DropKey from WellRedApps allows anyone to send encrypted files using industry-standard 256-bit encryption to the recipient of their choice. Only the designated recipient can open the file because the sender has supplied a Dropkey code that allows them to open it. The app requires OS 10.7 and can be purchased in the App Store for US$9.99.
Using the product
Once you download DropKey two things happen. The DropKey icon appears in your tool bar and your public DropKey code is added to your personal card in Address Book. That is the code that recipients will have to have to receive and open your encrypted documents.
Recipients also have to have DropKey, however your recipient can install a trial version of DropKey to be able to open the files. Once the 30-day trial expires, it will still be able to decrypt files.
To get the most from the app users should set preferences to meet their personal needs. To get to the preference pane click on the cogwheel in the bottom right corner of the window.
DropKey window displaying cogwheel
From the cogwheel options select Preferences which then takes you to the Preferences pane.
Cogwheel options
Preferences allow you to encrypt and send or just encrypt, and automatically save an encrypted copy for yourself. People who don’t use Mail as their email program can select encrypt and save their documents to their desktop and then attach it to their email program of choice. More on two-factor authentication later.