Encrypting data is a very important process in order to protect sensitive information from being accessed by unauthorized entities. But sometimes, we may need to decrypt the data for various reasons, such as recovering forgotten passwords or accessing encrypted files acquired through legal means. In this article, we will be discussing ways to decrypt encrypted files and passwords, and the tools that can be used for the same.
Decrypting Excel Passwords
A common scenario in which decryption may be required is when we forget the password to an Excel file. There are many tools and software available on the internet that can help us remove the password protection on an Excel file. Some of the popular ones are:
iSumsoft Excel Password Remover
iSumsoft Excel Password Remover is a popular tool that is used to remove passwords from Excel files. It is a very simple and easy-to-use tool that can remove passwords in just a few clicks.
The tool has a feature to select multiple files at once and remove the passwords from all of them in one go. It is also capable of removing both workbook and worksheet passwords. The software supports all versions of Excel files, including Excel 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, and prior.
PassFab for Excel
Another popular tool for removing Excel passwords is PassFab for Excel. This tool has a simple user interface and is easy to use. You can remove the password from your Excel file in just three simple steps.
The software is capable of removing both workbook and worksheet passwords. It also has a feature to remove the read-only password from an Excel file.
Decrypting Encrypted Files
Decrypting an encrypted file is a more complex process compared to removing a password from an Excel file. It involves identifying the encryption algorithm used and then using a tool to decrypt the file using the algorithm. The following are some of the popular tools that can be used to decrypt encrypted files:
Hashcat
Hashcat is a popular tool used for password cracking and decryption. It is a command-line tool that supports multiple algorithms and attack types. It is capable of cracking encrypted files, including PDF, ZIP, and Microsoft Office files.
The software uses a variety of attack types, including dictionary attack, brute-force attack, and mask attack. It also supports distributed cracking, allowing multiple computers to work together to crack a password.
John the Ripper
John the Ripper is another popular tool used for password cracking and decryption. It is a command-line tool that supports multiple algorithms and attack types. It is capable of cracking encrypted files, including PDF, ZIP, and Microsoft Office files.
The software has a variety of attack types, including dictionary attack, brute-force attack, and hybrid attack. It also supports distributed cracking, allowing multiple computers to work together to crack a password.
FAQ
1. Is it legal to decrypt encrypted files?
It is legal to decrypt encrypted files as long as the files belong to you or you have obtained them through legal means. However, it is illegal to use password cracking tools to access files that do not belong to you without permission.
2. Can all encrypted files be decrypted?
No, not all encrypted files can be decrypted. Encrypted files are secured using various encryption algorithms, and decryption is only possible if the algorithm is known and a tool is available that can decrypt the file using the algorithm.