47 votes
SEC File - What is a .sec file and how do I open it?
Learn about .SEC files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a SEC file? An SEC file is a data file that contains private encryption keys used by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption software, which are necessary for decrypting messages or files encrypted using a corresponding public key. SEC files may also store key metadata , such as creation and expiration dates, and be passphrase-protected.
More Information Phil Zimmermann initially developed Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption software in 1991 to provide strong encryption for securing email communication and file transfers for people concerned with privacy. Ownership of PGP changed over the years, with several companies, including Symantec, continuing to develop the software. However, Broadcom, which acquired it in 2019, now maintains it. PGP encryption uses a pair of keys, a private key and a public key, which work together to secure information. The public key is shared with others and used to encrypt messages or files intended for you. The private key stored in the SEC file is kept secret and used to decrypt those messages or files. NOTE: SEC files are often called "secret key rings" since they can store multiple private keys in one file. Because of their importance, people typically protect SEC files with a passphrase to prevent unauthorized access.
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DeveloperGuinXell
Popularity2.9 | 7 Votes
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.SEC File Extension
3 file types use the .sec file extension.
PGP Secret Key Ring
| Developer | Broadcom |
| Popularity |
3.6 | 47 Votes |
What is a SEC file?
An SEC file is a data file that contains private encryption keys used by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption software, which are necessary for decrypting messages or files encrypted using a corresponding public key. SEC files may also store key metadata , such as creation and expiration dates, and be passphrase-protected.
More Information
Phil Zimmermann initially developed Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) encryption software in 1991 to provide strong encryption for securing email communication and file transfers for people concerned with privacy. Ownership of PGP changed over the years, with several companies, including Symantec, continuing to develop the software. However, Broadcom, which acquired it in 2019, now maintains it.
PGP encryption uses a pair of keys, a private key and a public key, which work together to secure information. The public key is shared with others and used to encrypt messages or files intended for you. The private key stored in the SEC file is kept secret and used to decrypt those messages or files.
NOTE: SEC files are often called "secret key rings" since they can store multiple private keys in one file. Because of their importance, people typically protect SEC files with a passphrase to prevent unauthorized access.
How to open a SEC file
You can open SEC files with Broadcom Symantec PGP Desktop. You can also open the files with GnuPG, an open-source implementation of the OpenPGP standard.
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open SEC files
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Pricing
Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Broadcom Symantec PGP Desktop
—
Discontinued
Free Trial
GnuPG
Free
Mac
Broadcom Symantec PGP Desktop
—
Discontinued
Free Trial
GnuPG
Free
Linux
GnuPG
Free
Category: Encoded Files
Updated: January 10, 2025
Samsung Security Video File
| Developer | Samsung |
| Popularity |
3.1 | 11 Votes |
Video file created with a Samsung DVR surveillance system; contains H.264/AVC video in a proprietary container format that can only be played back with Samsung's video software.
More Information
You can play back a SEC file in Samsung's SmartViewer. You can also use FFmpeg to convert the file to a more convenient container format, like .AVI , that can be shared with others.
Programs that open SEC files
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Program Name
Platform
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X
Windows
Samsung SmartViewer
FFmpeg
Free
Mac
FFmpeg
Free
Linux
FFmpeg
Free
Category: Video Files
Updated: February 23, 2018
GuinXell Video File
| Developer | GuinXell |
| Popularity |
2.9 | 7 Votes |
Video container file used by SecPlayer, a video player for the GuinXell homebrew platform, which can be run on the Sony PSP; contains sequential M-JPEG video data and .MP3 data for audio; used for playing back video on GuinXell at resolutions up to 240x160 and frame rates up to 18 frames per second.
More Information
SEC files can be transferred to a Sony PSP using Windows and a USB connection.
Programs that open SEC files
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Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
Microsoft Windows with USB connection
Paid
Category: Video Files
Updated: August 31, 2010