JSON Encrypt

JSON Encrypt / Decrypt

Encrypt JSON online with a password using AES‑GCM encryption directly in your browser. Paste JSON, enter a password, and the tool outputs a secure encrypted JSON payload. Decrypt later with the same password. Everything runs client‑side, so your data never leaves your device.

AES‑GCM is authenticated encryption, so it protects confidentiality and detects tampering. The tool derives a strong key from your password using PBKDF2. This makes it a fast, practical way to protect API keys, configs, and sensitive payloads during development or sharing.

How the encryption works

• Input: Your JSON document.
• Password: Used to derive an encryption key.
• Algorithm: AES-GCM (authenticated encryption).
• Output: Encrypted payload you can store or share.

How to use JSON Encrypt / Decrypt

1. Paste JSON into the left editor.
2. Enter a strong password.
3. Click Encrypt to produce ciphertext.
4. To decrypt, paste the ciphertext, enter the same password, and click Decrypt.

Example: encrypting JSON

Input JSON:

{
  "apiKey": "secret-123",
  "user": "[email protected]"
}

Output (encrypted payload):

{
  "v": 1,
  "alg": "AES-GCM",
  "kdf": "PBKDF2",
  "iter": 100000,
  "salt": "BASE64...",
  "iv": "BASE64...",
  "data": "BASE64..."
}

The encrypted output is safe to store or transmit. To restore the JSON, decrypt with the same password and the full payload.

Why use encryption for JSON?

• Protect API keys or secrets in config files.
• Share sensitive JSON safely between teammates.
• Store private data locally without exposing raw content.
• Prevent accidental leaks in logs or screenshots.

Common errors and fixes

• Wrong password: Decryption fails if the password is incorrect. Double-check spelling and case.
• Invalid JSON: Encrypting requires valid JSON. Use JSON Validator first.
• Corrupted ciphertext: If ciphertext is modified or truncated, decryption will fail.
• Missing fields: Ensure the payload includes salt, iv, and data.
• Weak passwords: Short passwords are easier to guess. Use a strong, unique password.

Security settings (advanced)

• PBKDF2 iterations: Higher values slow down brute‑force attempts.
• Salt length: Adds randomness; longer salts reduce collisions.
• IV length: AES‑GCM uses a random IV for each encryption.

Output and compatibility

• Pretty vs compact: Choose formatted or one‑line payloads.
• URL‑safe base64: Use when embedding in URLs or env vars.
• Normalize JSON: Removes formatting differences before encryption.

Best practices for secure encryption

• Use long, unique passwords and store them securely.
• Do not reuse the same password for different datasets.
• Avoid sharing passwords over insecure channels.
• Keep backups of encrypted data in case of accidental deletion.
• Validate JSON before encryption for reliable results.

Password strength guidance

A strong password should be long (12+ characters) and unpredictable. Use a passphrase with multiple words, numbers, and symbols. Password managers are a good way to generate and store secure passwords. Avoid dictionary words or reused passwords, as they are easier to guess.

Key derivation and safety

Passwords are converted into encryption keys using a key derivation function. This makes brute-force attacks harder by slowing down guessing. Even so, the strength of the password is the most important factor in security. If you share encrypted JSON with others, use a secure channel to share the password separately.

Encryption workflow tips

1. Validate and format JSON for clarity.
2. Encrypt and save the ciphertext in a secure location.
3. Record the password in a password manager.
4. Decrypt only when necessary and in a trusted environment.
5. Rotate passwords if access needs to be revoked.

Integrity and tamper detection

AES-GCM includes an authentication tag that detects tampering. If the ciphertext is modified or corrupted, decryption fails. This protects against silent data changes and makes it safer to store encrypted JSON in shared locations.

Encryption vs obfuscation

Obfuscation only hides data superficially. Encryption provides real protection. Use encryption for sensitive data and avoid relying on obfuscation when confidentiality matters.

Storage recommendations

Store encrypted JSON in a secure location such as an encrypted disk, password manager, or secure object storage. Avoid saving plaintext JSON alongside the ciphertext. If you need to share encrypted JSON, transmit the password through a separate secure channel.

For team workflows, document who has access to the password and rotate it when access changes.

This keeps shared secrets aligned with your access policies.

It also reduces the risk of stale access for former collaborators.

Security notes

This tool is designed for convenience and local security. For production systems, prefer dedicated secret management tools and server-side encryption. This tool should not be used as the only security layer for highly sensitive data in critical systems. Always follow your organization’s security guidelines.

If you need collaborative encryption at scale, consider tools like secret managers, KMS services, or encrypted vaults. Use this tool for quick, local encryption tasks where full infrastructure is not required.

Use cases

Config security: Encrypt configuration files before sharing.

API secrets: Protect access tokens or credentials in JSON payloads.

Team collaboration: Share encrypted data with colleagues safely.

Local storage: Store JSON on disk without exposing raw values.

Workflow checklist

1. Validate JSON input.
2. Choose a strong password.
3. Encrypt and store the output safely.
4. Decrypt only in a secure environment.
5. Rotate passwords if needed.

FAQs

Is encryption done in the browser?
Yes. All encryption and decryption happens locally.

Can I decrypt without the password?
No. The password is required to derive the decryption key.

Is AES‑GCM secure?
Yes, AES‑GCM is widely used and provides authenticated encryption.

Does this tool store my password?
No. The password is used only in your browser session.

Why is the output base64?
Encrypted binary data is encoded as text for portability.

Can I decrypt on a different device?
Yes, as long as you have the payload and the same password.

Does URL‑safe base64 help?
Yes, it avoids + and / characters for URLs and env vars.

What if decryption fails?
Check the password and ensure the payload is complete and unmodified.

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