FAQ

Getting Started with Cipher

How do I get started with Cipher?

To begin using Cipher, you'll need to:

• Generate or import a valid key pair (private/public). [→ Key Generation & Distribution]

• Create a valid structured channel. [→ Cipher Channels Explained]

• Encrypt your first file or message. [→ Encrypting Files, Messages, Media]

What happens if I lose my private key or channel?

There is no recovery possible. Cipher is fully decentralized and stateless. If you lose your private key or structured channel, all associated data becomes permanently inaccessible. [→ Data Recovery Constraints]

How do I share a channel securely with another user?

You can create and share a secure channel physically or through a temporary zero-knowledge exchange process. This is described in detail in [→ Cross-device Channel Handling].

Can I use Cipher without an internet connection?

Yes. Once the application is loaded, it works entirely offline and locally, including encryption, decryption, key handling, and structured channel validation. [→ Using Offline / Local Mode]

How do I manage multiple contacts without storing sensitive info?

Cipher supports encrypted contact lists using your own persistent key pair and a single structured channel you remember. These encrypted lists store all keys and channels per contact securely. [→ Creating and Managing Self-Encrypted Contact Lists]

Should I rotate keys and channels regularly?

Yes. It is recommended to periodically rotate your key pairs and, more rarely, your structured channels. This prevents long-term traceability and improves cryptographic hygiene. [→ Rotating Keys & Channel Safety Lifecycle]

Is Cipher post-quantum secure?

Cipher is adaptable to any post-quantum algorithm, and its polymorphic substitution layers introduce additional entropy beyond standard cryptography. [→ Post-Quantum Adaptability]

What’s the maximum file size I can encrypt?

Cipher currently supports:

• Text/documents: up to ~10 megabits (~1.2 MB, about 250-page PDF).

• Audio: up to ~3 minutes (~3.5 MB).

• Video: up to ~15 seconds (~8 MB).

These limits are subject to device capability and will expand in future updates. [→ Encrypting Files, Messages, Media]