CodeBook – Manager License – Linux/macOS Documentation

Keeping Things Secure!

 

 

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Use Case

The CodeBook Manager License grants full administrative capability within the SCSC CodeBook System.
Managers can:

  • Create new CodeBooks
  • Export CodeBooks for other managers or teams
  • Import CodeBooks received from other Manager users
  • Encrypt outgoing messages
  • Decrypt incoming messages
  • Read and edit messages using any authorized CodeBook

This license is intended for group leaders, administrators, and personnel responsible for the management of secure communication groups.

Key CodeBook Terms

CodeBook

A secure encryption resource. All encrypted messages require a matching CodeBook to decrypt.
CodeBooks are created using a 5-character group name and 20 custom words.

Group

The name of a CodeBook.
Must be exactly five characters, letters or numbers.
Examples:

  • sales
  • _mark
  • Team1

Group names identify who uses the CodeBook.

Installation (Linux)

To install CodeBook on Linux:

  1. Create a folder for the CodeBook system: 
    mkdir ~/CBSystem
  2. Move the downloaded program and set permissions: 
    mv ~/Downloads/CodeBook ~/CBSystem/
cd ~/CBSystem
chmod 770 CodeBook
  3. Launch CodeBook: 
    ./CodeBook

You will then choose Demo Mode (15 days) or register with your Manager License.

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

—

Select Demo Mode or register with your Manager License.

Manager Main Menu

The Client/User version displays the following menu options:

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

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.

Create New CodeBook

  1. Click on Create New CodeBook
  2. Click on Create New
  3. Follow the prompts and save your work.

Export a CodeBook

  1. 1. Click on the Export CodeBook2. 
  2. Click on the CodeBook Group you wish to export
  3. Click on Export
  4. The file CodeBook.zip is saved to your Downloads directory.
  5. Email the CodeBook.zip file to your team mate(s) that need it, place it on an USB drive or otherwise transfer it to the right people.⚠ Security Warning:

⚠ Security Warning:
Always remove the CodeBook.zip file immediately after sending it to the right people to minimize exposure risk.

Importing CodeBooks

When another 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.

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.