Patent ID: 7395436

Claim:
A digital processor-readable strongbox container digital file disposed on a digital storage medium, the file including instructions executable by a processor for providing autonomous file level security to protect one or more digital files to be stored therein and to be accessed by a user, the file comprising: instructions for allowing access to one or more secure digital files in the strongbox container, each of the digital files being encrypted and digitally signed; an audit trail log comprising one or more entries, wherein each user interaction with the strongbox is recorded and digitally signed by each user; authentication information defining for each user who has permission to access the strongbox, each user's privileges for accessing the strongbox, the one or more protected files, the audit trail log, and each user's authentication privileges; wherein said recorded user interactions include one or more of: each attempt by the user to access and/or manipulate the strongbox and/or its content: each manipulation of the strongbox and/or its content; and manipulation of the authentication information for modifying user permissions and/or privileges; and wherein each user's ability to interact with the container is based on the authentication and encryption information independent of the digital processor or operating system upon which it resides.