Pocket PC Security's Confidential Notes 1.1

With identity and personal information theft continuing to rise at an alarming rate, the necessity of securing computers, networks and storage devices is greater than ever. The same is true for Windows Mobile devices. Because of their mobile, easy-of-use, and users putting more and more personal information on them, these devices are increasingly becoming the target of identity and personal information thieves.

While securing the physical device helps in prevention of theft, once the device is in the hands of thieves, it is important that sensitive information be secured from them at all costs. To that end, Pocket PC Security has developed Confidential Notes 1.1. Confidential Notes allows Windows Mobile users to enter text, audio and drawings and have those entries password protected. Beyond just password protecting them, Confidential Notes also uses a 256-bit AES encryption key to make it virtually impossible for the files to be cracked without the password. All of this is done in a well written and easy-to-use application with an intuitive interface. For anyone who stores secure or sensitive information on their Windows Mobile device, Confidential Notes is a must-have application.

Confidential Notes is installed via ActiveSync and can be installed in Main Memory, Built-in Storage (such as the iPAQ File Store) or on a Storage Card. The application itself requires approximately 400K of storage to install and is compatible with Pocket PC 2002, 2003 and 2003 SE.

During the installation of Confidential Notes, users are prompted for the creation of a password for access to the application once it is installed. Confidential Notes provides two levels of security: Standard and Paranoid (Figure 1). Standard security means that one password (Figure 2) will be required to open any note or the application while Paranoid will require two (Figure 3). The beauty of the application is that no matter which one is chosen, the files created in Confidential Notes are still encrypted.

Figure 1: Security Settings Provides a Standard or Paranoid Option


Figure 2: Standard Security requires one Password	Figure 3: Paranoid Security requires two Passwords

Once the security level is chosen, users are prompted to enter a password or passwords with a repeat entry to assure accuracy. Next users are prompted for a password reminder (Figure 4). This is a question that users can answer to allow them to retrieve the password on Confidential Notes should they forget it (Figure 5 & 6).

Figure 4: Setting of the Password Reminder in Confidential Notes


Figure 5: Reminder Question	Figure 6: Password given by answering the Reminder Question

Once Confidential Notes is started, the application presents an Explorer-like display with a list of all of the available notes to open. The taskbar at the bottom of the display allows users to set options for the application as well as create new notes off of the New menu. Within Confidential Notes there are four types of notes that can be created: Text, Audio, Sketch and Combo (Figure 7). Also on the taskbar are the four options in icon form. The icons are in the same order as the New menu from left to right.

Figure 7: The New Menu of Confidential Notes

As the name suggests, Text notes are text only notes (Figure 8). The input can be done via the soft keyboard, an attached keyboard or other input method such as PhatWare’s CalliGrapher. Once a note is created, users are prompted to save the note when they attempt to exit it. The default names for the notes reflect the type of note that it is, such as “text” or “audio” appearing in the name (Figure 9).


Figure 8: Text Note in Confidential Notes	Figure 9: The default name indicates the type of note

Audio notes allow users to record and play back notes using the built-in microphone and speaker on their Windows Mobile device (Figure 10). Confidential Notes’ interface is very similar to that of the built-in Audio Recorder of Windows Mobile itself. Audio notes even uses the settings for audio recording within the Windows Mobile device itself and does not have a separate configuration tool. This is a real benefit to users as they do not have to adjust properties in two different locations. It is important for users to verify these settings by tapping Start>Settings>Input>Options on their device (Figure 11). The small the format the lower the audio quality but the less space it takes up on the device itself.


Figure 10: Audio Notes in Confidential Notes	Figure 11: The audio configuration of Windows Mobile

The Sketch Note function in Confidential Notes allows users to draw instead of just typing a note. This is particularly helpful when working on flowcharts or diagrams (Figure 12). Essentially, the Sketch Note function works similar to PhatWare’s PhatPad with fewer features. Unlike PhatPad however, these notes are encrypted by default.

Figure 12: Sketch Notes in Confidential Notes

Finally, there are times where notes need not only a drawing but text as well. This is where the Combo function of Confidential Notes comes to the fore. With Combo notes, users can draw out images like that of the Sketch note function. However they can also tap the input icon on the taskbar and text can be added to the note as well (Figure 13). It is important to note that in both Sketch and Combo mode, a grey outline boxes the sketch itself. In order to type text in a Combo note, the cursor needs to be placed outside of that box.

Figure 13: The Combo note function allows for users to have text and sketches in the same note

In some instances, it may be more helpful to have Confidential Notes in Landscape mode while in Sketch and Combo note modes (Figure 14). The application works well in Landscape mode using Windows Mobile 2003 SE with only the password screen being difficult to use when using the soft keyboard to enter text.

Figure 14: Confidential Notes in VGA and Landscape Mode

Overall it is difficult to find something not to like about Confidential Notes. The application is well behaved and worked flawlessly on my Windows Mobile 2003 and 2003 SE devices.

Confidential Notes sells for $19.95 and can be purchased via Handango or PocketGear. A Three-useage demonstration version of the application can also be downloaded from these online retailers. For more information, including how-to videos, visit the Pocket PC Security website at http://www.pocketpcsecurity.com/

Clinton Fitch
Senior Editor
Clinton Fitch (Dot) Com! (http://www.clintonfitch.com)
HPC:Factor (http://www.hpcfactor.com)