Locki

Product Introduction

1. Locki is a browser extension that provides real-time encryption for sensitive text directly within web applications and text editors. It operates by encrypting user-selected content before transmission and decrypting it upon receipt, ensuring end-to-end protection of confidential data like passwords and API keys. The tool integrates seamlessly with major browsers including Chrome, Firefox, and Safari, requiring no external applications or account registration.
2. The core value of Locki lies in its ability to secure communications and data entry points within browsers without disrupting user workflows. By leveraging AES-256 encryption locally on the device, it guarantees that sensitive information never leaves the user’s system in an unencrypted state. This approach eliminates reliance on third-party servers for key management, ensuring full user control over data privacy.

Main Features

1. Locki enables inline encryption within text areas and editors, allowing users to encrypt selected text via a right-click context menu without switching applications. Encrypted content is replaced with a secure block (e.g., #-LOCKI-ENC-START-#ENCRYPTED_PAYLOAD#-LOCKI-ENC-END-#), which remains protected until explicitly decrypted by authorized users.
2. The extension supports shared AES-256 keys, enabling teams to securely collaborate by generating or importing keys through the Locki popup interface. Keys are stored exclusively in the browser’s memory, ensuring they are inaccessible to external parties or even Locki’s own servers.
3. Encrypted blocks are displayed as interactive "lockied" placeholders on web pages, which users can click to decrypt on demand. This feature maintains readability in interfaces like emails or documentation while keeping the actual content secure until accessed by verified recipients.

Problems Solved

1. Locki addresses the risk of exposing sensitive data in web-based applications such as email clients, project management tools, and communication platforms. Traditional methods like manual encryption or password managers often fail to integrate directly into text editors, leaving gaps during data entry or sharing.
2. The product targets individuals and teams handling confidential information, including developers, IT administrators, and remote collaborators who require secure text transmission. It is particularly relevant for users managing API keys, proprietary code, or private communications in browsers.
3. Typical use cases include encrypting passwords in shared project documentation, securing API keys pasted into cloud-based development environments, and protecting confidential notes in web apps like Gmail or Slack. It also enables secure cross-team collaboration by allowing controlled key sharing.

Unique Advantages

1. Unlike standalone encryption tools or VPNs, Locki operates natively within browser text fields, eliminating the need to toggle between applications. This direct integration ensures encryption is applied at the point of data entry, reducing human error.
2. The use of interactive "lockied" placeholders distinguishes Locki from static encryption tools, as it allows users to visually identify encrypted content while maintaining seamless inline decryption. This innovation balances security with usability in collaborative workflows.
3. Locki’s client-side encryption model provides a competitive edge by ensuring keys never leave the user’s device, unlike cloud-based password managers. Its cross-browser compatibility and support for team key sharing further differentiate it from single-user or platform-specific solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do I need an account to use Locki? No account or registration is required; the extension works immediately after installation in supported browsers. All encryption and decryption processes occur locally, with keys stored exclusively in the browser’s memory.
2. Can others decrypt my messages? Only users with the specific AES-256 key used for encryption can decrypt the content. Locki provides tools to securely share keys with trusted recipients, but without explicit key exchange, encrypted data remains inaccessible.
3. Does Locki work in apps like Slack or Gmail? Yes, Locki functions in any web-based application running in supported browsers, including Slack, Jira, and Gmail. It does not support standalone desktop or mobile apps outside browser environments.