Two Encryption Standards in ZIP
The ZIP format supports two different encryption standards: the older and structurally weaker ZipCrypto, and the much stronger AES-256. Which standard is used depends on the program and settings used to create the archive. For archives encrypted with ZipCrypto, the reverse-engineering approach generally produces much faster and more predictable results.
Why This Happens
Backup archives created long ago, encrypted ZIP attachments sent by email, or files transferred from an old computer are the most common scenarios for access loss.
Approach
The archive's header information is analyzed to determine the encryption standard, and the appropriate reverse-engineering method is applied. Brute force is not attempted.
How Does the Process Work?
File Analysis
The file format, source of the issue, and solution path are determined through a free preliminary analysis.
Analysis Result
The expected success rate and timeline are clearly communicated.
Recovery
Following approval, the recovery process is carried out based on the analysis results.
Delivery
The recovered file is delivered to you through a secure channel.
The preliminary analysis and demo recovery are always free. If, after the demo stage demonstrates that the content is recoverable, you choose not to proceed with the full recovery, a fee of 250 USD + VAT applies, covering the analysis and demo work already performed.
Archive content is not of interest; only the requested technical operation is carried out. The file may need to be opened to the extent required for recovery verification, but its content is never copied, shared with third parties, or retained on our systems after delivery. If requested, a written confidentiality commitment is also provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you see the files inside the archive?
Archive content is not of interest; only access is provided and delivered. Content is never copied, shared with third parties, or retained on our systems after delivery.
Does this also work for multi-part ZIP archives?
Yes, the same analysis method can be applied to multi-part archives; all parts must be complete.