Denying access to a specific file

[24fps]

Hi all,

I am about to transfer all the files pertaining to a project, copy them onto an external hard drive and give the drive to my client.

There are 4 .VEG files (Sony Vegas files, my video editing software) that I would like to be protected. Meaning that only me can open those files. So that the client can't simply hire another dude with the same software and freely work on the project on his end. Actually I highly doubt that my client is even remotely capable of doing something like that but this is a security protocol I wanted to implement for a while and now is a good place to start.

So is there a way to password protect those files or denying access altogether?

Because if the files are set to read-only once they are transferred onto the external drive that is not good enough. After all, someone can open the project and simply save it using another name.

Thanks

Phil

 

[brady]

Honestly, I would just take the Vegas file off the drive. Anything we do to it, can be reverted/corrected by another 'dude'. Is this an option?

 

[24fps]

I understand why you are thinking about this option but for the intent of my work it cannot be so. The project files are invaluable and I want my client to have them for backup purposes since I won't be keeping. The client is responsible for all the data that pertain to it's video.

So if something happens I can just pop into their office, grab the drive and resume the work where it was left off.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Phil

 

[periboob]

Take a look at TrueCrypt TrueCrypt - Free Open-Source On-The-Fly Disk Encryption Software for Windows 7/Vista/XP, Mac OS X and Linux
Last I saw, it had a pretty good rep.

 

[brady]

I understand why you are thinking about this option but for the intent of my work it cannot be so. The project files are invaluable and I want my client to have them for backup purposes since I won't be keeping. The client is responsible for all the data that pertain to it's video.

So if something happens I can just pop into their office, grab the drive and resume the work where it was left off.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Phil

Well then, due to intellectual property laws you can't lock anyone out of it

 

[24fps]

Thanks for the suggestion Peri but it turns out that this is not exactly what I am looking for. Perhaps a locked and/or password protected USB key might be a good alternative.

What do you think?

 

[logicearth]

Right-click one of the files > Properties > Advance > Encrypt contents to secure data. Then only your computer can open them. As long as you do not reinstall Windows without decrypting them...

 

[JDobbsy1987]

I understand why you are thinking about this option but for the intent of my work it cannot be so. The project files are invaluable and I want my client to have them for backup purposes since I won't be keeping. The client is responsible for all the data that pertain to it's video.

So if something happens I can just pop into their office, grab the drive and resume the work where it was left off.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks,

Phil

Well then, due to intellectual property laws you can't lock anyone out of it

I'm with brady on this, it sounds like these files are technically the property of someone else but you have and may do some work for them in the future, if these files are theirs then you can really lock them out of it.

Providing they have received a good service, I'm sure they will come back to you if they need more work

Regards,
JDobbsy1987

 

[24fps]

Nope this is our work, not to mention that most of the time my clients do not buy the royalty on the music and graphic motion that was done for them, so, technically, they cannot reuse or alter the video in any way.

Oh they will come back as I provide an excellent service and all my clients are entirely satisfied so this is simply a precaution.

@Logicearth : Thanks !!!

Phil