When you need to quickly protect a sensitive file, encryption is your best defense. But on a work computer or a locked-down machine, installing new apps isn’t always an option. And trusting confidential documents to an online service can be risky.

That’s where VAULT comes in—a lightweight, open-source tool that lets you encrypt and decrypt files entirely inside your browser, without uploading anything to a server. Your data never leaves your device, and you stay in full control.

Below is everything you need to know.

What Is VAULT?

VAULT is an open-source, web-based encryption utility designed to secure files directly in your browser. It relies on two widely trusted cryptographic standards used throughout the security industry:

AES-GCM

A modern symmetric encryption mode that ensures two things:

  • Confidentiality — your data is unreadable without the correct key
  • Integrity — the file includes an authentication tag so you know it hasn’t been altered

AES-GCM is the same class of encryption used in TLS, secure messaging apps, and enterprise-grade security tools.

PBKDF2 + SHA-512

To convert your password into a strong encryption key, VAULT uses:

  • PBKDF2 — applies thousands of iterations plus a unique salt to resist brute-force attacks
  • SHA-512 — a 512-bit hashing algorithm that helps harden your password-derived key

Together, these two layers ensure that your password is transformed into a secure key before any encryption takes place.

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All encryption happens locally

The biggest advantage:
VAULT never uploads your files anywhere.
Everything—key derivation, encryption, and decryption—runs within your browser’s JavaScript engine.

No accounts, no tracking, no data transfer.

How to Use VAULT in Your Browser

Using VAULT couldn’t be easier. Just visit:
👉 https://vault.alzina.dev/

The interface includes two sections:

  • One for encrypting files
  • One for decrypting previously encrypted .vault files

Encrypt a File

  1. Click “Browse…” and choose the file you want to protect.
  2. Enter a password.
  3. Select “Encrypt & Download.”

VAULT immediately generates an encrypted file with the .vault extension, which you can safely store, email, or archive.

Decrypt a File

  1. Upload your .vault file.
  2. Enter the password you used during encryption.
  3. Click “Decrypt & Download.”

VAULT reconstructs and downloads the original file instantly.

That’s all—no installation, no cloud processing, no friction.

Running Your Own VAULT Instance with Docker

If you prefer full control—especially for business, internal use, or self-hosted security setups—VAULT can also be deployed via Docker.

This is ideal for:

  • NAS devices
  • Home servers
  • Private lab environments
  • Offline or isolated networks

The official documentation includes full setup instructions, configuration examples, and Docker files for a clean, reproducible deployment.

Conclusion: Simple, Secure, and Fully Local Encryption

VAULT offers one of the safest and easiest ways to encrypt files without installing software or trusting third-party services. It leverages proven cryptographic standards, works entirely offline within your browser, and gives you total control over sensitive data.

Whether you’re securing documents on a work PC or protecting personal files on the go, VAULT delivers a fast, private, and open-source solution you can rely on.

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