To create a field that maintains a list of secret encryption keys

About this task

Example

If you are using secret encryption keys rather than public encryption keys to encrypt documents, maintain a list of the keys you create. To provide a convenient list of frequently used encryption keys, create a special SecretEncryptionKeys field. To create this field, the form must already have fields enabled for encryption.

Procedure

  1. Open the form.
  2. Create a field named SecretEncryptionKeys. Define it as a text or list choice field that is editable or computed.
  3. Do one of the following:
    • If you've created a list choice field, click the Control tab and select "Enter choices (one per line)." Write each entry, using a keyword and a synonym that describes the encryption key -- for example, Encrypt | ConfidentialKey. Use a null value for the "Don't encrypt" option.
    • If you've created a text field, go to Step 4.
  4. Click the Programmer's pane and choose Formula in the Script area.
  5. Do one of the following:
    • For a computed field, add a formula that returns the name of the encryption key to use.
    • For an editable field, add a default value formula.
  6. Optional: Click the Advanced tab. Select "Security options: Enable encryption for this field" so unauthorized users cannot see the names of encryption keys used in the formulas and keywords.
  7. Save and close the form.
  8. You or the database manager must distribute secret encryption keys to all users who need them.

Results

If the SecretEncryptionKeys field is empty (null), the document is not encrypted.