Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ChatterCrypt?

ChatterCrypt is a secure platform designed for encrypting and decrypting files and messages. It uses advanced encryption, obfuscation techniques, and shared secrets to ensure data security.

2. How does ChatterCrypt work?

ChatterCrypt encrypts data by combining it with a shared secret provided by the user. The encrypted output can be securely shared, ensuring only those with the correct shared secret can decrypt it.

3. Who can use ChatterCrypt?

ChatterCrypt is for anyone valuing privacy and security, including individuals and businesses handling sensitive data.

4. Is there an offline version of ChatterCrypt?

No, ChatterCrypt is currently only available as an online service. Offline versions are not available at this stage.

5. Does ChatterCrypt store my personal information?

No, ChatterCrypt does not require logins or subscriptions and does not store any personal information, ensuring complete privacy.

6. What is a shared secret, and why is it important?

A shared secret is a passphrase known only to the sender and recipient. It ensures that only someone with the correct shared secret can decrypt the data.

7. What is the maximum size of files I can encrypt?

Files up to 100 MB can be encrypted. For multiple files, compress them into a ZIP or RAR archive before uploading.

8. What is the maximum message length I can encrypt?

Messages are limited to 10,000 characters. A live counter on the encryption page tracks your input.

9. How does encryption affect file size?

Encryption slightly increases file size due to added metadata and obfuscation layers. This increase is minimal and remains within the decryption limit of 150 MB.

10. What happens if I forget the shared secret?

If you forget the shared secret, decryption is impossible. ChatterCrypt does not store shared secrets for your security.

11. How do I get an API key?

API keys can be generated directly from the ChatterCrypt platform. Once created, they can be used for both GUI operations and API calls.

12. Should I regularly update my API key?

No, you need to keep your generated API key secure and stored safely. Regularly updating your API key is unnecessary and can result in token loss if the previous key is misplaced.

13. What happens if I lose my API key?

If you lose your API key, you will need to generate a new one. Any remaining tokens associated with the old key will be lost, as ChatterCrypt does not store user information. This ensures that only the key holder can access the API functionality.

14. How are API keys used differently by individuals versus businesses?

For individual users, API keys are straightforward to use. They authenticate and process tasks directly, and the associated rate limits apply solely to the individual key. This allows users to perform encryption or decryption tasks within the rate limit constraints of their API key without additional considerations.

For businesses, API key management becomes more complex because businesses may serve multiple customers under one API key. To manage rate limits effectively and ensure equitable service for their customers, businesses must include a customer_id parameter in their API calls. This ensures that rate limits are applied at the customer_id level rather than to the overall API key. Without this, all tasks performed by the business's customers would count against the single API key's rate limits, potentially impacting service for all customers.

Additionally, it is the responsibility of the business to manage their own customer_id values. ChatterCrypt does not store or track these identifiers; they are only used to process the specific task at hand and apply appropriate rate limits. This design ensures data security and privacy while allowing businesses to handle multiple customers efficiently.

15. What happens if abuse is detected?

If abuse or misuse of the system is detected from a specific API key or customer_id, ChatterCrypt reserves the right to throttle or disable the API key in question. Abuse includes but is not limited to exceeding rate limits in short succession, spamming requests, or attempting unauthorized tasks.

To avoid disruptions, users and businesses must ensure the system is used in accordance with ChatterCrypt's guidelines and policies. For businesses, managing customer_id values responsibly and monitoring customer activity is essential to prevent any potential issues.

16. How secure is ChatterCrypt?

ChatterCrypt uses multiple encryption algorithms with obfuscation methods and shared secrets to make decryption practically impossible without the correct passphrase.

17. Does ChatterCrypt store my files or messages?

No, ChatterCrypt does not store any files, messages, or shared secrets. All data is processed temporarily and discarded immediately after encryption or decryption.

18. How does the token system work?

Users purchase API token bundles, which can be used for both GUI operations and API calls. Each API call consumes one token, except for balance checks which does not consume any tokens. ChatterCrypt uses Paypal for checkout so you can either check out using your Paypal account or check out by card. Balance checks performed via an API call is limited to 1 check every 10 mins to prevent abuse of the ChatterCrypt servers.

19. Can I subscribe to ChatterCrypt?

No, ChatterCrypt does not operate on a subscription model. Users purchase token bundles as needed.

20. How can I check my token balance?

You can check your token balance using the `/check_api_key_balance` API endpoint or the **Buy Tokens** page by entering your API key.