Graphical manipulation of encryption

摘要

A method and apparatus for graphical manipulation of encryption. In one embodiment, the invention provides an encryption work area window within a graphical user interface. A user may encrypt an unencrypted object by dropping an icon associated with the unencrypted object on the encryption work area. An encrypted object located within the encryption work area is decrypted when opened and encrypted when closed. An encrypted object located within the encryption work area is decrypted if it is dragged and dropped outside the encryption work area and decryption is selected; alternatively, the encryption of the encrypted object is maintained if it is dragged and dropped outside the work area and maintain encryption is selected.