F-Link security update - What you need to do before your next installation
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Starting June 9, every .fdb file you open or create in F-Link will require a password. The change is mandatory. Setup takes two minutes.
A .fdb file holds the full configuration of a client's system. If it leaves your PC, that data has to be protected. Data protection law requires it.
Setting your password
The first time you open the new F-Link, you'll be asked to set a password.
If you tick "Remember password"
Your password is saved to Windows Credential Manager. F-Link uses it automatically. You won't be prompted each time. Any .fdb file you open or create on this machine is encrypted with it. If a file is already encrypted, F-Link tries your saved password first.
If you don't save your password
F-Link will ask you to enter it every time you open a .fdb file.
Either way, one password covers your entire PC. You don't set a different password per file.
A file is encrypted the moment it has a password. Once encrypted, it cannot be opened in older versions of F-Link.
Sharing .fdb files with other users
To share a .fdb file with a colleague or technical support, use "Save As" and set a temporary password in the dialog. Send that password separately. The recipient uses it to open the file. It applies to that file only. Your own password stays the same.
If you share a file without doing this, the recipient's F-Link will ask them for your own password. That exposes it.
Back up your password. Do it before anything else.
Write it down. Store it in a password manager, or somewhere away from this PC.
If you forget your password, you will not be able to open any .fdb file created or modified on this PC under your account. There is no reset. There is no recovery.
In case of password loss, it is possible to create new copy of .fdb by connecting F-Link to the control panel.
What to do now
- Update to the new F-Link 3.0.5.
- Open F-Link and set your password when prompted.
- Write it down and back it up before you do anything else.
- If you work with a team or share files with others, send them this update before you exchange any re-encrypted .fdb files.