BitClamp Giveaway

Just dropping in with a quick note this evening, a little giveaway - it’s been a while since I last ran one. I’ve been in contact with Daniel Greg recently, developer of a brand new application called BitClamp.

BitClamp is a brand new $20 shareware application which allows you to encrypt files and folders to protect them from prying eyes. BitClamp is fast and easy to use. Simply drag and drop a bunch of files you’d like to encrypt onto the main application window (much like AppZapper), choose your encryption settings (Blowfish - 448Bit, AES - 256 Bit, Serpent - 256Bit), and click the encrypt button.

I have three copies of BitClamp to give away thanks to Danny Greg, developer of the application and head of Crimson Sky Software. To be in-to-win, simply leave a comment below and I’ll announce three winners next week. Alternatively, use the code WOLSEY as you check out to receive a 15% discount.

Comments

#1
Jack

First!
#2

Omer Zach → mactips.org

Hmm, sounds like a cool application!
#3

Nick Danforth → www.youtube.com/nickdanforth

Neat app idea! Hope I can get a copy to play around!
#4

Pemmax → mojmac.pl

What you think about Keychain included in Mac OS X?
#5

Summer Ordoñez → www.summerjuice.net

Seems like a pretty sweet application! I’d love to give it a whirl..
#6

Elliott Cost → www.35light.com

Sounds cool! I’d like to try it.
#7
Michael

Ooooh. ooooh. Me!
#8

Katie → katiefellows.wordpress.com

It sounds like a cool app. I’d like to give it a try!
#9
bernd

Like this app, want one :)
#10
Michael

Ooh, ooh, I ish wants one :)

*Grabs app and runs*

Hehe.
#11

Alex MacLean → alexmacleanblog.com

sounds good to me
#12

Alex → alexgti.uk.to

Free app? Encryption (something I haven’t got), sounds great!
#13
Luke

Count me in
#14

Jon Moss → www.theappleofmyi.com/blog

Looks pretty useful, thanks for this Glenn :-)
#15
Jehad

I’d love to use it, save myself $20 and get to hide those lock up those files i don’t want anyone to see :p
#16
Regis

Me ! Sounds interesting !
#17

Jack Sauer → jacksauer.com

Reverse AppZapper? Seems like a great app to have on hand when you need to lock away those top secret plans for world domination!
#18

Ruan Ellis → www.macslice.com

Sounds Interesting :)
#19

Alex H → www.aheidinger.com

Sounds very easy and interesting.
#20
phil

Would love to have this app. :)
#21
Justin

I want!
#22

Grant → www.grantmc.co.uk

Id like one to try but doubt you will pick me haha! Or is this a span comment since it is just a reply with no point really??
#23

Sumesh → www.techzilo.com

Count me in too. Though I believe that $20 is not exactly cheap. Never mind, I’d pay(if it wasn’t a giveaway) for serious stuff like encryption.
#24

Waneonwani → waneonwani.com

Hi from the Basque Country,

First of all congratulations for your site (very clean design, by the way). It’s very useful and interesting.

When it comes to Bitclamp, if it is asconvenient as Appzapper it’ll be worthy anyway.

Have a nice day,

Waneonwani
#25

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

hey guys I’m the developer.
Good to hear the positive comments. What Glenn didn’t mention is for those of you that dont win or can wait I’m going to be creating a coupon code. Use the code WOLSEY as you check out. At the moment its 15% but I may up that to 20 after your comments on price.
Also any feature requests you may have post them here or get in touch I usually turn them around in a couple of weeks if its not too difficult :p.
Thanks and good luck.
#26
Lindsay

Sorry, but anyone who is serious about security will either use PGP ($100) or learn to use GNU-PG (free, open source). Those that are less fearful are likely quite happy using encrypted disk images (free). TrueCrypt for windows/linux is already available and an OS X port is well underway (free, open source). No offense intended but trusting a $20 shareware application from a new software company to provide robust file encryption seems rather silly to me. Good luck nevertheless.
#27

Michael Mistretta → michaelmistretta.com

Pick me!
#28
Kutt

That´s what I was looking for.
#29
Raj

I would definitely like a copy. I travel with my macbook and wish I had a encryption software. As a student, my budget is kinda tight !!
#30
Johnny

put my name on the list. Being a new convert to Mac a new program would be helpful
#31

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

Would just like to point out that you can trial the program for free for 15 days, just download from the site :-)

@Lindsay - I totally agree with PGP thats some damn good software but its $100, we’re not trying to compete with them.
However, all of our encryption algorithms are implementations of industry standard algorithms, we didn’t invent them so our security is robust as the algorithms. I could link you to the wikipedia of each algorithm but you seem to know what your talking about.
GNU-PG is also good but is nowhere near as easy to use as BitClamp, you have to compile and build the application yourself to start with!
In short BitClamp is designed to be super quick and easy to lock up your data and keep it safe from prying eyes, we think we’ve accomplished that.
#32
MK

I’ve actually been looking for file-level encryption software. Knox has come closest to it, but I’m looking for something more/less. BitClamp might be it?
#33

Chris Thomson → chris24.ca

I’ve seen BitClamp’ Ads on a few websites, and keep meaning to check it out. I’m on a PC at the moment, but I took a look at the website for it, and it looks really neat!
#34
Filip De Bot

I have tested and I like it
#35

EDIT-XTREEM → edit.xtreem.iappblog.com

I would enjoy a copy, looks like a cool application.
#36

Adric → oddboot.wordpress.com

This is looks like a cool application. I was looking for something like this a few weeks ago.
#37
Sean

Sounds cool. I’d like to win a copy
#38
Ondra Soukup

Spam!
#39
Lindsay

Binaries of GNU-PG (including GUIs to for common tasks) are available at:
http://macgpg.sourceforge.net/

all of our encryption algorithms are implementations of industry standard algorithms, we didn’t invent them so our security is robust as the algorithms

Indeed you are citing standard algorithms and I gather that you’ve written a simple Xcode GUI around the usual free libraries. However, in general the encryption is only as robust as the implementation.

Again, no offense intended, but I think if you actually need file security/encryption, you are better off purchasing from a company with a team of engineers, mathematicians and computer scientists with experience in the field. A quick look at your website suggests you are a single, high-school aged developer selling your first shareware application.
#40

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

@Lindsay - dont worry, no offence taken I think your points are very valid and it is a good discussion to have.
These were all points that I had to consider when developing.
We decided to focus on ease of use and flexibility. We offer a free decryptor on the site so you can send secure data to anyone and they can decrypt it….. Provided they have the password of course!
We are of course offering a windows version as well in the near feaure, to extend this flexibility.
So we are trying to target a slightly different market as opposed to offer an alternaive to pgp.
#41
Stefan

Neat app! Better safe than sorry ;)
#42
Syeef

Hey I don’t mind winning anything!
#43

Ted Winder → www.tedwinder.org

Ooh! I’d love a copy! You can never have too many apps!
#44
Joachim

I’ve tried it, it is a nice app, but there is one major drawback in my opinion.
When you encrypt a document it is copied into an encrypted new file. The old file is still decrypted. So you will still have to manually delete it. Next you won’t be able to use the encrypted file until you decrypt it using Bitclamp (or a separate decrypt application) which makes a new folder ‘DecryptedFiles’ that contains your decrypted document. That is to many actions imho. It would be better to have something more alike Apple’s FileVault. Much easier to use.. Maybe a better integration with the finder coming in the future?
#45

Julian Schrader → julianschrader.de

I’d love a copy! ;-)

Until now I have used iCrypt — a free tool, but you can’t choose a method of encryption.
#46

Aaron Fruit → www.afruit.com

May as well give it a go.
#47
Omer Basha

I’d love a copy too.
#48

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

@Joachim - this is simply because we dont want to erase your data. I am considering adding a preference to erase the original file but as a matter of good practice you should always keep a backup of your encrypted file.
I appreciate that isn’t always possible but that’s why we dont write over your data straight away.
I will add a preference for over-writing in the next release :-)
#49
Michael E

Sounds cool, throwing my name in the hat.
#50

Mac Sokulski → www.miksmedia.net

15% discount! Head over to Chris Marshall’s site, he is offering 20% off BitClamp
#51

Taylor Brown → brookebarmy.com

What an interesting application!
#52

Dawson Jones → jonester.com

Cool idea Glenn. Encryption is always a nice feature on a computer.
#53
Adriaan Mulder

a comment
#54
Zachary Jones

I wrote something similar to this in Python at one point.
#55

Arthus Erea → myfla.ws

*wishes he could have one*
#56

Brad Strickland → www.bradstrickland.com

With security becoming a much larger priority at home and in the workplace. It’s nice to have apps like bitclamp for more security options.
#57
Michael McCown

Count me in.
#58

Sam → web.mac.com/theblacktree

BOOBS! LET ME HAVE ONE!!!
#59
bohdanz

This sounds like the application I’ve been waiting for!
#60

John Bowersox → john.bsox.us

Looks like a cool little program.
#61
vectran

*COUGH*…. Me?
#62
Taylor

Sounds like a great app.
#63
Bob

Number 63! A Useful app, a good competition. I’m crossing my fingers.
#64
Nathan

Does it work on windows?
#65

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

The Windows version is being developed at the moment, scheduled for a Q1 2008 release.
#66
Harjeet

Woo i wouldn’t mined a copy of bitclamp.
#67

Mike → www.theoompa.com

Awesome. I hope I win :D
#68
Kevin

Seems cool. Hope I win :)
#69
Joachim

@Danny - thanks for you response. That would be a nice solution. May I add some other idea’s?

- A shortcut in the Finder to encrypt a file would be nice (for powerusers like me :-)..), right-click and selecting encrypt ‘filename.ext’

- Possibility to rename the encrypted file to something more original than ‘EncryptedFile.cdx’

- Associating the encrypted ‘EncryptedFile.cdx’ file with BitClamp, double clicking will open up BitClamp for decryption. (A small hint for a background app using dialogs)

- Optionally opening the decrypted file in it’s associated Application.

- Decrypting into the directory the decrypted file is in instead of making a new folder named DecryptedFiles (Or perhaps make this an option in preferences?)

- Or instead of the idea above; After decryption opening the folder BitClamo made with the decrypted file(s)

Good luck developing. I see some potential!
Kind regards
#70

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

@Glenn - Editings broken
@Joachim - I forgot to add - I like the “reveal in finder” idea for decrypted apps, will add that to the next release.
#71
Joachim

@Danny - that was quick!
I must confess I totally overlooked that feature.. that is nice indeed! But I would like you to give the option to rename the encrypted file on the moment you want to encrypt it instead of making that a preference. For me that is much easier that having 20 to 30 familypic’s ;-)
I will take a look into your user guide.. But next morning, now it’s time to say goodnight..
#72

Caitlyn Imburgo → www.alwaysg5.com

Sounds much like an application I saw highlighted on MacThemes the other day. I’m glad developers are going after creating apps like this. A few months back, I posted quite a few tweets on Twitter looking for one. This one sounds best though if it is AppZapper style. :]
#73
Chris

Sounds good to me :P
#74

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

@Joachim - :-)
I decided that asking the user what to name it each time could be a bit annoying (”yet another f*****g sheet window!!”), we wanted to keep as little steps from standard file to encrypted file as possible.
Maybe another preference?! :p
I need sleep too, but theres stuff to code! ;-)
#75
Joachim

@Danny - that’s dedicated ;-)
Maybe when you choose the key you can have the option to also rename the file (in some kind of expandable sheet) ? In that way you have the option to rename it while just hitting return after entering the key will use the default filename.
I am just thinking.. You just choose what to include or exclude. Coz you got the brainz and access to the source :-)
#76

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

@Joachim - I really like that idea, the only thing im concerned about is that sheet getting overly complex but it should be fine…..
That and it was going to be how a new feature would work ;-)
#77

Chris Vick → vickslife.com

Count me in!
#78

The Old Coot → N/A

Hope there is’nt any backdoors in it for the US government to peek into Really don’t need any more government in out lives.
#79
Jack P

looks like a good app
#80
alej744

HAHAHAHA
Glenn, you have so many readers ^-^

hope I win
#81

Pemmax → mojmac.pl

Guys, on MacHeist BitClamp for free - http://www.macheist.com
Sorry Glenn ;-)
#82

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

Hey guys,
Just to clarify, you can get BitClamp for free from MacHeist but you will not have access to any updates (and there is a preference missing).
So it could be a great way to trial the app.
Good luck!
Oh and Glenn’s freebies entitle you to all upgrades up to 2.0.
#83

Pemmax → mojmac.pl

@Danny so you know why I leave here my comments ;-)
#84

Cloudyboy → homepage.mac.com/cloud.e/myblog

I love BitClamp!
It saved my marriage!
Before we used to fight and live in constant deceit to each other; the whole ‘how’d did all this get on the computer’ battle a constant daily occurrence. With BitClamp, we are once again happy; no longer have to live in the shroud of lying about each others nested folders and instead can encrypt with complete anonymity!

No seriously, this app seems awesome, totally looking for something like this with all my receipts and more personal documents
#85
Josh

Would love a copy if possible… I’ve been looking for a good Mac alternative to TrueCrypt for a while now.
#86
sam

hook me up!
#87

Ammon → ammon.tumblr.com

Free is always good. Free software is better.
#88

Danny → www.crimsonskysoftware.com

The MacHeist version is not the same. It is a custom build that is not updatable and has a preference missing. Glenn’s freebies entitle you to free updates till 2.0.
#89
Tom G

Please count me in on your BitClamp giveaway.
#90
Anthony

Count me in mate.
#91
Jehad

I already have this software. It’s quite useless and slow
#92
Andrew

Got it from MacHeist free, but I’d love to be able to update it.
#93
Tracer

Looks pretty interesting.
#94

The Old Coot → N/A

I bought it. Could wait around for this giveaway and all the stupid comments.
#95
Jon

This sounds like a must have application and it would be great to have a copy.
#96

Wesley Yendrys → www.wyendrys.com

Looks cool. May as well join in on the give away.
#97
Richard

Sounds useful!
#98

Glenn Wolsey : Blog Archive : BitClamp Winners → www.glennwolsey.com/2007/12/12/bitclamp-winners

[...] randomly selected the three winners for last weeks competition to win one of three copies of BitClamp, the excellent encryption application for Mac [...]
#99

Tim → www.teckstuf.blogspot.com

pick me

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