How to decrypt all files encrypted with SmartEncrypt and exit the product

SmartEncrypt provides a robust and secure solution for file-level encryption, ensuring data protection through advanced encryption policies and key management. However, there may be instances where a user needs to completely decrypt all files, remove all encryption policies, delete encryption keys, and exit the product. This guide outlines the steps required to securely and systematically perform these actions.

Step 1: Removing All Encryption Policies

To remove all encryption policies to prevent further encryption:

1. Access the SmartEncrypt Manage Rules section under Keys and Rules in SmartEncrypt Management Console: https://console.smartencrypt.com/rules

2. Remove each encryption rule individually.

3. Confirm the removal of policies by updating encryption policy on the SmartEncrypt desktop client.

Step 2: Download and keep the encryption keys backup, and SmartEncrypt client

It is important to keep the encryption keys backup, and SmartEncrypt client installer as it will allow file decryption after exiting the product. For more information refer to the following article: https://smartencrypt-support.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/8143764515100-Encryption-Key-Backup-and-Encrypted-File-Recovery

Step 2: Decrypting All Encrypted Files

To restore all files to their original, unencrypted state, follow these steps:

1. Login to SmartEncrypt desktop client.

2. Locate all files that need to be decrypted, and make sure the logged-in user has access to all required encryption keys. If the user doesn't have all required encryption keys, not all files will be able to be decrypted.

3. For each file, or folder, use SmartEncrypt in Windows Explorer context menu to decrypt files.

4. Don't forger to repeat step #3 for all files and folders located in shared locations, like network shares, SharePoint, OneDrive, and other locations.

5. Confirm the decryption by making sure no files have SmartEncrypt shield icon on them.

Step 3: Deleting All Encryption Keys

Deleting encryption keys is an irreversible action and should only be performed once all encrypted files have been successfully decrypted. To proceed:

1. Before deleting keys make sure that there are no files left with SmartEncrypt encryption still on them. By deleting the key you will permanently lose access to files encrypted with the corresponding key.

2. Navigate to the SmartEncrypt Manage Keys section in SmartEncrypt Management Console: https://console.smartencrypt.com/keys.

3. For each encryption key select the option to delete it.

Step 4: Deleting All Users and Groups

To remove all users and groups:

1. Access the SmartEncrypt Users section in SmartEncrypt Management Console: https://console.smartencrypt.com/users

2. Archive, then delete each user.

3. Confirm no active or archived users left.

4. Perform the same steps for Groups in https://console.smartencrypt.com/groups

Step 5: Uninstall SmartEncrypt client

After all files are decrypted, uninstall SmartEncrypt client from all devices. On Windows devices, perform a reboot after uninstallation. Please note, after uninstalling SmartEncrypt client, all encrypted files will stay encrypted, but the SmartEncrypt shield icon will not be displayed.

Step 6: Uninstall SmartEncrypt app for SharePoint (if applicable)

After all files are decrypted, uninstall SmartEncrypt app for SharePoint. More information about the app can be fore here: https://smartencrypt-support.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/8144371846044-Installing-and-configuring-SmartEncrypt-for-SharePoint-Online