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fenc is a file encryption command-line tool developed and published by Ravi Bhushan, currently available at version 3.0.0, with a total of one released version on record. The software belongs to the security and cryptography software category, specifically within the file encryption utilities segment, and is designed for the Windows operating system. Its core purpose is to protect files through strong, standards-based encryption, applying the AES-256 algorithm in CBC (Cipher Block Chaining) mode to secure file contents against unauthorized access. Rather than requiring users to manage raw encryption keys directly, fenc derives cryptographic keys from user-supplied passphrases using PBKDF2 (Password-Based Key Derivation Function 2), a well-established method for strengthening passwords against brute-force attacks. To ensure that encrypted data has not been altered or corrupted, the tool incorporates HMAC-SHA256 integrity verification, allowing tampering or transmission errors to be detected during the decryption process. Beyond single-file operations, fenc supports a batch mode that enables multiple files to be processed in one operation, as well as folder encryption for securing entire directories at once, making it practical for users who need to protect large collections of documents, archives, or sensitive data sets rather than individual items alone. Distribution of the software is handled through a Windows installer, simplifying setup and integration on supported systems. Typical use cases for fenc include securing personal or confidential files before storage or transfer, protecting backups and archives, encrypting data exchanged between parties, and applying consistent passphrase-based encryption across groups of files or folders in scripted or command-line workflows. Because it operates as a CLI tool, it is well suited to technically oriented users, automation scenarios, and environments where graphical interfaces are unnecessary or unavailable, while its combination of authenticated integrity checks and modern key derivation aligns it with common expectations for dependable file-level encryption on Windows platforms.
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