Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
USB Tokens
What happens to my data when I encrypt it with GoldKey?
- Secure Drive Encryption – Files placed within a GoldKey Secure Drive are automatically encrypted.
- Right-click Encryption – When you right-click on a file and select Encrypt with GoldKey, the original data is left unmodified by default. You may change this through the GoldKey Software’s security options.
How do I securely share encrypted data?
You can securely share encrypted data by using a GrandMaster or Master Token to set up User Groups and Group Access to your GoldKey Vaults.
- User Groups – GoldKey provides User Groups as a secure way for administrators to distribute security privileges and allow secure file sharing throughout an organization. Groups are created and stored on GoldKey Master and GrandMaster Tokens. Groups created by an administrator on the GrandMaster Token can be passed to its registered Master Tokens. Master Token holders may then pass a group or groups from their Master to any of their registered GoldKey tokens, allowing encrypted data to be shared among all members of a specific group.
- Creating Groups – To create a group using a Master or GrandMaster token, open the GoldKey Administration software, then select the Master Management button in the Master Functions tab, followed by the Create Groups button. You will be prompted for the Master PIN, and you will need to answer one of the personal questions. Click on the New Group button, type a name for the new group, and hit Enter.
- Distributing Groups – You may distribute groups from a GrandMaster to a Master Token or from a Master to a GoldKey Token while registering the token or at any time by selecting Modify GoldKeys from the GoldKey Management Menu.
- GoldKey Vault – Data can be securely shared using GoldKey Vaults. To give a group access to your Vault, open the GoldKeyVault Explorer, select the Vault, and click on the Properties button. Then, go to the Sharing tab. To change the privileges for a group, double-click on its entry in the list provided until the Access column shows the rights you would like to grant to that group. Then click Apply.
How do I email an encrypted attachment?
To email an encrypted version of a particular file or set of files, select the file(s), right-click on them and select the Encrypt with GoldKey option. You will be given the option to specify which groups may access the encrypted data. When you have done so, the original data will be left unmodified* and an encrypted version of the selected file(s) will be created in the same directory. You may need to allow some groups to access this drive so that your email’s recipient will be able to open the Secure Drive. You can then attach this file to your email.
*Note: This is the default behavior. In the GoldKey Administration Software, under the Security Options tab, you can change this.
Can I change the size of a Secure Drive after it is made?
No. If you run out of space on a particular Secure Drive, you may create another. If you only want one, but still need more space, create a larger drive and copy your data into it. Once the data has been copied into the new drive, you can use the GoldKey Software to delete the original drive.
How do I register a GoldKey to a Master?
Start by connecting both the GoldKey you would like to register, as well as the Master Token you would like it to be registered to, to your computer. Open the GoldKey software and click on the Master Management button in the Master Functions tab. Mac users will find Master Management in the GoldKey software’s Window menu.
Please see the GoldKey Manual for more instructions.
How do I create a backup token?
Connect a Master Token to your computer, along with the GoldKey you would like to duplicate. Then, open the GoldKey software and click on the Master Management button in the Master Functions tab. Mac users will find Master Management in the GoldKey software’s Window menu.
Please see the GoldKey Manual for more instructions.
I have forgotten my PIN. Is there a way to clear the PIN and start over?
- If your GoldKey token is registered to a Master, you can use the Master to set a new PIN.
- If you do not have a Master, you can get one and reset the PIN, but this will render any data it has encrypted permanently inaccessible.
- If you have created a GoldKey ID, you can reset your PIN through your GoldKey ID account.
- If your GoldKey is not registered to a Master, there is no way to recover the data without knowing the PIN. Please contact support for available options for resetting your PIN.
How do I reset my GoldKey?
Connect a Master Token to your computer, along with the GoldKey you would like to reset. Then, open the GoldKey software and click on the Master Management button in the Master Functions tab. Mac users will find Master Management in the GoldKey software’s Window menu.
Please see the GoldKey Manual for more instructions.
What happens to my flash data when my GoldKey is cleared?
Once a GoldKey with flash is cleared by a Master token, all of the data that was stored on the flash is gone.
- If you have forgotten your PIN and need to get back into the data on the flash, you will need your registered Master token to reset your token’s personalization.
- If your token is not registered to a Master, you will need to remember the PIN in order to retrieve the data.
GoldKey light won’t turn on. What is wrong?
When the GoldKey’s light doesn’t turn on when it is plugged in, the contacts may be dirty. Rinse out the GoldKey and allow it to fully dry before trying again. There is also a possibility that the GoldKey is not receiving sufficient power from the computer, often resulting from being plugged in through a USB hub of some sort. Plugging the GoldKey into a USB port directly on your computer may make the difference.
When I insert my GoldKey Token, the blue light turns on but my Token is not recognized
Clear from Device Manager – You may need to uninstall the device from within Device Manager and try again. To uninstall the GoldKey:
- From the Start menu, right-click on Computer and click Properties.
- Click on the Device Manager link located in the upper right-hand corner of the window.
- Under Smart Cards you will find an Identity Device (PIV). Right-click on this device and click Uninstall.
- Re-insert your GoldKey token into your computer to allow Windows to reinstall the driver.
I have uninstalled the GoldKey software. How do I access my encrypted data?
To access previously encrypted data, you must use the GoldKey software. After reinstalling the software, you will be able to unlock your Secure Drives and copy the data out (unless you have deleted the Secure Drives). Once this process has been completed, you may remove the Secure Drives and again uninstall the GoldKey software. However, if the Secure Drives have been deleted, the data is gone.
Note: Data stored on a GoldKey Token’s on-board flash can be accessed without having the GoldKey software installed on your computer.