You’ll want to encrypt the Zip file if you don’t want anyone to be able to open it. A regular unencrypted Zip file can be viewed in seconds on most operating systems with a simple double click, opening all the files inside.
The password protected encrypted Zip file prevents this by locking the archive so that only certain people can access its contents (or anyone with luck with a Zip file unlocker
Why do we use a zip file?
There are several reasons for using a Zip archive rather than just storing files in a folder, but they all share their ease of use.
Zip files organize data into a single folder that acts like a file, which means you can store hundreds of files and folders in one place without fear of accidentally deleting some of the content. This is common for file backups.
You can also exchange Zip files online to send multiple files to someone at the same time. An alternative is to split multiple emails, one by one, with attached files attached to them everywhere. This is usually difficult to deal with as a recipient and is definitely unprofessional.
The zip file can also be compressed to save disk space, which you should consider if you plan to encrypt a zip file that has many items or a file that contains sensitive files.
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Tip: Encryption of ZIP files is limited to these files only. Learn how to encrypt your entire hard drive for even more protection.
How to create and encrypt a zip file
You can encrypt files inside a ZIP archive with free tools that can be downloaded in seconds. ZIP encryption works on all operating systems (Windows, Android, macOS, etc.).
Windows Zip Encryption
The Zip encryption method we’ll look at for Windows involves using the free 7-Zip program, but there are many other free Windows programs that work similarly, such as PeaZip
- Select the items you want. to add to an encrypted Zip file.
- Right-click one of the files or folders and select 7-Zip> Add to Archive.
- Choose a name for the Zip file and a new location (if you like). By default, a new Zip archive will be created in the same folder from which its contents were selected.
- Make sure zip is selected from the Archive Format drop-down menu.
- Enter the password for the Zip file in the Encryption text boxes on the right.
- Click OK to encrypt the Zip file with a password. It won’t take long, but if you encrypt multiple files and / or folders, or you have a slow computer, you can wait a few minutes or even hours.
- Open iZip and click Create Archive.
- Select Specify a Name to enter a name for the Zip file and choose where to save it, then select Create.
- Turn on advanced compression if you want, then click Next.
- Select the Enable Password Protection check box and then enter the password for the Zip file twice.
- Click Next to continue.
- Select the encryption method, preferably the most secure option, AES-256 bit.
- Click Next and then use the plus sign to add the files and folders you want to encrypt to the Zip file.
- S Select Next and then Next again to start creating the encrypted ZIP file. When you see the message Your archive has been created! , you can click Next again to close this screen and use the new encrypted archive.
Change the encryption method to AES-256 for added security.
Mac Zip Encryption
To encrypt a Zip file on your Mac, download the free iZip software and follow these steps:
Android Zip Encryption
Android Zip encryption
B1 Archiver is a free Android app that lets you create password protected encrypted ZIP files right from your phone.
Step 1. Find the items you want to encrypt in the ZIP file. You can encrypt entire folders, any subfolders, and individual files.
Step 2. Press and hold one item and select “Multiple Choice” from the menu.
Step 3. Select each item you want to encrypt by clicking on it.
Step 4. Select ZIP at the top.
Step 5. Select the circle next to the ZIP file and specify a name for the encrypted ZIP file.
Step 6. Select the Protect with a password checkbox and enter the password you want to use to protect the ZIP file.
Step 7: Click “OK” and then re-enter the password to confirm.
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