Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for encrypting application data files using a format-friendly encryption process. A software agent may create an encrypted version of an application file using the same data file format of the unencrypted file. For example, when a user encrypts a word processing document, the software agent outputs a word processing document which includes an encrypted copy of the first word processing document. Application data files for other file formats may be encrypted in a similar manner. Further, format-friendly encrypted documents may include instructions for accessing the encrypted content, allowing the standard applications for accessing a given file format to present the instructions to a user. Creating encrypted document using the format-friendly encryption formats allows users who access an encrypted file hosted by a cloud storage provider to receive the information needed to access that application file.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for encrypting application data files using a format-friendly encryption process. A software agent may create an encrypted version of an application file using the same data file format of the unencrypted file. For example, when a user encrypts a word processing document, the software agent outputs a word processing document which includes an encrypted copy of the first word processing document. Application data files for other file formats may be encrypted in a similar manner. Further, format-friendly encrypted documents may include instructions for accessing the encrypted content, allowing the standard applications for accessing a given file format to present the instructions to a user. Creating encrypted document using the format-friendly encryption formats allows users who access an encrypted file hosted by a cloud storage provider to receive the information needed to access that application file.