CodeBook – Client/User License – Linux/macOS Documentation

Keeping Things Secure!

 

 

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Client – Linux/macOS |
Manager – Windows |
Manager – Linux/macOS |
CBClient – Android

Use Case

The CodeBook Client License is the primary end-user application for the SCSC CodeBook System on Linux and macOS.
Client users cannot create new CodeBooks, but they can:

  • Edit messages
  • Encrypt outgoing messages
  • Decrypt incoming messages
  • Read messages using any CodeBook they are authorized to access

This is the version most team members will use for their day-to-day secure communication.

Key CodeBook Terms

CodeBook

A CodeBook is a secure encryption resource that allows messages to be encrypted and decrypted.
Without the correct CodeBook, a message cannot be read. CodeBooks use our proprietary encryption system.

Group

Each CodeBook is associated with a Group name, which is a five-character identifier that describes the team or purpose it serves.
Examples:

  • sales – Sales Team
  • _mark – Marketing
  • Team1 – Project Team

Group names must be exactly five characters long and may contain letters and/or numbers.

Installation (Linux)

On most Linux distributions, installation looks like this:

  1. Create a directory to hold the CodeBook program: 
    mkdir ~/CBSystem
  2. Move the downloaded CodeBook file into that directory and set permissions: 
    mv ~/Downloads/CodeBook ~/CBSystem/
cd ~/CBSystem
chmod 770 CodeBook
  3. Run CodeBook: 
    ./CodeBook

On first run, you’ll be prompted to:

  • Run in Demo Mode (15 days), or
  • Register with your Client License for full functionality

Installation (macOS)

Method 1: PKG Installer (Recommended Until Apple Store goes live with the product)

**Best for:** Quick, one-click installation

1. **Download** the installer:
– [Download CodeBook-Setup-V5.2.pkg](https://seccomsol.com/downloads/CodeBook-Setup-V5.2.pkg)

2. **Open** the downloaded file:
– Double-click `CodeBook-Setup-V5.2.pkg`

3. **Install:**
– Click “Continue” through the installer
– Click “Install”
– Enter your Mac password if prompted
– Click “Close” when installation completes

4. **Launch:**
– Open your Applications folder
– Find CodeBook
– Right-click and select “Open”
– Click “Open” in the security dialog
– (Only needed the first time)

—

Method 2: DMG Installer (Traditional)

**Best for:** Users who prefer drag-and-drop

1. **Download** the disk image:
– [Download CodeBook-macOS-V5.2.dmg](https://seccomsol.com/downloads/CodeBook-macOS-V5.2.dmg)

2. **Open** the downloaded file:
– Double-click `CodeBook-macOS-V5.2.dmg`
– A new window will open

3. **Install:**
– Drag the CodeBook icon to the Applications folder
– Wait for the copy to complete

4. **Eject:**
– Eject the CodeBook disk image

5. **Launch:**
– Open your Applications folder
– Find CodeBook
– Right-click and select “Open”
– Click “Open” in the security dialog
– (Only needed the first time)

—

## First Launch

### Security Dialog

When you first launch CodeBook, macOS will show a security warning:

**”CodeBook” cannot be opened because it is from an unidentified developer.**

**Solution:**
1. Right-click (or Control-click) on CodeBook in Applications
2. Select “Open” from the menu
3. Click “Open” in the dialog that appears
4. CodeBook will launch normally from now on

Again, you can choose Demo Mode (15 days) or register with your Client License.

Client/User Main Menu

The Client/User version displays the following menu options:

The CodeBook System V5.2
CBClient – <YourName>Create Message
Encrypt Message
Decrypt Incoming Message
System Maintenance
Close

Importing CodeBooks

When a Manager sends you a CodeBook (CodeBook.zip):

  1. Save the file to your Downloads directory.

  2. Open CodeBook and select System Maintenance.

  3. Select Manage CodeBooks.

  4. Click Import on the bottom bar.

  5. Select CodeBook.zip from the Downloads folder.

Creating a Message

To compose a new outgoing message:

  1. Select Create Message.

  2. The message editor opens, allowing you to type your message.

  3. When finished, click Save Message.

Your message is now ready for encryption.

Encrypting a Message

  1. Select Encrypt Message.

  2. Choose the CodeBook to use for encryption.

  3. Click Encrypt.

The encrypted message is saved as:

YYYYMMDDHHMM.emsg

Important Notes

  • The encrypted file remains until manually deleted.

  • The unencrypted source file is deleted after encryption.

  • Until encrypted, the message remains readable on your system.

⚠ Security Warning:
Always encrypt messages immediately after writing to minimize exposure risk.

Decrypting a Message

  1. Save the incoming .emsg file to your Downloads directory.

  2. Select Decrypt Message.

  3. Either:

    • Choose the file from the list, or

    • Click the + icon and browse to the Downloads folder.

The decrypted message opens in the app read screen.

  • When read screen is closed, the temporary decrypted file is automatically deleted.

  • The encrypted .emsg file remains intact.

System Maintenance

The System Maintenance menu provides the following options:

  • Change Password

  • Delete Encrypted Messages

  • Manage CodeBooks

Use this menu to maintain system security and remove old encrypted files as needed.