Software

Keka is software used to compress or zip files secured with encryption.
When you send or transfer files that contain Personal Identifiable Information (PII) or other confidential and sensitive data, the files must be encrypted to ensure they are protected from unauthorized disclosure. Examples include:

• Social Security and Tax Identification Numbers
• Credit Card Numbers
• Non Directory Information (Such as 900 numbers)
• Driver License Information
• Passport Information
• Account Numbers
• Medical ID Numbers
• Medical Diagnosis

Keka creates a container called an “archive” that holds the files or folders to be protected. That archive can be encrypted and protected with a password. Keka is software that creates archive files that can be opened by other users with Keka or other similar programs. If the archive file is password protected, they will need the password in order to open the file.

1. To obtain a copy of Keka, please visit https://www.keka.io/en/ and click the Download link to download the software manually. Only download from the Mac App Store if you would like to make a $2.99 donation to Keka.
    
   

 

2. Click “Allow” to download the file.
    
   

 

3. Open the downloaded file from Downloads.
    
   

 

4. Drag the Keka icon into the Application folder as shown.
    
   

 

5. Open the Launchpad by clicking on the spaceship icon on the Dock.
    
   

 

6. Look for the Keka icon and click it to run the program.
    
   

 

7. Click “Open” once you see the message below. The app will launch.
    
   

 

8. Change the file format to “Zip”. Enter a password. Use a strong password with at least 8 characters containing upper- and lower-case letters, and a minimum of one number.
    
   NOTE: MAKE SURE YOU AND/OR THE RECIPIENT HAS THE PASSWORD FOR THE ARCHIVE. ONCE IT IS LOST, A PASSWORD CANNOT BE RECOVERED!
    
   

 

9. Check the box for “Use AES-256 encryption”.
    
   

 

10. Drag the file/folder you want to encrypt over the app window.
     
    

 

11. Name the file, choose where to save it, and compress.

Please note that the recipient of the message may need to install Keka or a similar program to open the contents of any files or folders encrypted in this fashion.

Best security practices recommend that you do not e-mail the password with the archive file, as it could be intercepted in transit. Call or text the recipient of the archive file and convey the password to them directly.

NOTE: DO NOT OPEN ARCHIVE FILES FROM UNVERIFIED SOURCES. ONLY OPEN ARCHIVE FILES THAT YOU ARE EXPECTING, AND COME FROM A TRUSTED CCBC SOURCE! IF YOU ARE NOT SURE, REACH OUT TO THE SENDER USING AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF CONTACT BEFORE YOU OPEN THE FILE TO VERIFY THAT IT IS SAFE.