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<title>VeraCrypt - Free Open source disk encryption with strong security for the Paranoid</title>
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<a href="Avoid%20Third-Party%20File%20Extensions.html">Avoid Third-Party File Extensions</a>
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<h1>Understanding the Risks of Using Third-Party File Extensions with VeraCrypt</h1>
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<p>While VeraCrypt provides robust encryption capabilities to secure your data, using third-party file extensions for File Containers or Keyfiles could risk making the encrypted data inaccessible.<br />
This guide provides an in-depth explanation of the associated risks, and it outlines recommendations for best practices to mitigate these risks.</p>
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<h2>Risks Associated with File Containers</h2>
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<p>Using a third-party file extension for File Containers exposes you to several risks:</p>
<ul>
<li>Overwritten Metadata: Third-party applications may update their metadata, which could overwrite crucial parts of the File Container.</li>
<li>Unintentional Changes: Accidentally launching a File Container with a third-party application could modify its metadata without your consent.</li>
<li>Container Corruption: These actions could render the container unreadable or unusable.</li>
<li>Data Loss: The data within the container might be permanently lost if the container becomes corrupted.</li>
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<h2>Risks Associated with Keyfiles</h2>
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<p>Similar risks are associated with Keyfiles:</p>
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<li>Keyfile Corruption: Inadvertently modifying a Keyfile with a third-party application can make it unusable for decryption.</li>
<li>Overwritten Data: Third-party applications may overwrite the portion of the Keyfile that VeraCrypt uses for decryption.</li>
<li>Unintentional Changes: Accidental changes can make it impossible to mount the volume unless you have an unaltered backup of the Keyfile.</li>
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<h2>Examples of Extensions to Avoid</h2>
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<p>Avoid using the following types of third-party file extensions:</p>
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<li>Media Files: Picture, audio, and video files are subject to metadata changes by their respective software.</li>
<li>Archive Files: Zip files can be easily modified, which could disrupt the encrypted volume.</li>
<li>Executable Files: Software updates can modify these files, making them unreliable as File Containers or Keyfiles.</li>
<li>Document Files: Office and PDF files can be automatically updated by productivity software, making them risky to use.</li>
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<h2>Recommendations</h2>
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<p>For secure usage, consider the following best practices:</p>
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<li>Use neutral file extensions for File Containers and Keyfiles to minimize the risk of automatic file association.</li>
<li>Keep secure backups of your File Containers and Keyfiles in locations isolated from network access.</li>
<li>Disable auto-open settings for the specific file extensions you use for VeraCrypt File Containers and Keyfiles.</li>
<li>Always double-check file associations and be cautious when using a new device or third-party application.</li>
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