SecurityArc/docs/USER_GUIDE.md

SecureArc User Guide

SecureArc is a secure, persistent, and self-destructing archival tool designed for sensitive data storage.

Installation

Windows

1. Download SecureArc_Installer.exe from the Releases page.
2. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. SecureArc will be added to your Start Menu and Desktop.

Linux / macOS

(Coming soon)

Quick Start

Create an Archive (GUI)

1. Open SecureArc from the Start Menu.
2. Go to the Create Archive tab.
3. Click + Add Files to select the files you want to secure.
4. Choose an Output Archive location (e.g., C:\MyDocs\secure.sarc).
5. Enter a strong Password.
6. Click Create Archive.

View & Extract (GUI)

1. Double-click a .sarc file OR open SecureArc and go to the View / Info tab.
2. Enter the password to unlock the archive.
3. To extract files, go to the Extract Archive tab, ensure the archive is selected, choose an Output Directory, and click Extract Files.

Self-Destruct Mechanism

SecureArc archives are protected by a self-destruct mechanism.

• Max Attempts: By default, an archive allows 5 failed password attempts.
• Destruction: On the 5th failure, the encryption headers are permanently wiped from the file. The data becomes unrecoverable, even with the correct password.
• Persistence: The attempt counter is stored within the archive itself.

Troubleshooting

• "Archive Destroyed" Error: This means the maximum number of password attempts was exceeded. The data is lost.
• Performance: Large files may take a moment to compress/encrypt. Please be patient.