjoy additional power features offered by DataShield.
DataShield is designed with a privacy-first approach.
Your files and passwords remain on your device and are never uploaded to the cloud by the application.
Protect your files and folders with the convenience of just a few clicks. You can encrypt:
Encrypted files use the .dse file extension.
Restore encrypted files using the correct passphrase. Again, you have options to decrypt:
DataShield validates the following attributes before restoring the original content.
PassVault allows you to securely store, organize, sort, and search all your passwords.
Vault files use the .dsv extension.
DataShield integrates with File Explorer, allowing encrypted files and vault files to be identified by custom icons and accessed through convenient right-click commands. You can right-click files directly in File Explorer to:
You can double-click a selection, consisting of one or more encrypted files (having the file extension .dse), to start decryption process without launching the full app.
Similarly, you can double-click a PassVault file (having a file extension .dsv) to launch DataShield displaying PassVault page with file path pre-filled in the entry field.
Premium users receive full File Explorer integration.
The free version offers the following features.
Premium version of DataShield unlocks powerful additional features.
When DataShield is launched for the first time:
The notice appears only once.
The main sections of the application are:
|
Page |
Purpose |
|
Encrypt |
Encrypt files and folders |
|
Decrypt |
Restore encrypted files and folders |
|
PassVault |
Manage passwords and vaults |
|
Settings |
Configure app preferences |
Alternatively, Premium users can encrypt individual files directly from within File Explorer.
A new encrypted .dse file will be created in the destination folder for every encrypted source file in the input folder.
Files can also be encrypted directly from File Explorer by right-clicking a file and selecting "Encrypt with DataShield" (Premium feature).
Again, a new encrypted file (with .dse file extension) will be created in the destination folder/subfolder for every corresponding encrypted source file in input folder/subfolder.
Premium users may:
Individual files and subfolders can be randomly selected or excluded from encryption operation. All selected subfolders and files will be processed.
The file tree allows the user to:
Folder selections apply recursively to all descendants. The file tree is designed to exhibit the following intuitive behavior.
Upon selecting a input folder using Browse button (or entering a valid folder path), only the immediate child nodes (i.e. file nodes) are displayed in the file tree.
‒ On Encrypt page, already encrypted files (having .dse file extension) are displayed in the file tree but are not selected by default. You can select them if so desired.
‒ On Decrypt page, only encrypted files are listed in the file tree.
The subfolders of the input folder can be recursively displayed by checking the ‘Include subfolders’ flag in the control panel.
If a folder in the file tree is already checked, unchecking it will uncheck/de-select all its children (recursively including all its subfolders).
If a folder in the file tree is already unchecked, checking/selecting it will check/select all its children (recursively including all its subfolders) including the .dse files.
Manually unchecking/de-selecting all child file nodes of a folder will result that folder too getting unchecked (because none of its child file nodes is checked any more).
Manually checking/selecting the first child node of a un-checked folder will check/select the parent folder too.
Premium users can simply enable the checkbox:
to avoid re-processing .dse files.
Premium users may enable the third checkbox:
This securely overwrites and deletes the original files after encryption completes.
⚠ Warning:
Secure deletion is irreversible.
Make sure:
The original file will be restored.
Alternatively, you can decrypt individual files directly from within File Explorer.
1. Select the desired files in File Explorer.
2. Right-click any file in the selection.
3. Select ‘Decrypt with DataShield’ option from the drop-down list.
4. Enter your passphrase in the pop-up dialog window.
5. Click ‘OK’ button.
You can decrypt an encrypted file simply by double-clicking the .dse file directly in File Explorer and then typing in the passphrase in the dialog window.
Premium users can enable the checkbox
when destination files already exist.
Premium users may securely delete the encrypted (.dse) source files after successful decryption after successful decryption by checking/enabling the third checkbox.
⚠ Warning:
Secure deletion is irreversible.
Make sure:
If:
DataShield will:
The file tree displays:
in a hierarchical structure.
Click the arrow beside a folder to:
Selecting a folder:
De-selecting a folder:
Every selected file in the file tree has a checked/ticked checkbox. A folder appears checked when it contains selected files. The total number of selected files and checked folders/subfolders in the file tree is displayed above the input folder path in app’s control panel.
The app displays:
These counts update automatically. Also, these counts are displayed only if the input field has a valid input folder path.
After an encryption/decryption operation completes, the file tree is automatically refreshed, and the selected count is updated.
Vault files use the .dsv file extension.
Alternatively, a PassVault file can also be opened in the app by just double-clicking that .dsv file in File Explorer.
PassVault offers a powerful search tool that can be used to search all vault entries having a search text in at least one of the following fields.
The app lists the search count under the search bar. In addition, the column header/label for each of the above three fields displays a checkbox to exclude/include that column in the search. All occurrences of the search string in the listed vault entries are highlighted too. Two keyboard short keys, i.e. Ctrl+F and Esc, can be used to focus the search bar and cancel the search, respectively. Thus, Premium users enjoy advanced filtering features.
Premium users of DataShield have another powerful tool for enhanced user experience. Specifically, vault entries can be sorted in ascending or descending order just with a mouse click. The vault entries can be sorted based on the values in any of the following three columns.
An arrowhead is shown next to the column header/label of these columns, only one being in solid black color that indicates the current sorting order. The app remembers the sorting order set in the previous session. By default, vault entries are sorted in ascending order of timestamp values.
PassVault is designed to automatically lock after a period of inactivity. By default, PassVault automatically locks after 3 minutes of inactivity. However, you can configure this feature in Settings to a value between 1 minute and 60 minutes. As a security feature, longer time periods are not offered.
DataShield provides a secure, intuitive, and productivity-focused user interface. Because encrypting and decrypting sensitive files is a critical task, the interface has been carefully designed to minimize the possibility of accidental mistakes or data loss.
Input fields and command buttons remain disabled until the required information has been provided. Likewise, during encryption and decryption, operation-sensitive controls are temporarily locked to prevent unintended changes while processing is in progress. The passphrase visibility (eye) button, however, remains available throughout the operation for user convenience.
To further streamline the workflow, the Passphrase field is automatically focused after an input folder is selected on the Encrypt and Decrypt pages, allowing users to begin typing immediately. Likewise, the Master Password field is automatically focused after a PassVault (.dsv) file is selected, making it faster to open an existing vault.
DataShield automatically remembers the size, position, and maximized state of its main window when you close the application. The next time you launch DataShield, the window is restored to the same size, location, and state, allowing you to continue working without having to reposition or resize it. This provides a more convenient and consistent experience, especially for users with multiple monitors or customized desktop layouts.
DataShield supports pausing and safely stopping long-running encryption and decryption operations.
DataShield now provides enhanced progress reporting during encryption, decryption, and secure deletion operations. The information displayed includes:
DataShield features a refreshed user interface with an improved color scheme and refined visual styling for a cleaner, more modern appearance. Updated colors, icons, fonts, margins, and page layouts improve readability, provide better visual consistency throughout the application, and make everyday encryption, decryption, and PassVault operations more intuitive and efficient.
Large recursive folder trees now load progressively for improved responsiveness.
Benefits include:
Premium license handling has been improved for reliability and recovery.
New improvements include:
Beginning with Version 1.4.0, DataShield introduces Premium Cache v2, an enhanced entitlement cache designed to improve the reliability of Premium license recognition. The new cache format distinguishes between development and production environments, reducing the possibility of incorrect Premium license recognition. Existing users are automatically migrated to the new cache format without affecting their purchases or requiring any additional action.
DataShield may occasionally ask satisfied users to leave a review on Microsoft Store after successful use of the app.
DataShield directly integrates with File Explorer, allowing encrypted files and vault files to be recognized and managed more conveniently from within File Explorer.
File Explorer Integration provides the following features:
DataShield reports one of the following Windows Integration statuses:
On first launch after installation, DataShield automatically installs File Explorer Integration. The integration status, however, depends on the user’s Premium status. That allows the user to enjoy the convenience of encrypting or decrypting files from within File Explorer without needing to open the main application.
Users have full control over DataShield’s integration with File Explorer. Integration can be managed from the Settings page.
To install or repair File Explorer Integration:
To remove File Explorer Integration:
Please note that if the Windows integration is removed by the user, it will stay so even after the next upgrade of DataShield just to respect user’s preference.
Once File Explorer Integration has been installed, files can be encrypted or decrypted directly from File Explorer without launching the main DataShield application.
To encrypt or decrypt files from File Explorer:
Double-clicking a .dsv PassVault file now launches DataShield directly to PassVault with the selected vault path pre-filled and ready for password entry.
Free users receive:
Decrypt with DataShield for .dse encrypted files.
Double-click decryption of .dse files.
DataShield file icons for .dse and .dsv files.
Premium users receive:
DataShield supports encrypting or decrypting multiple files directly from File Explorer.
To process multiple files:
The passphrase is requested (and confirmed for encryption) only once and is applied to all selected files.
DataShield supports:
The app updates immediately.
PassVault offers several keyboard shortcuts as listed in the following table.
|
Shortcut |
Action |
|
Ctrl+F |
Focus PassVault search bar |
|
Ctrl+L |
Lock PassVault |
|
Enter |
Confirm selected action |
|
Esc |
Cancel PassVault search |
|
Tab |
Navigate controls |
|
Space |
Toggle checkbox |
Encrypting files and folders is a serious task that must not be done mindlessly. Users need to understand the risks due to mistakes and understand the system while using it.
Your passphrase protects your encrypted files.
If you forget the passphrase:
Use:
Always store important passphrases securely in PassVault to reduce the risk of forgetting or confusing them with other credentials.
Secure deletion of files after the successful encryption/decryption is deliberately designed to reduce file recoverability of deleted files.
However:
may limit guaranteed erasure.
Secure deletion should be treated as best-effort protection.
Also, when the secure deletion option is on (i.e. the right-most checkbox is ticked) during encryption/decryption operation and the user cancels the operation by clicking the Stop button, the user needs to be aware of the expected behavior.
The outcome of cancelling an operation depends on the stage of processing when the Stop button is pressed. The following scenarios describe the expected behavior.
In such a case, DataShield attempts to delete the file immediately without further overwriting of the remaining contents. However, in an unlikely event of failing to automatically delete that file for any reason, DataShield would notify the user (while providing the file path/name) to manually delete that file. The user should manually delete the file to prevent it from being processed or recovered later.
Always maintain backups of:
DataShield is designed to protect your sensitive information. Following these recommendations, as listed below, will help maximize the security of your encrypted files and password vaults while minimizing the possibility of accidental data loss.
Avoid protecting all your files with the same passphrase.
Instead, consider using different passphrases for different categories of information, for example:
This approach limits the impact should one passphrase ever become compromised.
The security of your encrypted data depends primarily on the strength of your passphrase.
A strong passphrase should:
Longer passphrases are generally more secure than short, complex passwords.
Remembering many strong passphrases can become difficult.
Instead of writing them on paper or storing them in unsecured text files, save them securely in DataShield’s built-in password vault, PassVault.
PassVault allows you to:
Encryption protects your information, but it does not replace a backup strategy.
Consider maintaining backup copies of:
Store backups in a secure location separate from your primary computer.
Before enabling Delete source files after successful encryption/decryption, ensure that:
Secure deletion is designed to reduce the possibility of recovering deleted files. Once completed, recovering the original files may not be possible.
Whenever possible, avoid pressing the Stop button while secure deletion is in progress.
If an operation is cancelled during secure deletion:
Whenever practical, allow encryption, decryption, and secure deletion operations to be completed without interruption.
Before encrypting many important files:
Once confirmed, use the same passphrase for the remaining files in that category.
This simple test greatly reduces the chance of accidentally protecting a large collection of files with an unintended or mistyped passphrase.
Your PassVault master password protects all information stored in the vault.
For maximum security:
Before clicking Encrypt or Decrypt, quickly verify:
Taking a few seconds to review these settings can help prevent mistakes and avoid unnecessary data loss.
DataShield application menu provides quick access to:
a. Lock PassVault
b. Settings
c. Check for Updates
d. User Manual
e. Uninstall DataShield
f. About
g. Exit
DataShield includes numerous refinements designed to improve the overall user experience.
Even though it’s not challenging for most users to uninstall the app on their platform, DataShield can also be uninstalled by selecting ‘Uninstall DataShield’ option from its tool bar.
When DataShield is uninstalled from a Windows platform, following steps are automatically taken by the uninstall process.
If DataShield was installed from Microsoft Store, Windows may display the standard application removal interface during the uninstall process.
If decryption fails:
If output file already exists:
If File Explorer options do not appear:
First, verify Premium License status in Settings > Premium License.
If Premium features are still unavailable:
In the unlikely event of DataShield not starting, please try the following steps:
DataShield is designed to:
Your files and vault contents remain on your device and never leave your local machine.
For support:
Future releases may include:
Thank you for using DataShield.
DataShield is designed to provide:
Always remember to:
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